Eliza Patlan

Eliza Patlan is a Legal Assistant at ELPC. She recently graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Politics. Throughout her undergraduate career, she developed a strong interest in the intersection of environmental issues, law, and public policy, particularly how these issues affect communities facing environmental injustice. Her academic and professional experiences have strengthened her interest in using legal and policy tools to address environmental challenges and create meaningful change. She is particularly interested in clean and safe water access, climate justice, and the protection of the Great Lakes. Eliza hopes to attend law school and pursue a career in environmental law. She is excited to continue learning from the attorneys and advocates at ELPC while contributing to the organization’s work to advance environmental protection and equity throughout the Midwest.

WHAT’S A PLACE YOU LOVE IN THE MIDWEST?

Some of my favorite places are the Chicago Riverwalk, Waukegan Beach, and Illinois Beach State Park in Zion. I especially love the trail to Dead River, where the river meets Lake Michigan, and the landscape opens up to the shoreline. I love these places because they remind me how much I value the beauty of Lake Michigan and the feeling of being surrounded by nature.

WHAT DRIVES YOU TO DO THIS WORK?

I’m motivated by understanding the bigger picture and seeing how environmental issues connect to political and social concerns that are often treated separately. I want to be part of work that recognizes those connections and brings different perspectives together to better support the communities experiencing these issues.