Libby Prakel

Libby Prakel is the special assistant to ELPC’s executive director. Before joining ELPC, she worked in the political field and served as chief of staff to City of Chicago Alderman Michele Smith, deputy campaign director for Illinois Attorney Lisa Madigan, and as a public affairs consultant for several campaigns including the Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco. She lives in Chicago along Lake Michigan in a high-rise with her husband and their two cats.

WHAT’S A PLACE YOU LOVE IN THE MIDWEST?

The Great Lakes are the shining jewel of the Midwest. Whether family adventures driving north from Ohio or picking apples along the Michigan shores to the amazing sunrise views I wake up to every day from my home overlooking the lake — it never gets old.

WHAT DRIVES YOU TO DO THIS WORK?

When I decided to change course in my professional life and get involved with causes that meant something to me, my first path was down the road of politics. Though rewarding on many levels there are certain limitations built into that path. Now,
working directly with an organization which is on the environmental front lines, I feel like I’m part of team that is actually making a difference. The earth is what we all have in common.