I joined the Conservation Law Center (CLC) in August 2025 through the O’Neill Leadership Program (OLP), an internship that matches students at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs with public or nonprofit organizations. This experiential program grounds students in real-life, local efforts and equips them with skills and connections for their future environmental careers. I am a first-year Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) and Master of Public Affairs (MPA) candidate, and I will work with CLC until my tentative graduation in December 2027.
CLC is one of the most extraordinary nonprofit organizations I’ve ever heard of. In short, we are the pro bono lawyers for Indiana’s environmental and conservation advocates. We’ve helped land trusts draft legally sound conservation easements, litigated to protect shared natural resources, and supported community-centered conservation. Additionally, CLC teaches law students through its clinic, providing the next generation of environmental attorneys the unparalleled opportunity to not just learn about the law—but practice it. CLC’s work is urgently necessary, and we rise to the occasion with passion, creativity, and effectiveness.
With a background in both land trust work and communications work—as well as an interest in law and policy—I immediately knew I wanted to learn and grow with CLC. And I joined the team at a very special time: 2025 marked CLC’s 20th anniversary. In executing our milestone campaign with Director of Development Katie Beck, my first semester with the organization allowed me to reflect on two decades of hard-fought successes and look ahead to the next two decades of work. This exercise confirmed just how one-of-a-kind CLC truly is. I have been honored to work alongside such accomplished attorneys, and I am humbled and grateful to help sustain our mission through development.
Donor support is essential to maintaining CLC’s work. One lesson that I’ve learned about development is just how important engagement with and support from individual donors is. Even a small gift of $10 a month is incredibly impactful. I hope you’ll consider joining the CLC community with me to help sustain our mission of ensuring clean air, healthy water, and thriving land for all Hoosiers.
I’m very excited to return to CLC after summer break. I’ve accomplished so much alongside this dream team in just one academic year, but there’s still so much to learn.
