826CHI is proud to welcome Ellen Bell to our Board of Directors!
Ellen has spent the last 12 years working on sustainability in the built environment both in Chicago and nationwide. Most recently, she led Elevate’s High Performance Building Team, helping building advocates and owners in the affordable housing sector access clean energy opportunities. She previously worked at Environmental Defense Fund, focusing on energy efficiency and policies that support equitable building decarbonization and electrification.
Earlier in her career, Ellen worked in industrial sustainability for a McDonald’s supplier and served as a legislative aide to a Chicago alderman for five years.
“I joined the 826CHI board because as a shy child who spent a lot of time lost in books, I understood at a very early age that the written word is an escape that becomes a release when we realize we each have our own voice that should be heard,” Ellen shared.
“Every student deserves to have that voice cultivated and understand the power of seeing their words in print—especially in this city I love so much, where resources are not evenly distributed and we could lose so many valuable stories and perspectives. I’m excited to be a small part of 826CHI’s mission to ensure that these students are heard, amplified, and given the opportunity to understand the value their imaginations and perspectives have to offer.”
We’re excited to have Ellen’s insight and leadership as part of the 826CHI Board and community. Welcome, Ellen!