Camilo McConnell

Camilo is a proud Midwesterner who was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. His interest in social justice, urban planning and sustainability were largely shaped by his experiences in Chicago. He is most passionate about issues revolving water. Chicago’s location on the Great Lakes has nurtured his passion for freshwater and nature. He looks forward to learning more about freshwater accessibility and green stormwater infrastructure at the Nature Conservancy in Seattle. Camilo graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with a degree in Urban Planning and Public Policy.

Camilo previously worked as a community organizer for a Chicago mayoral campaign. He coordinated community engagement events and registered hundreds of residents to vote. He later spent a year working at a Legal Aid Society who provide legal representation for individuals living in poverty. He conducted legal research, matched clients with pro bono attorneys, and facilitated intake meetings with potential clients. Recently, Camilo interned at the UIC Office of Sustainability, where he piloted a food recovery program at the University of Illinois (UI) Hospital. The pilot worked to package leftover food from the hospital kitchen and then donate it to local homeless shelters. This allowed for the UI Hospital to reduce their overall food waste and find compassionate ways to use the leftover food.

Camilo enjoys playing soccer and waking up early to watch matches being played in Europe. He enjoys hiking and finding any opportunity to be in nature.