Stella Younkin joined the Illinois Environmental Council in Spring 2025 as a Government Affairs Fellow. Stella supports IEC’s legislative and advocacy work, advancing environmental progress by implementing IEC’s policy and advocacy priorities with the state legislature. In this role, she contributes to lobbying efforts, helps track legislation, and advocates for IEC’s environmental positions. She works with policy teams to coordinate engagement with affiliates and legislators as well as supporting major advocacy events.
Prior to joining IEC, Stella helped lead canvassing efforts for environmental campaigns across Illinois and Wisconsin, fundraising and building support for environmental advocacy initiatives. Stella also worked for Franklin Energy, supporting energy utility clients in managing technology projects, conducting market research, and increasing customer education and engagement. Her prior experience includes hands-on work with soil health and sustainable agriculture at Willow Pond Farm and Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village.
Stella graduated from Bates College with a double major in Environmental Studies and Sociology with a concentration in Global Environmental Politics and plans to attend University of North Carolina Chapel Hill for a Masters in City and Regional Planning in the fall. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, hiking, cooking, and paddleboarding on Lake Michigan.