NPCA’s Midwest Regional Office established the Midwest Young Leaders Council (YLC) in 2026 as part of our efforts to elevate youth perspectives in our work and strengthen and connect the next generation of advocates for our national parks and public lands.
About the Midwest YLC
Our inaugural cohort of 10 members brings together individuals from across Chicagoland, the home of three national parks and NPCA’s Midwest Regional Office. Members of the inaugural cohort are students, scientists, lawyers and more – all with a common passion for protecting the air, land, waters and wildlife of our national parks.
Through their participation in the Midwest YLC, members will hone their advocacy skills, learn about issues facing national parks in the United States, and serve as youth advisors to NPCA’s Midwest regional staff. They will also put their advocacy skills to use engaging members of the public and decision-makers in support of our parks.
By doing so, the Midwest YLC will be an effective force advancing the work of NPCA’s Midwest region to protect and enhance 53 national parks across 11 states.
2026-2027 YLC Inaugural Cohort
Ariana Aguilar
Chicago
A student at the University of Illinois Chicago, Ariana is deeply concerned with the environmental state of our world and is excited to learn about the different ways in which people can help to protect our wildlife.
Thomas Andrews
Chicago
Thomas Andrews is a student at Harry S Truman College studying Civil Engineering. Originally from Michigan and currently residing in Chicago, he has a passion for preserving natural areas alongside a growing urban environment. Seeking a varied professional viewpoint, has experience researching microplastics in New York’s Seneca Lake and spent time as a teaching assistant in adult education. Outside of school he enjoys running along Lake Michigan, hiking, reading, and playing video games.
Lauren Gambino
Chicago
Lauren is a recent law school graduate who looks forward to starting her legal career and spending free time advocating for the parks. As someone who has loved the parks since she was a young child, she wishes to share with others how the NPS is something worth protecting.
Anaida Haroutiunian
Chicago
Anaida is curious and creative with a passion for advocating for causes she cares about. Her appreciation for nature stems from her dad’s love of gardening and caring for our land. Growing up, she learned the importance of preserving and protecting the life around us. Now, as a law student, she aspires to engage in meaningful opportunities that educate the public and support conservation efforts. As an artist, she often creates pieces inspired by environmental issues, including protecting water sources and saving bees. Her love for nature comes not only from a desire to protect something beautiful but also something vulnerable.
Amanda Hutson
Wilmette, IL
Originally from outside of Chicago, Amanda has deep Midwest roots that have instilled in her a love for the Great Lakes Basin and all it has to offer. As an experienced communicator and sustainability advocate, Amanda is passionate about fostering people-place connections in others that embrace values of stewardship, community, and admiration. She holds a B.S. in Public Communication and M.S. in Food Systems from the University of Vermont.
Megan Mech
Orland Park, IL
Megan is a dedicated environmental scientist and conservation professional with experience in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and public education. She has always felt connected with nature and strives to inspire others to appreciate the world around us. She has always loved to travel, and while she currently lives in Illinois, she has previously lived in both California and Texas and she’s grateful for the opportunity to live in so many different places and environments. While she loves all areas of environmental science, she has always been particularly connected to endangered species conservation.
Elle Miller
Chicago
Elle Miller graduated from St. Olaf College with a double major in English and Religion and now works in nonprofit development. She is passionate about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience and connect with the outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, sailing, camping, and canoeing.
Celso Salinas
Chicago
Celso is a hard-working and passionate student studying biological sciences at DePaul University. He is passionate about nature and plants. He would describe himself as an open and funny person who doesn’t believe in gatekeeping the best snacks.
Nina Small
Chicago
Nina Small is an early-career professional, proud Midwesterner, Michigan native, and current South Side Chicago resident passionate about environmental justice and conservation. With a background in political science and public policy, she is committed to protecting natural resources while advancing equitable access to parks and public lands. Nina believes conservation and community well-being go hand in hand and is driven to support policies and partnerships that create healthier, more resilient communities.
Imeña Valdes
Chicago
Imeña earned her B.S. in Biology and a Certificate in Agroecology from Florida International University and an M.S. in Plant Biology and Conservation from Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Her graduate research focused on pollinator preference between native and cultivated native plants. She has an interest in the creation of urban green spaces to help connect fragmented habitats so animals, like pollinators, can be supported and protected. She’s currently the Illinois Project Wingspan Agriculture and Outreach Coordinator for Pollinator Partnership and an adjunct instructor at both DePaul and Roosevelt Universities in Chicago.
