Profiles of Members of EPA's Asian-American and Pacific Islander Community: Elle Chang
Profiles of Members of EPA's Asian-American and Pacific Islander Community
![Elle Chang](/sites/default/files/styles/small/public/2017-05/elle_chang.gif?itok=O-TTOLtx)
Elle Chang, International Program Advisor
Office of International and Tribal Affairs
Office of International Affairs
Washington, DC
Where were you born?
Charlottesville, Virginia
What brought you to EPA?
As a first generation Asian-American and daughter of a political refugee, I grew up in a household where we didn’t have very much and so we valued everything that we did have, and reused as much as we could until it no longer had another purpose. The interconnected complexities of social and environmental issues were always pronounced to me from an early age and that made EPA an ideal place to work – its mission continues to mean a great deal to me on a personal level.
What type of work do you do at EPA?
My primary responsibilities include supporting EPA engagements at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), G7, and G20 environment ministerial meetings, and to advance and shape EPA equities, such as resource efficiency and reducing food loss and waste, during interagency processes and international meetings.
What is your highest level of education? What was your major?
I have a master’s degree in international development from Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management (Waltham, MA), and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA).
What message would you like to send other Asian Americans who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?
Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial and ethnic group in the United States and our voices and experiences matter so much in this space. It should be emphasized that environmental issues can be tackled from nearly every professional angle, be it a professor, community organizer, writer, small business owner, chef, app developer, or urban planner, the choices are truly infinite! Pursue a career that makes you and your heart feel full and healthily challenged each day.