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, Special Assistant to the Deputy Administrator
Office of the Administrator
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 the Deputy Administrator through material preparation for internal and external meetings, and identifying opportunities to convey EPA priorities and key messages, and highlight the Biden-Harris Administration's deliverables.
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, and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Virginia Commonwealth University.
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, leadership, and experiences matter so much in the environment and public health space. Pursue a career that makes you and your heart feel full and healthily challenged each day.