Alumni Spotlight- Amanda DeMarco

Alumni Spotlight

Amanda DeMarco

Amanda graduated from the program in June 2019. During her graduate career, she served as the inaugural Vice President of the Association of Environmental Professional, Davis Chapter and the Co-President of the EPM student social committee. Throughout her studies, Amanda focused on water policy, environmental law, and climate change – both as a student and as a teaching assistant.

Please briefly name and describe your current employer, professional position and responsibilities.

I currently work as a Conservation Fellow for Conservation Strategy Group, a political and environmental consulting firm located in Sacramento. My role involves helping design and implement significant climate and conservation policies in California. One major project includes identifying pathways for the state to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, and determining how forests and working lands can play an important role in helping the state achieve this goal. Another major project involves conservation planning for endangered species, and helping increase the pace and scale of conservation action in California through advance mitigation. I work closely with state agencies, academics, NGOs and consultants as part of these projects.

What do you like the most about what you’re doing?

It’s pretty incredible to be able to have an idea and turn it into an implementable project that effects significant change. Plus it doesn’t hurt that I get to work with a fun and very capable team.

What EPM classes or learning experiences have been most helpful in obtaining and/or excelling at your current job?

ENV 201 and ENV 202 were the most helpful courses. Understanding the intersection between law and policy has been integral in developing effective policy for the future.

What advice would you give either new or soon-to-graduate EPM students?

Take as many classes as you can, learn as much as you can, and keep applying for those internships/jobs!