Allison Chan

About Allison

• I always had an appreciation for nature growing up.
• I went to college to study environmental engineering because I knew that engineers made more money, but I quickly realized that I wanted to go down a more people-centric and multidisciplinary path.
• I switched my major and graduated with a degree in environmental studies.
• After graduating, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in environmental science and management—the program offered more involved focuses, which really helped me find my footing in the field.
• After grad school, I did some field research along the California coast.
• By the time I had made my way to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2008, the economy crashed and I lost my job.
• Fortunately, I found Save the Bay’s internship program and joined the team as a policy specialist—I’d never done advocacy work before and essentially received all of my training in policy on the job!
• I’ve since spent over 12 years with Save the Bay, effecting change through policy and advocacy to protect our environment.