ICJC Steering Committee

Samira Hanessian photo

Samira Hanessian

Climate Table
Illinois Environmental Council

Samira joined the Illinois Environmental Council as the Energy Policy Director in the Spring of 2022, where she collaborates with IEC members and partners to implement the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Samira understands that diverse experiences from equitable collaboration will drive the best path toward a clean energy future. 

 Prior to joining IEC, Samira served as Research & Policy Manager for the Chicago City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy where she created and promoted the passage of environmental policies. Prior to her work on the Committee, Samira led key initiatives for the City of Chicago’s Mayor's Office Sustainability Team. She was also a consultant with MIST Environment and an Assistant Program Manager for the 2019 CommonGround Chicago Conference.

Samira attended the University of Minnesota graduating with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Double Minors in Environmental Science, Policy & Management, and Sustainability Studies. In 2021, Samira earned a Certification of Completion as a Fellow with the Clean Energy Leadership Institute and trained with the Climate Reality Project in 2019. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring different neighborhoods, hiking, musical theater, and tolerating her cat.