Ella Ball
General Research Assistant
Research Assistant Ella Ball is originally from Palo Alto, California, where in her sophomore year she studied abroad in France, attending a French high school for five months in Périgueux, close to Bordeaux. She currently attends Williams College, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and intends to become an Environmental Studies major.
What work experiences are most relevant to your position at The Land Institute?
During my COVID-initiated gap year, I worked at a local running store and volunteered at the Oakland Indie Alliance, an Oakland-based advocacy group that works to provide resources to small business owners. I also spent time WWOOFing on a small, 2-acre farm on Vashon Island, in Washington state.
What’s most inspiring about your position?
I’ve found it hard not to get hopeless when I think about climate change, and the opportunity to do something concrete to ameliorate its effects is really exciting and empowering to me.
What drew you to work at The Land Institute?
I have become increasingly frustrated with inaction on climate change, and I know that our current system of food production is both environmentally problematic and inequitable. I am excited to play a role in upending the food system by making it more just and regenerative as opposed to extractive.
What else are you passionate about?
I love running! I have been running competitively since I was 10 years old, and currently run cross country and track and field for Williams College.
What’s your motto or favorite quote?
If you have the instinct to reach out to someone, do it!