Name: Angélica Leyva

Education/Professional Background:
Currently a 3L year at Willamette University College of Law; Paralegal Certificate from University of San Diego; B.A. in Political Science, Minor in Spanish from University of San Diego

Hometown: San Diego, CA

What brought you to Crag?
While in law school, I have heard many great things about Crag. When choosing a place to extern, I knew I wanted to be in a place that values including community voices when it comes to environmental work.

What are your environmental/legal interests? I am passionate about environmental justice and land use conservation. As well as Native American rights, water law, and animal rights.

What will your work focus on while at Crag? As the Edward J. Sullivan Land Use Planning Fellow, I will be researching and providing case support as needed on land-use cases.

Favorite place to recreate or be in nature: I love hiking and being in the water. I also love getting to share the experience of being in nature with my nieces and nephew, whether it may be playing in the backyard or going for walks around our favorite lake.

Favorite thing to do on down time: I enjoy baking. During the pandemic I learned how to bake everything from sourdough, focaccia, brioche bread, to croissants.

Favorite Quote: “We Do Not Inherit the Earth from Our Ancestors; We Borrow It from Our Children” – Chief Seattle