L.J. Bailey joined ICIRR in May 2021 as grants director, developing funding strategies and managing our foundation grants portfolio. She brings a combined total of twenty years of experience working in the public education, youth development, and veterinary medicine fields. She currently sits on the board of Chicago Audubon Society, which promotes equity and access in the conservation field. L.J. has a master's degree in education from Roosevelt University and a master's degree in English from Northeastern Illinois University, as well as a project management certificate from the University of Chicago. In her spare time, she writes personal essays and creates mixed media art projects.