The Luskin Center for Innovation is pleased to welcome Alex Aguirre Levitas as a project manager and researcher of climate action.

She joins the Luskin Center for Innovation’s Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program team. The role is focused on community-based research, evaluation, communications, and technical assistance to track progress and support success for a TCC grant-funded effort in South L.A. In addition, Alex will conduct data collection and analysis across all of the TCC communities that the Luskin Center for Innovation supports.

Alex is pursuing a PhD at UC Irvine, specializing in community participation in policy. She is dedicated to community self-determination and brings extensive experience in community-engaged research and program evaluation.

We asked Alex a few questions to get to know her better. Read on to learn more about her!

Why is environmental policy important to you?

Environmental policy extends beyond the natural environment, influencing housing development, resource allocation, and community well-being. With my criminology background, I see its overlap with under-resourced communities, highlighting the need for cross-sector policy approaches.

How did you first get into environmental policy?

I’ve always been interested in how policies shape behaviors in the built environment. As I researched more, I saw the need for synergy between built and natural environments. I started incorporating that perspective into my work where city policies, like public seating design and lighting, impact safety and environmental considerations.

What are you most looking forward to in this role?

I love engaging with communities, learning what works for them, and identifying areas to recommend improvements. I’m excited to support environmental stewards in strengthening their communities. Helping them increase their capacity for environmental work is something I deeply value.

What types of research do you most enjoy?

I enjoy qualitative research — focus groups, ethnographies, and interviews — because they provide rich, process-driven data. My research is guided by the communities I work with, ensuring its real-world impact. I believe information should be sourced from the community and returned for their benefit.

What is something that people should know about you?

I fiercely defend communities’ right to have a say in what happens to them. This belief drives everything I do, both professionally and personally. I want people to feel that their voices matter and that they are valued members of their communities.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I do pottery and am a member of a local community studio. I enjoy hiking and taking advantage of the many trails near where I live. I also love cooking with my four-year-old and sharing family recipes with him.