Meet Plant Chicago's 2026 Interns!

We are fortunate to welcome so many talented individuals this Summer! Our impact is possible thanks to the contributions of volunteers, interns, and the families that continue to support local circular economies. Get to know some of the people who are supporting our work this summer...

Phoenix Arana (He/Him)

Digital Media Specialist

Hey Phoenix! Tell us about yourself and how your summer has been at Plant Chicago so far?

A favorite hobby of mine is collecting figures from my favorite media such as movie figures or comic variants. Overall I love collecting. I am on the Digital Media team. I take photos and videos promoting Plant Chicago. Plant Chicago has actually been a surprise to me because I did not know of it beforehand but being able to fully experience Plant Chicago’s work and community is an opportunity I am grateful for.

Spending time at Plant Chicago I have learned the value of composting and recycling food scraps to further grow plants. I have also learned different ways to create content by being on the Digital Media Team such as ideas for videos and blog posts. To get content to promote Plant Chicago I mainly take photos of the workshops done at Plant Chicago and any renovations happening on the building itself then edit them to fully polish each photo taken. For videos specifically I also do the same with recording people then edit them for publication.

What is your favorite part of Plant Chicago?

My favorite part about Plant Chicago is the strong community Plant Chicago surrounds itself with and the events that take place.

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Eric Benitez (he/him)

La Tiendita Team Support

Hey Eric! Tell us about yourself and what you have been up to at Plant Chicago...

I enjoy collecting books and DVDs! Curating my very own movie collection (and watching it) has filled my time recently. CD’s are my next target. I am interning with Plant Chicago, mostly supporting La Tiendita (the retail space). I support at the register or stocking items, keeping track of foot traffic, checking people out, answer any questions they might have as best as I can, and occasionally restock. 

What are your favorite aspects about Plant Chicago? 

I like how close and consistent the community is both in and outside of the building. It’s nice to see familiar faces coming to support us.  Working in the retail space has helped me feel more connected and important to my community.

I feel like I’m part of something and that’s been a big thing for me.

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Caroline (she/her)

Growing & Sustainability Research Intern

Hey Caroline! Tell us a little bit about yourself...

Born and raised in Brooklyn, I am now a rising senior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Studio Art. On campus, I’m co-president of the Restoration Ecology club that focuses on ecological restoration efforts in Woodstock IL and sustainability on campus. I came to Chicago because I wanted a new city accessible by public transit, in the U.S. very few places qualify. Loyola also has an extensive sustainability program that I’ve been able to take part in. Chicago has also proven a hub for environmental nonprofits like Plant Chicago!

Can you tell us about what you're working on this summer?

I’ve been working on a research project to examine community programming at local urban gardening organizations to help advise Plant Chicago on best practices for programming in their new Indoor Victory Garden (IVG). I’ve also been assisting with some practical help in the gardens both indoor and outdoor. As part of my research project, I’ve been gaining experience networking, conducting interviews, and organizing data. Of the practical work I’ve been able to help with, I’ve been learning some general construction techniques and I’m starting to learn a bit about electrical wiring. Urban gardening holds my interest because it forces sustainable creativity. With limited space, every square foot has to be used effectively which tends to cut waste in the process. This is a principle that I think would do well to be carried over into other aspects of agriculture and sustainability in general.