Meet our Summer 2025 Data Analyst Intern: Grace Yao
Grace Yao recently wrapped up her summer as our Data Analyst Intern at Illinois Green Alliance, where she supported an audience analysis for the Building Energy Hub, conducted vendor and market analyses, and contributed to developing actionable insights for energy transition initiatives. She collaborated with the team on data-driven projects and assists in synthesized complex information into clear recommendations.
Grace is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at University of Chicago Harris School, specializing in data analytics and strategic decision-making. Previously, she completed her undergraduate studies in Finance and Branding, where she focused on the intersection of ESG principles and brand value in the electric vehicle sector. She also gained experience in media and tech companies, where she applied data analysis to optimize program content for audience engagement.
Outside of work, Grace is passionate about sustainability and renewable energy, interests that originated from her research on carbon reduction strategies and continued through hands-on experience in the energy and building sectors. She enjoys exploring how data and analysis can drive impactful environmental solutions and sustainable business practices.
Q&A with Grace
Why did you want to intern with Illinois Green?
I am passionate about sustainability and energy transition, and I wanted to apply my data analysis and policy knowledge to real-world projects that drive environmental impact. Illinois Green offered the perfect opportunity to combine my academic background in public policy and data analysis with hands-on experience in sustainable energy initiatives.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned so far?
The first thing that surprised me about Illinois Green was how much impact a small, dedicated team can have. Before starting my internship, I didn’t realize that such a professional website and detailed analyses were produced by such a compact team. As I got more involved, especially while working with my mentor on the vendor director project, I gained a deeper understanding of the market and user needs. I also learned how to conduct systematic research across different platforms and perform gap analyses. This experience not only helped me understand a new niche field but also allowed me to develop a more professional and structured way of thinking.
What story are you most excited to share?
I’m most excited to share the sense of camaraderie within our team. I remember one morning after attending a member breakfast, we decided to walk back to the office together. The city streets of Chicago were beautiful that morning, and along the way, everyone shared their reflections and interesting stories. It was a great way to combine work and relaxation while also getting to know each other better.
Where does your passion for sustainability come from?
My interest in sustainability started during my undergraduate thesis where I focused on the electric vehicle industry. That project introduced me to concepts such as renewable energy, carbon reduction, and sustainable business practices. My work at Illinois Green has deepened my understanding by showing me that achieving sustainability goals requires balancing economic returns, social impact, and feasibility. It has taught me to identify intersections and coherent logic across multiple dimensions in order to create effective sustainability solutions.
Where does your passion for data analysis come from?
Data analysis allows me to turn complex information into actionable insights. During my academic and project experiences, I found that interpreting data not only helps optimize processes but also enables informed decision-making that can drive meaningful change — something I am particularly drawn to in the context of sustainability.
What are your goals for your career?
My career goal is to leverage my data analysis skills to drive meaningful impact at the intersection of business strategy and sustainability. I'm passionate about using data-driven insights to help organizations make more sustainable decisions while maintaining strong business performance.
I see data analysis as a powerful tool for translating complex sustainability challenges into actionable business strategies. My goal is to become someone who can bridge the gap between environmental science, business objectives, and data insights - helping organizations navigate the transition to more sustainable practices through evidence-based decision making.
Long-term, I'd like to contribute to building more sustainable business models and potentially work with organizations that are leading the way in corporate sustainability, whether that's in consulting, corporate strategy, or the growing field of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) analytics.
