Becky Lyons is an environmental educator and leader with a passion for connecting people and the environment. From her early days as a museum educator and restoration intern to her current role as Director of Environment, Equity, and Engagement at Friends of the Chicago River, Becky has built a reputation for fostering collaboration, welcoming diverse voices, and bringing order to complex policy issues. She holds a Master's in Urban Planning and Policy with a specialization in community development from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has studied Environmental Studies at Galen University, Belize, and Loyola University Chicago.

Becky's love of nature dates back to childhood, when she spent her days exploring backyard habitats and nearby forest preserves. As she learned more about Chicago, she grew increasingly aware of the inequities that limit access to nature and environmental resources for many communities. This awareness sparked her interest in exploring the intersection of society, the environment, and space, with a focus on building collective solutions towards a more just society.

A former Research Associate at the Freshwater Lab and Manager of Child and Family Learning at Lincoln Park Zoo, Becky brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her work. She is always on the lookout for groups to join, organizations to follow, or recommended reading on environmental issues, and is open to new opportunities to use her skills and passion to make a difference in her community.