Ellen Vial

Ellen brings Detroiters, their needs, and their ingenious solutions to the state legislation, budgets, and administrative work that shapes their city and Michigan. She does this by connecting to Detroit’s grassroots and civic leaders, working with them to create good policies, channeling them to the Capitol, and leveraging statewide opportunities to the benefit of Michigan’s largest city.

The Detroit resident joined the Environmental Council in April 2020 as a member of the movement building team. In August 2023, she transitioned to the policy team under her current position. 

Prior, Ellen served as a program director for ProjectArt, which provides free art classes to children; as an engagement programs manager for Metro Matters, a metro Detroit advocacy organization; and as a German teaching assistant at Wayne State University.

In addition to her role at the Environmental Council, Ellen serves as founder and co-director of Dance for Democracy and board member of Vote Detroit, both voter participation organizations. 

Complementing the Royal Oak native’s experiences are a bachelor’s degree from University of Michigan in international relations – global health and the environment and a masters degree in German from Wayne State University.

While Ellen’s favorite natural places are along Lake Michigan, Detroit is among her favorite places. She considers Wayne State’s McGregor Reflecting Pool a serene hidden gem, Motown her favorite Michigan product, and “We Almost Lost Detroit” by Gil Scott-Heron among her favorite songs.

When away from work, Ellen enjoys biking, dancing with friends, listening to the radio, learning the etymologies of words, and spending time with her friends Gus, Ben, and cat Gamma Ray.