Morton Arboretum hires first director of inclusion

LISLE - Immigrants' rights advocate Aarón Siebert-Llera has joined the Morton Arboretum as its first director of inclusion.

The new position was created to lead the arboretum's strategic development of programs and practices that support the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility; forge community partnerships; and engage with diverse audiences.

"Dedicated leadership at this level is essential to the Morton Arboretum's ability to advance its mission to plant and protect trees for the benefit of people, communities and the environment in ways that best serve the public good," said Preston Bautista, the arboretum's vice president of learning and engagement.

Prior to joining the arboretum, Siebert-Llera served as an immigrants' rights attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. He also worked as a legislative staff attorney and community organizer with the Inner-City Muslim Action Network.

"Accepting this new role is the culmination of a lifelong dedication to serving others and a love for nature," said Siebert-Llera. "Drawing from professional and personal experience, I look forward to making the Arboretum a more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible organization."

Siebert-Llera has a bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University in California, a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from DePaul University in Chicago, and a Juris Doctor from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law.