After investing 10 years in building the foundation for the Illinois Student Environmental Network (ISEN), Laura Huth has recently decided to step down from her position as the executive director.

"I started the program because I am passionate about the environment," Huth said. "I wanted to help our community get involved. Nobody wants their children breathing dirty air or drinking contaminated water."

Huth said ISEN's main purpose is to promote a statewide network of student leaders with the issues of the environment in mind. ISEN's goal is also to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to be influential in their communities and participate in environmental and conservation issues.

Before her years with ISEN, Huth was a pre-law, political science and sociology major with a geology minor at Bradley University. After graduation, Huth received her first job offer at the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) — an organization dedicated to providing sound environmental policies. Huth felt that it would be exciting to have a part in improving the environment with the organization. However, she knew there was more to be done.

"I loved my job, but all my co-workers were much older," Huth said. "The (IEC) needed to do a better job of incorporating the younger generation, especially since the future of our environment lies in our youth."

The IEC encouraged Huth to launch a separate program focused on student groups. Huth started the Illinois Student Environmental Network in 1994 with the vision of helping students first, then focusing on environmental issues.

"My dedication and passion for the environment helped me get through long hours and exhaustion," Huth said. "It takes a lot of work and time to start a grass-roots nonprofit program."

For those who are interested in leading their own grass roots projects, Huth cautions students to be prepared for long hours and to have time set aside to "recharge." She also relies on her loved ones to stay motivated.

"If my family members were not patient and understanding, ISEN never would have happened," Huth said. "They stuck with me and helped share the vision. My parents were my strongest supporters."

When ISEN began, there were 12 student groups involved. The number has grown to about 126 student groups on Illinois high school and college campuses. ISEN growth was due in part to ISEN's first grant check from the Lumpkin Family, a foundation devoted to the preservation and protection of the environment.

"They believed in ISEN and took a chance to help fund our programs early on," Huth said. "It was one of the most memorable moments in my career because it took our program to another level. I was also able to have my first paid staff after that."

Along with the grant, Huth felt that her greatest achievement was working for students.

"Every day I was driven by the knowledge that I was teaching someone else how to make a difference in their community and environment," Huth said. "I desperately wanted to see ISEN grow and meet the demands of its daily operations."

Huth said her desire to see ISEN continue to grow also led her to step down from her position as executive director. "I need to step back to remain effective. ISEN needs more investment from other people," she said.

"I am sad that she is leaving," said Ken Pirok, Champaign City Council member and former ISEN staff member. "The essence of the organization has been 'Laura,' and only recently have we realized that the organization is too sufficient and dependent on her work."

Another contributing factor to Huth's resignation was her early start in the field. She said she wants to experience other types of work, and she needed to bring herself out of her intense schedule to prevent burnout.

"Next year I plan to have a more relaxed schedule. I also plan to travel to Rome, remodel my apartment, go sea kayaking and begin some consulting work."

Huth said she plans to remain in the Urbana area and continue helping the city council with a focus on environmental issues.

"I love this town and I want to help out wherever I can," Huth said. "Even though it is not for everybody, I feel there is a sense of community here."

In city council, Huth has been pushing for a tram system to run through Champaign-Urbana. Unlike the trolleys in San Francisco, Huth expects the trams to be more modern, with sleek and economically beneficial engines and hopes the modern tram would change people's view of the community.

As for the future of ISEN, staff member Andy Borbely will serve as interim director until their national search for a new director is completed on Jan.1.

Borbely said Huth has had a large impact on the environmental movement.

"Starting an entire organization as a 24-year-old student leader is a huge contribution itself," he said. "Since she has started ISEN, it has grown into a whole new generation of staff members and student leaders. We will pick up where she has left off and continue to grow."