As the Affordable Housing + Equity Manager, Lea works with the Critical Buildings Team to support ILFI’s Affordable Housing Program through stakeholder engagement, resource creation, research, and education. She also supports ILFI’s initiatives focused on centering equity in the built environment.

Lea’s commitment to creating a regenerative built environment is deeply informed by her background as an architect from the Philippines. She was first introduced to sustainable design through her work with a Manila-based non-profit dedicated to advancing modern bamboo construction systems as a low-carbon alternative for the country’s affordable housing sector. After completing the Master of Sustainable Built Environment Program in the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, Lea relocated to Eugene, Oregon. Prior to joining ILFI, Lea spent two years consulting on Passive House projects and designing sustainable affordable housing in the Pacific Northwest.

In her free time, Lea can be found exploring mossy Oregon trails, playing music, and trying to grow food in her backyard.