Nov 19, 2019
Elle Hempen and Ellory Monks are the founders behind The Atlas for Cities, an online community where local government officials and staff share their success stories, learn what’s working in other cities, and build relationships with partners.
Elle grew up in a town called Deerfield, Illinois, meanwhile Ellory spent her early childhood in Orange County and later moved to northern New Jersey.
Ellory knew since she was a child that she wanted to pursue a career in sustainability. And she discovered through internships and job experiences that she most enjoyed working in the public sector.
Elle, on the other hand, knew she wanted to solve big problems in the most efficient manner, leading her to discover inefficiencies in government. In college, she majored in public policy and interned in and around DC.
Both Elle and Ellory had experiences that introduced them to federal government, including stints working with Barack Obama, both when he served as a senator and as president. The now-founders first met through a colleague in the administration who thought to connect them because they were both military spouses who were moving to San Diego around the same time. They hit it off and the rest is history.
Listen in to hear all about their journeys as entrepreneurs, their plans for the future of The Atlas, and their local favorite eats and brews.
Thanks to our partners Cox Business for their support in enabling us to grow the San Diego ecosystem.
Ellory’s local favorites
Tacos - Fish tacos at Oscar’s in La Jolla
Coffee - Holsem Coffee in North Park
Beer - Cali Creamin’ by Mother Earth Brew Co.
Elle’s local favorites
Tacos - Spicy shrimp tacos at The Taco Stand
Coffee - Bird Rock Coffee
Beer - AleSmith Brewing
Keep up with The Atlas:
Facebook: @TheAtlasForCities
Twitter: @TheAtlas4Cities
Ellory’s Twitter: @Ellory_Monks
Elle’s Twitter: @ElleHempen