Blending Art and Advocacy: Elle Penner’s Story

Elle Penner’s journey in Humboldt shows her dedication and passion for the community. I met Elle at a house in Arcata on Fickle Hill, where she often practices with her bands, like Young & Lovely. This space is special to her, offering a creative haven where she and her bandmates can unite to make music and connect.

Elle’s musical journey is a family affair. She played in a band called Amber Soul with her younger brother, Devin, and sister, Brianna. They played their last gig together in January as Devin moved back to Red Bluff to be closer to his daughters. However, Elle continues to rock the stage with her sister in their band, Young & Lovely. As the eldest sibling, Elle takes on a lot of the planning and coordination for their bands, embodying the role of the go-getter in the family.

Elle has called Humboldt home for about seven years, having moved here right after grad school when she landed a job working for the state. With a master’s degree in social work and internships in child welfare and emergency response under her belt, Elle found her calling in the foster-adoption process for children who cannot safely reunite with birth parents in the Northern California region. This role perfectly aligned with her interests in partnering with children and families through difficult times and brought her back to a place she loved visiting during childhood family vacations at Sue-Meg State Park.

Growing up in Red Bluff, a small town, contributed to Elle’s appreciation for the tight-knit community of Humboldt. Her love for the area deepened as she explored its Tolkien-esque landscapes, a fitting backdrop for her immense passion for “The Lord of the Rings.” The fog, the ocean, and the lush greenery of Humboldt resonate deeply with Elle, making her feel right at home.

Elle’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Just before turning 25, she suffered a stroke, an experience that profoundly impacted her perspective on life. This reckoning moment solidified her values and helped her focus on what truly matters. Despite this setback, she continued to pursue her passion for social work and music, driven by the values instilled in her by her family.

The Penner siblings share a strong bond, not just through music but also through their career choices. All three are involved in therapy-related fields, influenced by the values of dignity and respect for all individuals that they were raised with. Their father, a former youth group leader and high school math teacher, modeled carrying on deep, meaningful conversations that left a lasting impression on Elle and her siblings.

Elle’s path to social work was also shaped by her experiences in San Diego, where she interned with a refugee settlement nonprofit agency and worked closely with a family from Burundi on weekends. Her dedication extended beyond her internship as she continued supporting the family in their resettling journey for two years. This passion for helping others eventually led her to pursue a career in social work, where she could make a significant impact on her surrounding community.

Elle’s move to Humboldt was influenced by both her professional aspirations and her love for the area. The Tolkien vibes and the familiar beauty of Humboldt drew her in, and she quickly made it her home. Her enthusiasm for the community is evident in her work and her involvement in the local music scene.

Performing since she was seven, Elle’s passion for music is undeniable. She wears wigs during performances, a practice that began during the pandemic, to create a distinct stage persona and protect both her and her clients’ confidentiality. This transformation allows her to fully immerse herself in her performances, providing a liberating and empowering experience of bold, unfettered self-expression.

Elle’s resilience and adaptability shine through in everything she does. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of social work, coordinating band activities, or performing on stage, she brings energy, passion, and dedication to every endeavor. Her dream of playing for thousands of people reflects her ambition and drive, qualities that have already brought her so much success. The community of Humboldt recently voted for her to win North Coast Journal’s category of Best of Humboldt Vocalist for 2024.

And what is coming in the near future for Elle? She tells me that she looks forward to releasing an original punk-pop song, “Have Fun In That Hole You’re Digging” under her streaming music stage name, “PENNER”, which will be available on all musical streaming platforms this fall. The song was a crowd favorite when her glam pop-rock band, Amber Soul was still performing live locally and Elle is thrilled to have a means to allow the song to live on.

Elle Penner’s story is one of dedication and impact. Her love for Humboldt, commitment to the community, and passion for music and social work make her a standout in Humboldt County. Her journey shows the difference one person can make, and she continues to inspire those around her. Elle’s work in the community, whether through her social work or her music, touches many lives and leaves a lasting impression. She is an example of how dedication and passion can create positive change, and her influence will be felt for years to come.