2020 Women of Distinction Program

31ST ANNUAL YWCA

Women of DistinctionVIRTUAL AWARDS Thursday, October 15, 2020



W3o1SmT AeNnNUAoL YfWCDA istinction
VIRTUAL AWARDS

Welcome Liz German, President/CEO
YWCA McLean County

Remarks Tiffany Lawson-Grant
Chair, Board of Directors
YWCA McLean County

WINGS Awards Presentation Camille Taylor
Chair, WINGS Committee

Women of Distinction Stephanie Hoffman and
Awards Presentation Tiffany Lawson-Grant
Women of Distinction
Steering Committee

Closing Remarks Liz German

On behalf of the YWCA McLean County Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to welcome
you to our 31st annual Women of Distinction awards and first virtual endeavor.

Though we may not physically be together, we are all together in spirit tonight as we
celebrate so many remarkable women. These 26 women, through intelligence, focus,
and passion, make a difference for the betterment of McLean county. We also celebrate
our five WINGS awardees. The WINGS awards allow the dreams and ambitions of these
outstanding women to come to fruition.

Lastly, but certainly not least, tonight we celebrate you. Your continued support of our
organization and our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace,
justice, freedom, and dignity for all, does not go unrecognized and we cannot thank you
enough for your commitment.

Tiffany Lawson-Grant, Chair
Board of Directors, YWCA McLean County

YWCA MCLEAN COUNTY Bremer Raffle
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Center of My World Collection features designs perfect
Tiffany Lawson-Grant, Chair for celebrating the woman who holds everything together.
Linda Kimber, Chair-Elect This beautiful polished 14k white gold bangle bracelet
Dawn Carlson, Treasurer features a row of graduating round diamond centers
Frances Maddox, Secretary (the center of your world) surrounded by glistening,
sparkling diamond halos (all the things she holds together).
Beverly Beyer This stunning open bangle looks great on its own or
Nea Brinson stacked with other favorites.
Rebekka Darner
Mary Dellorto $1,280 value.
Rachel Hatch
Janet Hood All proceeds benefit YWCA McLean County.
Laura Lamberti
Claire Lamonica Raffle tickets are $20 each or three for $50. Tickets can
Ann Perry be purchased at ywcamclean.org/womenofdistinction
Beth Whisman through 10 a.m. on Friday, October 16.

2020 STEERING The drawing will be held at noon on Friday, October 16,
COMMITTEE LIVE on the YWCA McLean County Facebook page.

Rebekka Darner Taking photos during the
Megan Fitzgerald Virtual Award Ceremony?
Stephanie Hoffman
Claire Lamonica Don’t forget to tag all of your
Tiffany Lawson-Grant social media posts with #MCWomen.

WINGS Subcommittee Special Thanks
Camille Taylor, Chair
YWCA McLean County and the Women of Distinction Steering
Jana Edge Committee extend sincere appreciation to the following
Becky Erdman organizations and individuals for their roles in making our
Grace Johns event a success:
Judi Khalilallah l 2020 Judges from YWCA’s across the nation.
Sherry Thomas l Amy Baker for photographing and showcasing the 26
Monica Wilkes
nominees and five WINGS recipients.

LABYRINTH MADE GOODS ABOUT YWCA MCLEAN COUNTY

In September, 2020, we were very excited to For more than 100 years, YWCA McLean
announce the launch of Labyrinth Made Goods™. County has been making a difference in
the lives of women, children, and families
Labyrinth Made Goods has a specific objective of throughout McLean County.
helping women who have experienced incarceration
to gain employment and rebuild their lives. People YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism,
who experience incarceration are a group who empower women, stand up for social justice,
traditionally face significant barriers in finding and help families, and strengthen communities.
retaining employment. We proudly serve people of all backgrounds
through every stage of life. We are an
Labyrinth Made Goods will initially employ three inclusive organization, serving everyone
apprentices who have experienced incarceration. regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender,
During their apprenticeship, they will work alongside sexual orientation, or ability.
staff to grow the business as they learn a myriad
of skills including sales and marketing, project PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
management, and other business administration
practices. All proceeds will be reinvested to continue MISSION IMPACT | We seek to address
creating opportunities that empower women through social justice issues in our community
Labyrinth Made Goods and Labyrinth. and society by providing educational
opportunities to the public and building strong
The first products introduced will be five hand-filled partnerships with other organizations.
100% soy candles with exclusive scents: Spring
No.57, Summer No.23, Autumn No.84, Winter No.65, PREVENTION AND EMPOWERMENT
and Serenity, the signature scent. These scents SERVICES | We work with survivors of
were created with the help of staff, volunteers, and sexual assault, their friends, and families
Labyrinth clients and are inspired by the experiences, through YWCA Stepping Stones, our 24-
smells, and memories of the Midwest. The 12 oz. hour rape crisis program, and we provide
candles are $30 each and are available for purchase age-appropriate prevention education to
at www.labyrinthmadegoods.com. schools, businesses, and groups. We also
offer reintegration services to formerly
Our products honor all clients of YWCA Labyrinth incarcerated women through YWCA
Outreach Services to Women. When you purchase Labyrinth.
from Labyrinth Made Goods,
you are supporting our RSVP | We help those age 55 and older put
employees’ efforts to rebuild their skills and life experiences to work for
their lives on a foundation of their community by facilitating volunteering
dignity and self-worth. through carefully matched placement with
nonprofits throughout McLean County.

YOUNG WONDERS EARLY LEARNING
AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT | We deliver
quality early childhood education, giving
children and families the tools they need
to be successful in school. We serve children
ages six weeks to 12 years old through
part- and full-time child care, before and after
school care, summer camp, and specialized
rooms for children with special needs.

Kaitlyn M. Erdman WINGS Award

Kaitlyn Erdman was a 2018 recipient of the WINGS award. When
awarded, Kaitlyn was a nursing student working on her bachelor’s in
nursing at Methodist College in Peoria. She traveled from Chenoa
to Peoria three to four days a week, while working full-time at OSF
in Bloomington. She and her fiancé, Oscar, had a one-year-old
daughter, Tinley.

On June 15, 2018–just three weeks after receiving her WINGS
award–Kaitlyn was tragically killed in a car accident on her way to work on I-55 near
Lexington. She was 25 years old.

In 2019, the award was renamed to honor her and is now the Kaitlyn M. Erdman
Memorial WINGS Award. Kaitlyn epitomized the intent and purpose of the WINGS
Award. The WINGS Award was established to encourage women in professional and
personal development through mentoring and financial support. The award is sponsored
by past recipients of the YWCA McLean County Women of Distinction Award.

Because of their generosity, the award is given annually to Women to Improve
their skills for a Notable purpose which allows them to Grow professionally and
to achieve Success.

Applicants for this award must demonstrate a commitment to professional and personal
growth as well as a commitment of service in McLean County.

Thank you Oforiwaa Aduonum Martha Everman Meta Mickens-Baker
to our past Donna Anhalt Myra Gordon Dixie Mills
YWCA Women Barbara Baurer Winnie Feken Elizabeth Robb
of Distinction Kathryn Bohn Sandra Harmon Sally Rudolph
who generously Judy Buchanan Linda Herman Carol Schrantz
sponsored this Mary Caisley Jill Hutchinson Harriett Steinbach
year’s award. Mary Campbell Stephany Joslin Camille Taylor
Carla Campbell-Jackson Julie Kubsch Vicki Tilton
Chris Carlton Jean Lawyer Judith Valente
Pamela Eaton Ruth Ann Lipic Alicia Whitworth

Aly Frantzen does pro bono marketing and consulting for
Aly Frantzen will use her socially conscious organizations such as Recycling
WINGS Award to pay for Furniture for Families and the Child Protection
the study materials and Network. She has extensive volunteer work in
application/exam fees for our community including YWCA Circle and the
her Licensed Clinical Social Immigrant Project serving as a French translator.
Work (LCSW) degree. Aly
is interested in working with Authrine Singleton
victims of sexual violence Authrine’s goal is to
and other women’s issues. She embraces the develop online hair care
mission of YWCA to eliminate racism and empower courses that target foster
women and actively advocates for survivors of and adoptive families. She
sexual violence. Aly believes in using social media will use her WINGS Award
as a platform to safely advocate and educate to purchase the software
people around this topic. She supports local causes and supplies needed for
by donating, face-to-face interactions, or virtually. the training course. Foster
and adoptive families face unique challenges, one
Nicki Peterson of which is hair care for foster/adoptive children with
Nicki Petersen will use different textures. Her courses will fill a void and
her WINGS Award to provide a much needed service to families, and the
gain her Perinatal Mental children in their care whose self-esteem is already
Health Certification. Nicki compromised. Authrine believes in giving back to
is an advocate for maternal the community and blessing those in need, which
mental health and after she has done through her extensive volunteer work.
completing the necessary Authrine’s emphasis has been women’s ministries,
trainings, she will sit for focusing on health and fitness, and working with
the exam. Nicki facilitates the local postpartum and local food pantries.
pregnancy group, “Surviving to Thriving,” and has
led numerous fundraiser walks to raise awareness Jewel Woodard
on the issue of maternal mental health. She
speaks to various ‘mom’ groups about maternal Jewel Woodard wants to conduct research in the
mental health and she also works with our health field of social work. She will use her WINGS Award
department, obstetricians, pediatricians, and doulas
to help spread information to their patients/clients to pay for her Graduate
on this important topic. Record Exam. She is a
member of the Graduate
Ashlee Sang Student Advisory Board
Ashlee wants to help and for the Black Graduate
purpose driven businesses Student Association.
amplify their missions and Jewel is the current
impact on others. Ashlee secretary for the Women of
will use her WINGS Award Enlightenment Chapter of the National Association
to join Causeart Pro which of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC). She
will give her lifetime access advocates for students with disabilities and helps
to a platform providing create a safe space on campus for black graduate
networking and professional development. Ashlee students. The NACWC’s mission shares many of
the same values of YWCA–to empower and support
women’s causes and issues.

Past WINGS Award Recipients

Julia Zuniga Alzamora 2018 Heather Johnson 2016
Nicole Anderson 2019 Cynthia Jagondzinski 2014
Danielle Beasley 2015 Nicole Kaminski 2019

Rickielee Benecke 2014 Rebecca Kinsey 2016
Jessica Bushong 2015 Judi Khalilallah 2009
Shannon Busick 2015
Lupeda Calhoun 2005 Alicia Lenard 2013
Sabrina Cavenaugh 2015 Jillian McGriff 2019
Jillian Nicole Cooper-Richardson 2017 Regina Meyer 2018
Chanelle Crispin 2009 Tiffany Mitchell 2012
Phyllis Davidson 2015 Elizabeth Morgan 2010

Lisa Dever 2014 Kate Myers 2019
Lauren DiLorenzo 2016 Amanda Nesby 2009
Melissa Ann Newbill 2014
Leanne Downey 2014 Deb O’Connell 2001
Angela Dunk 2012
Teresa Orrick 2002
Sarah Duvendack 2015 Janine M. Peacher 2013
Kaitlyn Erdman 2018
Kimberly Ewald 2011 Janet Proeber 2000
Nancy Esarey Quedraogo 2013
Crystal Ocampo Fernandez 2016
Staci Floyd 2008 Shannon Regilio 2010
Kerstin Ford 2017 Angelica Riley-Taylor 2009

Perrian Fuller 2014 Christina Roberts 2014
April Garcia 2017 Yadira Ruiz 2009

Elizabeth German 2011 Kristal Shelvin 2019
Luisa Gomez 2014 Starla Southward 2011
Colleen Steinberg 2013
Anna Gomez-Verma 2007
Janis Green 2004 Julie Stoll 2018
Kamaya Thompson 2010
Brishaun Hamilton 2017
Melinda (Melle) Hany 2018 Shani Trapp 2006
Tisa Marie Trask 2016
Leigh Hayes 2016 Stephanie Turrentine 2018
Amanda Hendricks 2019
Jody Watkins 2003
Tina Hubbs 2009 Brianna Welch 2008
Mary Judith Irwin 2012 Andrea While 2015
Grace Foote Johns 2008 Gretchen Zaitzeff 2012
Tina Zimmerman 2017

Thank You to Our Sponsors

PERSIMMON SPONSOR
MEDIA PARTNER

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Women of Distinction Award Categories

YWCA Women of Distinction Awards recognize women who live and/or work in McLean
County and demonstrate outstanding leadership and excellence through professional

and personal endeavors in the following categories:

Business/Education The Business/Education award is given to a woman who
excels in the business or education field and shows outstanding
abilities, accomplishments, and leadership. She will be an
innovator in her field, nurturing and inspiring to others, and
continually contributing to the vitality of our community.

Community Leadership The Harriett F. Rust Community Leadership award will be
given to a woman who has made significant contributions as
a volunteer to better McLean County. This woman contributes
greatly to the quality of life in the community through political
involvement, public service, government, or social service. She
may be elected, appointed, hired, or be a volunteer.

Human Services The Human Services award is given to a woman who works
or volunteers in the human services sector and shows great
accomplishments and leadership through direct assistance or
advocacy that enhances the quality of life for all, especially
those who face disadvantages/challenges, for people in McLean
County.

Mission Impact The Mission Impact award is given to a woman who excels at
amplifying the YWCA Mission in their work and daily life. The
award honors a woman for her academic/career achievements,
community service, advocacy, and commitment to the YWCA
Mission of eliminating racism and empowering women and
promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

STEAM The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and
Math) award is given to a professional in the field of science,
technology, engineering, arts, or math. This woman has
demonstrated exceptional leadership in the field of STEAM;
helping to break down gender barriers and carve a path not just
for herself, but for generations to follow.

Promise The Promise award is given to a woman who has been in
their career for five years or less. A woman of Promise is
making significant contributions to her community through her
leadership, maturity, innovation, volunteer service, or other
special achievements and inspires others to follow her example.

~ Meet the ~
2020

Women of Distinction
Nominees

Rev. Dr. Brigitte Black Monica Bullington
Rev. Dr. Black came to Monica came to Illinois
Bloomington in 2016 to Wesleyan University
pastor Wayman African in 2007, and quickly
Methodist Episcopal Church decided to make this
(AMEC), after pastoring her home after receiving
other churches in the her Bachelor of Arts in
Midwest for several years. Anthropology. She worked
Rev. Dr. Black received as a Case Coordinator
her bachelor’s in Industrial Management at Purdue and Victim Witness Specialist before becoming
University, her Master of Divinity from Garrett- a Realtor. Monica is committed to leading an
Evangelical Theological Seminary, and her Doctor all-female real estate team and helping other
of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Realtors grow. Her community involvement
Christian Theological Seminary. She has mentored includes serving as a Director of the Mid-Illinois
children and adults from all walks of life and promotes Realtors Association, Connect Transit Trustee, and
peace and love for all. Rev. Dr. Black is a member Director of Crossroads Handcrafts of the World.
of the NAACP, the Steering Committee of Not In She is a member of Bloomington-Normal Young
Our Town, and is facilitating Community Restorative Professionals and served on the McLean County
Circles on Racism as well as working with the United Chamber of Commerce Becoming BN Task Force.
Way COVID-19 Response Housing Coalition and the In addition to the numerous awards in her field,
Illinois Peoples Action COVID-19 Protect Our People. she was also the recipient of the McLean County
Chamber of Commerce Liz Larson Rising Leader
Dr. Jessica Bruin Award as well as a 20 Under 40 in 2019.
Dr. Jessica Bruin trained
and practiced in Bermuda Olivia Butts
and the Netherlands prior Olivia is passionate about
to returning to Bloomington civic engagement and
and taking ownership of improving the lives of those
Eastland Lifestyle Center, in our community. She
which was founded by received her Bachelor of
her parents. In addition Arts from the University of
to overseeing the operations of her practice, she Wisconsin Oshkosh and
also includes space to enhance soft tissue, fitness, her Master of Science
and mind-body. Dr. Jess is an advocate for full in Recreation Administration from Illinois State
mind and body wellness, not only focusing on University (ISU). She is an Instructional Assistant
chiropractic care for her patients, but also stressing Professor at ISU. Olivia seeks solutions to make
the importance of exercise, a healthy diet, and the justice system more equitable for individuals of
mental health wellness. She obtained her Doctor all races and backgrounds and utilizes her teaching
of Chiropractic from Logan College of Chiropractic and facilitation skills to educate McLean County
in Chesterfield, Missouri. Within our community, residents on the need for changes in our local and
she has raised funds for and sponsored various state justice systems. She has served as a member
youth programs and is a member of the NAACP. of the City of Bloomington’s Cannabis Task Force
She is a recipient of the 20 Under 40 Award and and a panelist on the City of Bloomington’s Human
the Pantagraph Readers’ Choice Winner for Best Relations Commission’s town hall on police funding
Doctor, Best Chiropractor, and Best Place to Work. and priorities. She is a member of the Leadership
Team of Black Lives Matter Bloomington-Normal as
well as several professional committees.

Linda Foster Willie Holton Halbert
Linda Foster earned her Willie Holton Halbert strives
MSW from Illinois State to make a difference in
University and currently the lives of others as
serves as the President of a mentor, advisor, and
the Bloomington-Normal advocate. She has been
NAACP. She promotes involved with programs at
peace and justice for all Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church
and encourages all people and has written several
to do and give their best in a peaceful manner. motivational books and plays. She received her
She puts forth efforts with community leaders, bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and worked
advocates, and organizers to foster collaboration for the Illinois Department of Corrections for more
and mutual respect among people of all religious, than 25 years before working as an office manager.
racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. She is a member of Bloomington-Normal Not In Our
Linda is Chairperson of Mount Pisgah Baptist’s Town (NIOT) and is national youth coordinator for the
Trustee Board, Chair of the Family Community NIOT national movement. She currently is 2nd Vice
Resource Center Board, member of the Connect President for Bloomington-Normal NAACP and is a
Transit Advisory Committee, and Board Member part of the Black History Project through the McLean
at Mid-Illini Credit Union. She has also previously County Museum of History. She is a recipient of the
chaired the Minority and Police Partnership, which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, the Black History
encourages positive interactions between minorities African American Leadership Award, the Professional
and law enforcement officials. Women of McLean County “Empowerment Award,”
and the WEEK TV 25 Women in Leadership Award.
Sarah Grammer
As Normal Township Roxanne Hartrich
Supervisor, Sarah Roxanne is the founder and
Grammer is responsible owner of Kara and Kaylee’s
for assisting residents with Kloset, which began as
general and emergency Kara’s Kloset in 2014 to
assistance as well as senior honor the passing of her
programming and services, four-year-old daughter,
among other township Kara. The Kloset provides
duties. She is an advocate for residents who are dresses and accessories
experiencing financial hardships and senior citizens for special occasions for young women in our
requiring access to programs and services. She has community. Roxanne receives the dresses as
been able to provide unique programs and essential donations and lends them in exchange for volunteer
services to seniors through the Activity Recreation community service or random acts of kindness. This
Center (ARC), a senior center that serves to reduce venture now also provides mentorship opportunities
social isolation and promote healthy aging to over to young women, donates funds to local schools
4,000 members. Sarah has her Bachelor of Science for school supplies, and assists women in need of
in Business Administration. She has been a foster rent, household, and job support. Roxanne is also
parent, founded a garden products manufacturing a Realtor with RE/MAX Choice and volunteers for
and distribution business that focused on creative Miracle League, Special Olympics, and Habitat for
reuse and sustainability, and has been a member of Humanity, among others. She was a finalist for the
the League of Women Voters. Athena Leadership Award in 2017 and has served
as an Ambassador for the American Cancer Society
and Boys and Girls Club.

Rachel Hatch Dr. Doris Houston
Rachel is the Assistant Dr. Doris Houston serves
Director of Media Relations as a faculty member and
at Illinois State University. Director in the School of
She coordinates operations Social Work and Assistant
for the Diversity and to the President on Diversity
Inclusion Advisory Council, and Inclusion at Illinois
serves on the Culturally State University (ISU),
Responsive Campus where she works to make
Community Conference committee, and more. the campus more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
She has a bachelor’s in journalism and master’s Among her accomplishments, she launched the First
from Western Illinois University. After graduating, Star Academy at ISU, which provides mentorship,
she wrote human interest pieces, which ignited her academic enrichment, life skills classes, and healthy
passion for diversity and inclusion. Her community recreation to adolescents in foster care. Dr. Houston
involvement includes serving on the YWCA McLean has chaired the Campus Climate Task Force as well
County board, volunteering for the McLean County as the Diversity Council of the Office of the President
Museum of History’s LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, at ISU. She received her bachelor of social work,
and serving as a member of Leadership Illinois. Master of Science, and Ph.D. in human development
Rachel has been the recipient of several awards over and family studies from the University of Illinois.
the years. This year she was named Outstanding She has earned the David A. Strand Award, the
Woman in Communications from the Association for Team Excellence Award, Provost’s Faculty Impact
Women in Communication, Innovation Award from Award, and the President’s Award from the Illinois
the League of Women Voters, and Espirit de Corps Department of Children and Family Services, African
Award from the Civil Service Council of ISU. American Advisory Council.

Rebecca Henderson Angell Howard
Rebecca creates career Prior to working as the
pathways through her roles Coordinator of Professional
as a business owner and Development and Staff
consultant of SMARTpath Training at Illinois State
Education Services, LLC. University, Angell was
She helps teachers learn an Academic Specialist
how to offer new and in TRiO/Student Support
innovative experiences in Services. While there
their classrooms and she supports ongoing STEM she provided academic advising and monthly
experiences throughout early childcare, education, programming for non-traditional and first-generation
and extra-curricular programming. Through low-income students. Although her current position
Bloomington-Normal STEM, she has united school has limited contact with students, Angell still mentors
districts, community partners, and various industries several students with whom she built relationships
to create educational and career options for young in her previous role. In her current role, she designs,
people. She received an applied science degree develops, and delivers diversity, equity, and inclusion
from Robert Morris University and a business (DEI) training. She also presents DEI sessions to the
administration degree from University of Illinois at Multicultural Leadership Program and Leadership
Springfield. She has been a board member and McLean County classes. Angell was awarded the
STEM chair of McLean County Compact, a member Living Our Values Award and the Innovation Award
of the Bloomington-Normal Human Resource from the Bloomington-Normal Association of Women
Council, and advisory board member of CeMAST. in Communication.

Cassidy Jury Christy Kosharek
Cassidy is an advocate for After completing her
maternity leave for working bachelor’s with a distinction
mothers and equal pay. in Psychology and a minor
As Marketing Coordinator in Family Studies from
at Heartland Community Southeast Missouri State
College, she strives to University, Christy began
improve McLean County by working at Marcfirst as a
speaking to diverse groups, Developmental Therapist.
including those in underrepresented areas, on the Since then, she has expanded her role to include
possibilities of attending college. Cassidy seeks Program Director for SPICE of Marcfirst and now
out new programs and opportunities on topics like serves as Vice President of Pediatric Therapy
flexible class offerings and financial aid to share Services, where she oversees a team of 16 therapists
with high school students across the county. She who support more than 700 children. She also
received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication serves though her work with Heartland Equality and
from Illinois State University and is currently Inclusion Project, the McLean County Mental Health
pursuing her MBA and Master of Science in Digital Advisory Committee, President of the Governance
Media from Northern Illinois University. Cassidy Board for Heartland Head Start, as an advocate for
volunteers for St. Jude Children’s Research Harmony Park Project, and through her development
Hospital, Easter Seals, and Hope for Heroes, and is of the Play and Learn Program. Throughout her
a member of the 2021 McLean County Chamber of career, Christy continues to showcase what it means
Commerce Leadership McLean County class. to be a true advocate for children.

Edwina Matria Lane Frances Maddox
Edwina “Marty” Lane is a Frances is a McLean
Community Advocate at County native who has
Advocate Carle Medical dedicated her life to
Center. Since childhood, bettering the community. As
Marty has wanted to work a child, her family opened
in the medical field in up their home to those
order to help take care of experiencing racism within
others. She achieved that the community until they
dream by becoming a trauma nurse, where she is could find a place of their own. Since then, Frances
not only able to physically take care of individuals, has worked with the McLean County Museum of
but she is also able to be an advocate for those in History to reestablish the Bloomington-Normal
her community. Marty works as liaison between Black History Project to educate others and prevent
police and the black community, while promoting history from repeating itself. Additionally, Frances
peace and not violence in support of the Black currently serves as the Project Chair of the Gold
Lives Matter movement. Additionally, because of Star Advisory Board & Council at America’s Goldstar
her work and experience as a nurse, Marty has Families. During her time there, she has developed
become a mentor for young nursing students, who the Sgt. Anthony Maddox Memorial in loving
she provides with guidance. However, Marty’s memory of her son, who was lost in Army Service.
commitment to the community does not stop there, She also brought the Fallen Hero Trees of Honor to
it follows her home where she runs a food bank for Illinois. She also serves as a member of the YWCA
those in need. Marty truly supports the community McLean County board. The work Frances has done
in all aspects of her life. for the community embodies the same grace and
bravery that was demonstrated by her parents.

Trisha Malott Jan Proeber
After receiving a Bachelor Prior to obtaining her
of Arts in Economics with Master of Divinity degree
Business Administration from the Christian
and Psychology minors, Theological Seminary, Jan
Trisha continued her received a Bachelor of Arts
education at Illinois State in English from Illinois State
University and received University. Throughout her
a Master of Social Work career, Jan has advocated
degree. She is also a licensed clinical social worker for men, women, and children of all ages who are
in the state of Illinois. Trisha has worked as a sexual struggling with a wide variety of issues, such as
abuse therapist in Normal and Springfield, provided sexual abuse, homelessness, substance abuse,
outpatient psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and mental illness. During her time at State Farm,
and adults at Southern Illinois University School of Jan published a booklet titled “Fighting for Life: An
Medicine, and is currently a therapist at Psychology Inside Look at Domestic Violence,” which inspired
Specialists in Bloomington, while also working the national Corporate Alliance to End Violence.
as the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council Jan won a YWCA WINGS Award the inaugural
Supervisor of McLean County. In her current year to help further her education. She has also
position, she helped start the McLean County Triage volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Jan is
Center which provides services to those who are currently a Chaplain and Spiritual Care Facilitator
experiencing a mental health crisis. Trisha continues at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, where she
to have a positive impact on the community through continues to advocate for those in need. 
her work and advocacy for those in need. 
Jennifer Sedbrook
Dr. Christa Platt After receiving her
After obtaining a Bachelor bachelor’s in Political
of Science in Criminal Science from Virginia
Justice from Wichita Commonwealth University,
State University, Christa Jennifer earned a master’s
made her way to Normal in Urban and Regional
to achieve both a Master Planning from the
of Education degree in University of Wisconsin-
College Student Personnel Madison. Throughout her career, Jennifer has
Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy degree spearheaded several campaigns, including “Women
in Higher Education Administration. Dr. Platt Empowered,” A Women Heart Health Ambassador
previously worked as the Assistant Dean for Team, Red Dress Dash, and Cards and Cocoa at
Diversity Advocacy at Illinois State University (ISU). OSF St. Joseph Medical Center. She has used her
During this time, she designed and implemented own diagnosis and experience with breast cancer to
the Diversity Advocacy Outreach and Internship promote the importance of preventative screenings
Program. Dr. Platt is now the Director of the and has helped bring procedural changes to
Multicultural Center at ISU, where she continues the mammography unit at OSF HealthCare by
to work to promote antiracism, equity, and justice. providing women diagnosed with breast cancer
In addition to combating institutionalized racism, physical comfort. Jennifer is currently the Director of
she has also started Saving Grace, a community Development at the Mennonite College of Nursing
program that mentors and educates young women at Illinois State University, where she continues to
on navigating structural racism. be a champion for women’s health care and an ally
for students and the community alike.

Ashley Stacey Sarah Tunall
After graduating from Sarah received a
Michigan State University bachelor’s degree in
with a bachelor’s in Speech Communications
Criminal Justice, Ashley with a minor in Theology at
made her way to Illinois Whitworth University before
State University to obtain continuing her education
a master’s in Criminal at Princeton Theological
Justice. She continues to Seminary, where she
further her education by working towards a doctorate received a master’s in Divinity with an emphasis
in Education while she works as a police officer in on Missional Theology, Christian Education, and
Bloomington. Ashley uses her position as a police Preaching. Sarah is currently the Director of Youth
officer to be an advocate for survivors of sexual Development at the Bloomington Normal YMCA
assault by going out of her way to take sexual where she works with youth in the community in
assault reports with empathy and empowering the hopes of eliminating racism and building space for
victims of sexual assault and abuse. Additionally, inclusion. Many of the children she works with are
as the first African American policewoman at the African American, and Sarah tries to understand
Bloomington Police Department, Ashley has used the issues they experience in order to provide them
her voice to encourage a more diverse workforce with proper support. Additionally, in the face of the
and to show her support for and solidarity with the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarah continued to support
Black Lives Matter movement. Ashley works to not the community’s children by searching for and
only protect and serve our community, but also to providing them with socially distanced childcare. 
better it for the future.
Rev. Mollie Ward
Dr. Tina Williams Prior to obtaining her
Dr. Thompson received educational degrees, Rev.
a bachelor’s degree in Mollie Ward worked as a
Management Information Peace Corps Volunteer in
Systems from Auburn the Dominican Republic.
University. She then She then went on to
attended the University receive a Bachelor of Arts
of West Georgia, where degree from the University
she earned her master’s of Oklahoma, followed by a masters of Divinity from
in Business Administration. She completed Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. Rev. Ward
her education with a doctorate in Business is currently a chaplain at Carle BroMenn Hospital.
Administration from Florida State University. As a chaplain, she works with community members
Dr. Thompson is an Associate Professor in to advocate for women’s rights and equal justice for
Management and Quantitative Methods, as well as all through her involvement with Not In Our Town
Internship Co-Coordinator at Illinois State University. and Moms Demand Action on Gun Violence. Most
In her role, Dr. Thompson teaches courses such as recently, in the wake of George Floyd’s death,
Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity in the Workplace and Rev. Ward spoke up at a Not In Our Town NAACP
Business in Multicultural Environments. By teaching event and directly asked the police officers present
these courses, she showcases her true support and to become allies in the fight against racism and to
efforts towards bettering both the world of higher proclaim that Black Lives Matter. Rev. Ward’s use
education through exposure to these topics and the of her voice and position to help others showcases
future business world by preparing students to help true bravery and compassion.
develop more diverse and inclusive environments.

Michelle Whited Julie Workman
Michelle received a Julie graduated from
Bachelor of Arts degree Illinois State University
in Communication with a with a Bachelor of Science
minor in Public Relations in English. Following
from State University of graduation, she worked
New York at Geneseo. She as a Marketing Manager
then went on to continue and as the Vice President
her education at Western of Marketing & Business
Illinois University, where she obtained a Master of Development at Mid-Illini Credit Union. During her
Science in College Union Administration. Michelle time there, Julie spearheaded the campaign to
currently works as the Associate Dean of Students bring a physical banking location to Bloomington’s
at Illinois State University. In this position, she west side. She also used her own knowledge to
creates an inclusive and diverse environment at educate both students and adults on financial
student events, such as Welcome Week, Sorority planning to help them get started on the right path
and Fraternity Recruitment, Festival ISU, and others towards the future. In addition to these efforts, she
where students get their first glimpse of life at ISU. is also an active member of both the Rotary Club
This year she successfully took on the challenge of of Bloomington and the TEDxNormal Organizing
creating accepting environments at these events in Committee. Today, Julie is the Founder and
a virtual capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President of Make Your Own Rules Marketing.
Additionally, Michelle also serves as the secretary She continues to contribute to the education of
for McLean Area Regional Council for Make-A- the McLean County residents and the bettering
Wish Illinois. Her involvement with Make-A-Wish of the community through both her personal and
Illinois further displays her commitment to creating professional efforts.
inclusive spaces in the community.