10 Illinois Community Leaders Everyone Should Know About

Community leaders play a vital role in shaping and enriching the great state of Illinois. Their dedication and selflessness are paramount as they tirelessly work to give back and drive positive change on a local level and beyond.

Here in Illinois, we're lucky to have some remarkable folks whose contributions have left an indelible impact on the lives of those around them. Here are 10 community leaders making a difference in Illinois.

1. Aurora: Dr. Jennifer Norrell

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Norrell, who has been leading the East Aurora School District 131 since 2018, was awarded the honor of African American Leader of the Year by the City of Aurora’s African American Heritage Advisory Board in December of 2022. The award recognizes influential individuals who consistently contribute to the Aurora community. Dr. Norrell was commended at a Board of Education meeting, where the surprise announcement was made. Not only has she played a pivotal role in supporting families, staff and the broader community, but her leadership, commitment and respect have also set an outstanding example. This accolade is a testament to Dr. Norrell's significant impact and dedication to her community. (East Aurora Patch)

2. Chicago: Grace Chan McKibben

Grace Chan McKibben, an advocate for the Chinese American community in Chicago, has made significant strides in her roles as executive director of the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community (CBCAC) and previously at the Chinese American Service League (CASL). Born and raised in Hong Kong, Chan McKibben moved to the U.S. for her education and settled in Hyde Park, where she has been a prominent figure for over 30 years. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Chicago and started her career in linguistics before transitioning to student administration. At the CBCAC, she's led numerous initiatives, including advocating for a majority-Asian American ward in the city, the "Stop Asian Hate" campaigns and conversations over issues affecting Chinatown. Her noteworthy contributions in fostering racial justice and ethnic diversity earned her the Mayor’s Medal of Honor in 2023. Always focused on community, Chan McKibben's efforts have revolved around bridging gaps, fostering dialogue and promoting understanding across different backgrounds. (Hyde Park Herald)

3. Decatur: Dale and Rita Colee

Dale and Rita Colee, along with their family, were honored with the Robert and Bev Ketenbrink Community Commitment Award at the 18th annual Do Something Great Awards in 2022. Hosted by the Community Foundation of Macon County, the awards celebrate individuals who have contributed significantly to their communities through volunteer work, nonprofit involvement and other forms of community service. The Colees were recognized for their efforts to instill values of responsibility, purpose and presence in their children. One of their notable contributions includes establishing a cardiac screening service for young athletes, a cause spurred by the tragic loss of their seemingly healthy son. The Colees expressed their aim to support their community, enhance its well-being and instill positive values in future generations. (Herald & Review)

4. Galena: Marilyn and Carl Johnson

Carl and Marilyn Johnson, lifelong residents of Galena, were awarded the 2020 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Joe Antunovich Award for Leadership and Lifetime Achievement. This prestigious recognition honors their 50 years of passionate work in preserving and promoting the historic and cultural heritage of their beloved town. The couple's efforts, including co-founding the Galena Foundation and serving on various local boards and committees, have not only revitalized and restored numerous historical sites but have also fostered a culture of preservation within the community. The Johnsons have proven the profound cultural and economic benefits of preservation, dedicating their lives to advocacy and education on this cause. (Landmarks.org)

5. Glen Carbon: Rick and Diane Seimer

Rick and Diane Siemer, longstanding champions of Girl Scouting in Southern Illinois, will be recognized at the fifth annual United We Lead Gala, scheduled to take place on Sep. 9, 2023, at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. The event will honor the Siemers with the Distinguished Community Leader Award, acknowledging their nearly 35-year dedication to the Girl Scout community. Director of Development, Heidi Koehl Weaver, has praised the Siemers' generosity, saying their commitment in time and resources has been pivotal in fostering courage, confidence and character among girls. The recognition of the Siemers underlines their significant role in making a positive impact on Girl Scouting in Southern Illinois. (Effingham Daily News)

6. Marion: Jeremy Pinkerton

Jeremy Pinkston, a resident of Marion for almost three decades, was honored with the 2021 Citizen of the Year Award by the Marion Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee. The award recognizes his considerable contributions to the community and excellence in his field outside of the Chamber. Originally from Harrisburg, Pinkston's education at Southeastern Illinois College and SIU was focused on Economics and Finance. Since 2008, Pinkston has played a crucial role as the Marketing Director at Black Diamond Harley-Davidson, a business in Marion, where he has organized thousands of fundraisers and a plethora of events over the past 15 years. Pinkston's involvement extends to the Southern Illinois Workforce Development Board and the SI Now initiative, along with several other local community programs, demonstrating his continued commitment to community development and enrichment. (Marion Chamber of Commerce)

7. Murphysboro: April Bartnick

April Bartnick, a Special Education Teacher at Murphysboro Middle School, has been distinguished as a 2022 Illinois Green Outstanding Volunteer. Since 2020, Bartnick has been an active participant in every cohort of the Illinois Green Schools Project, significantly increasing her involvement over time. Not only has she enrolled her own school in the program, but she has also volunteered to mentor another school in the southern region. Bartnick's contributions extend far beyond her school, as she has effectively created a Green Schools network across Southern Illinois. Her influence has encouraged a host of other schools, including inspiring a class of Masters Teaching Fellows at SIUC, to enroll in the program. At Murphysboro Middle School, Bartnick leads the charge on sustainability, integrating it into the school's curriculum, culture and infrastructure, while inspiring her peers to do the same. (Illinois Green Alliance)

8. Naperville: Joel Setya

Joel Setya, a recent graduate of Neuqua Valley High School and a 2022 Governor's Volunteer Service Awards recipient, is the founder of STEM & Buds, a national nonprofit organization. With its influence spanning 15 cities across three countries and benefiting over 3500 students, STEM & Buds offers free sessions that engage students in STEM-related activities, lessons and experiments while fostering relationships between younger students and high school mentors. As a national overseer, Setya is responsible for handling the organization's financial matters, curating its curriculum, gauging impact and managing various programs. He has successfully launched numerous initiatives aimed at enriching students' lives. Beyond his contribution to STEM & Buds, Setya was the President of his school's medical club, SkillsUSA Chapter and Model UN. He also served as the Executive Board Secretary of the Student Council and was the captain of the chess team. (Illinois.gov)

9. Rockford: Vivian Lott

Vivian Lott was recognized as the 2022 Community Leader Award winner by the YMCA of Rock River Valley. This award honors exceptional leaders who embody excellence in their field, serve as inspiring role models and live out the YMCA's mission and vision. Lott is the founder of Voices of Inspiration, a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding people in need. This organization collaborates with several community partners, including the Northern Illinois Food Bank, to distribute food boxes. Voices of Inspiration also coordinates with local stores to collect, sort and distribute food donations. Apart from her work with Voices of Inspiration, Lott also contributes to the YMCA's programs at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd by providing meals for the participating youth. (Rock River YMCA)

10. Springfield: Dr. Ngozi Ezike

In 2020, Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the Director of Illinois Public Health, was honored with the "Exceptional Leadership and Impact Award" by the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois (CBHA). The accolade, bestowed during the group's 48th annual virtual conference on December 8th, recognized Dr. Ezike for her outstanding leadership amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early days of the pandemic, Dr. Ezike was a regular figure in Illinois households, educating millions through her near-daily press conferences on the toll of COVID and the necessary safety measures to combat it. According to CBHA CEO Marvin Lindsey, Dr. Ezike's guidance and leadership were instrumental in saving tens of thousands of lives in Illinois, which made the decision to award her the CBHA’s Exceptional Leadership and Impact Award both straightforward and unanimous. (Chicago Patch)

Thank you to Illinois’s incredible community leaders for all you do!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.