To celebrate Black History Month, we’re uplifting the voices and stories of Illinois Action for Children’s Black female leaders. Here, they answer questions about their influences, their leadership journey, and what Black History Month means to them.
I grew up in Gary, Indiana. I am the oldest of two girls…my father was a pastor for over 30 years and my mother worked at the USPS. My parents were very involved with civic engagement and equal rights. As a result, I became involved with the NAACP and my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta’s, social action. I am married to Theodis Pace and have three young men (Robert, Christian, and Isaiah).
My parents were my teachers who had an impact on me. My dad would tell my sister and me, “All people can say to you is yes or no…. [and] never go in thinking you cannot be in the room with decision makers.” My mother was always encouraging us with positive affirmation. She would say, “Why not you!”
IAFC aligns with my mission of advocacy for education, especially for the communities we serve. I started [my career] working for a firm that recruited IT professionals to work as contractors for our vendors. After that position, I worked for a nonprofit organization as a business consultant, working with small businesses who did not have [human resources] staff. I provided recruitment, training, and employee engagement work for these companies. I continued in HR in various roles—recruitment, training and development, and HR manager positions. My career continued to evolve in leadership roles in HR.
For me, I enjoy seeing a new hire excited about joining the IAFC family. Giving a person an opportunity to have a career with us makes this work meaningful to me.
My dad took me to my first [NAACP] Freedom Fund Banquet, where Benjamin Hook was the speaker. He was so inspirational on why we fight the fight for our rights. It was his speech that influenced me to join the NAACP. I met Dorothy Irene Height, past president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the National Council of Negro Women. She was so regal. She advocated for women like me and was very influential during the infamous March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Black History, for [me] as a Black woman, is deeply personal and multifaceted. It is a reflection of resilience, strength, and legacy—an acknowledgment of the struggles and triumphs of those who came before [us]. It is about honoring the trailblazers, from activists to artists, who carved paths of opportunity despite systemic barriers.
It is also a source of empowerment, reminding you of your own potential and the contributions you make to your community and beyond. As a Black woman in leadership, Black History is not just about the past—it’s about how [we] continue to shape the present and future, carrying forward the traditions of excellence, advocacy, and progress.
It’s not a race; it’s a journey. Your time in this process will be right for you
I support restaurants like Batter & Berries, the DuSable Museum of African-American History, Black Ensemble Theatre, and Sororitique.
Discover more leaders in Black history with Five Trailblazers in Early Childhood Education.