To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re uplifting the voices and stories of Illinois Action for Children’s strong female leaders. Here, they answer questions about their backgrounds, their influences, and their leadership.
I was raised in a two-parent home in Chicago Heights, Illinois. I am the youngest of four girls. My father worked in a steel mill and my mom worked at the hospital in our community. I have one daughter, Ashley, whom I raised as a single parent and who is currently in her second year of law school at the University of Illinois in Champaign. In 2022, I married my wonderful husband Tyrone.
As a child, I loved playing with my dolls and playing school and farm stand in our yard.
I hold a master’s degree in education through coursework at Erikson Institute and Loyola University, and a bachelor’s degree in child and family services from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. I am also an alumna of the Barbara Bowman Leadership Fellows Program and have over 35 years of experience working in the field early childhood education in various capacities.
When I am not working, I enjoy weekend getaways with friends, spending time with my family, and being a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.
I had excellent teachers in my elementary school years. Ms. Pryor was my fourth-grade teacher. She was a stern but nurturing teacher. She made learning fun and enjoyable…she showed students that she actually cared about our well-being. I am still in touch with Ms. Pryor in my adult life.
Working in early childhood is important to me because I strongly believe that that the quality of children’s early learning experiences shapes their educational journey. In my role, I work hard to instill this in our educators who work with young children. Additionally, in my role I have the opportunity to advocate for what is best for children and families in Illinois. This work means that we are preparing children to be successful, productive members of our society. Children are our future, and it is our responsibility to prepare them for life beyond their educational career.
