Stacey Berdejo-Garza
Stacey Berdejo-Garza is a seasoned public servant and policy strategist with over a decade of experience advancing impactful legislative and community-focused initiatives. She grew up in Melrose Park, Illinois and is a first-generation college graduate and proud daughter of immigrants whose upbringing sparked a lifelong passion for the intersections of social justice and the legal field. This has led to a career dedicated to advocating for immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, and the economic advancement of underrepresented communities.
Stacey serves as the Chicago Director for U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. In this senior leadership role, she oversees the Senator’s Chicago-based operation, managing a robust team of directors and staff across outreach and casework. She leads strategic initiatives that strengthen community engagement and ensures district staff collaborate with policy teams to develop Illinois-focused legislative priorities.
Previously, she served as Counsel and Senior Outreach Coordinator, working on immigration, judiciary reform, civil rights, and foreign affairs. Stacey has built strong partnerships with local governments, advocacy groups, and national policy leaders to advance responsive governance.
Her experience also includes fellowships with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, contributing to policy development on consumer protection, renewable energy, and economic equity. As a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Fellow, Stacey organized and moderated a Capitol Hill briefing on bail reform, helping elevate national dialogue on criminal justice inequities.
Stacey earned her J.D. from DePaul University College of Law, where she became a national champion in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition. She also holds a B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
She recently completed the Wharton Public Policy Certificate Program and the 2025 Rio Bravo Congressional Fellowship and serves on the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois Charities Board.
When she’s not working, Stacey can often be found traveling and trying new foods with her partner.
Lamekia Davis
Lamekia Davis is a dynamic leader, strategist, and community advocate whose life’s work centers on empowering youth, strengthening families, and expanding pathways to economic and social mobility. With over 20 years of leadership experience across Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, and civic institutions, she brings a rare blend of real-world impact, strategic insight, and deep compassion for the communities she serves.
Lamekia has built a powerful platform rooted in resilience, faith, and service. She is the Executive Director of the Community Blood Center Chicago, where she is building partnerships, and increasing access to lifesaving blood resources across diverse communities. She also serves on the Board of Education for Rich Township High School District 227 and as Chair of the Park Forest Youth Commission, where she champions youth programming, mentorship, and community development.
As founder of Heyy Girl Foundation, Lamekia develops mentorship and empowerment programs that support youth and young adults in building confidence, leadership skills, and financial stability. Her work has been recognized through honors such as the Cook County 6th District Unsung Heroine Award.
Newly accepted into the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy’s 2026 cohort, Lamekia is preparing for expanded public service and greater leadership on issues including youth empowerment, education equity, community wellness, and economic Opportunity.
Driven by faith, purpose, and a commitment to transform communities, Lamekia Davis continues to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction.
Starr De Los Santos
Starr De Los Santos (she/her) is the Associate Director of Coalitions at Women Employed, where she develops and drives high-impact strategies to build, activate, and mobilize statewide coalitions advancing bold policies and pay equity reforms. She leads the Illinois Time to Care and Equal Pay Day Chicago coalitions, working to ensure that impacted workers—particularly women, LGBTQ+ people, low-wage earners, and communities of color—are not only at the table, but informed and equipped to advocate for the policies that most affect their lives.
Raised between Washington Heights, NY and Chicago, Starr is proudly Puerto Rican and Dominican and the daughter of an immigrant. Her lived experience is at the core of her approach and fuels her commitment to expanding opportunity for those who have been systemically excluded from decision-making spaces.
Starr is deeply engaged in civic leadership across Chicago. She serves as Secretary of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, contributing to the Equity & Inclusion Committee. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Crossroads Fund, supporting community-driven social justice philanthropy, and sits on the Auxiliary Board of the Center on Halsted. An alum of the Victory Institute, she previously served on the Auxiliary Board of the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Starr has spent more than a decade advancing gender, racial, and economic justice. She earned her B.A. in Justice Studies and her M.A. in American Government and Public Affairs from Northeastern Illinois University, a Hispanic-Serving Institution in Chicago.
With more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, coalition-building, policy advocacy, and program management, Starr has dedicated her career to transforming systems, strengthening communities, and creating pathways for those too often left out of the conversation.
Shateveon Goforth
Shateveon Goforth is a regional leader recognized for advancing community-centered workforce strategies and expanding pathways to economic opportunity across Illinois. As the CEJA Regional Manager with HIRE360, she coordinates multi-site programming, supports partner performance, and builds strong working relationships with unions, contractors, training providers, and community organizations. Her leadership focuses on increasing equitable access to apprenticeships, improving program alignment, and ensuring participants receive the support and resources needed to succeed in long-term careers.
Shateveon is a dedicated advocate for climate-focused workforce development. She has strengthened pre-apprenticeship initiatives by aligning compliance requirements with organizational goals and helping community partners expand their outreach and recruitment strategies. Her work reflects a commitment to data-informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and collaboration that elevates both participant outcomes and partner capacity.
Her professional experience spans program management, labor relations, youth development, and customer operations, giving her a versatile perspective across sectors. Her years in the utility industry provided technical understanding, regulatory awareness, and insight into complex infrastructure systems. She has also served in several leadership roles within the IBEW’s Sixth District, including RENEW State Representative for Illinois, Executive Board Member, Unit Chair, and RENEW Chair for Local Union 51, contributing to governance, financial stewardship, and member engagement.
Beyond her professional work, Shateveon is deeply involved in civic leadership. She serves as Vice President of the NAACP Decatur Branch, Vice Chair of the Macon County Democratic Central Committee, Secretary of the Democratic Women of Macon County, and as a board member and secretary for the Children’s Museum of Illinois. Her long-standing ministry involvement further demonstrates her dedication to mentorship and community connection.
Shateveon holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois in Springfield, IL, and is completing a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership at William Woods University in Fulton, MO, expected in March 2026.
Michelle Melin-Rogovin
Michelle Melin-Rogovin serves as a Village Commissioner to the Village of Forest Park, a community of 14,000 residents in the western suburbs of Cook County.
In her role as the Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements, she has championed initiatives to enhance street safety, sustainable public works infrastructure, union jobs, small businesses, equity, and community well-being for all. Commissioner Melin-Rogovin partners with village staff and residents to foster engagement and develop responsive policies for Streets and Public Improvements, which includes water, solid waste, garbage, recycling, and composting.
Michelle is a Chicago Academy of Sciences C3 Sustainability Leader (November 2025). In October 2025, she was selected to the second Strong Towns National Academy Cohort for 2025-26. Michelle is dedicated to ensuring that all people have the resources they need to thrive in Illinois, including affordable, safe, welcoming neighborhoods, homes, and schools.
Ms. Melin-Rogovin is the Senior Director of Foundation Relations at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Ms. Melin-Rogovin completed a master’s degree from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Studies and a bachelor’s degree from Barry University. She also earned a national certificate in non-profit management from Case Western University.
Claudia Peralta
Claudia is an accomplished public servant with a proven record of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and community-centered service. Known for her ability to design effective systems, manage complex initiatives, and cultivate strong partnerships, she brings a disciplined yet empathetic approach to advancing organizational and constituent priorities. Her strengths in strategic planning, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving have made her a trusted leader across government and nonprofit sectors.
She currently serves as District Director for U.S. Representative Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), where she functions as the Congresswoman’s senior district advisor and oversees all district office operations. In this role, she directs constituent services, supervises staff, develops internal policies and procedures, and ensures alignment between district activities and federal legislative strategies. She also builds and sustains relationships with community partners, local leaders, and key stakeholders while coordinating closely with Washington, D.C. staff on strategy, messaging, and resource allocation.
Previously, as Director of Constituent Services, she played an integral role in establishing Rep. Ramirez’s new congressional office—developing casework infrastructure, training staff, and strengthening agency relationships to support residents navigating federal systems. Her earlier experience includes serving as Chief of Staff and Outreach Coordinator for State Representative Lindsey LaPointe, where she led daily office operations, guided legislative priorities, managed communications, and represented the Representative in high-level meetings, stakeholder engagements, and public forums.
She also brings significant experience from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, where she coordinated a $40 million statewide immigration program, supported more than 50 community-based organizations, and collaborated with state and federal partners on immigrant integration initiatives.
A committed community leader, Claudia has contributed to local campaigns, school governance, labor organizing, and volunteer efforts supporting asylum-seeking families. An immigrant from Ecuador and native Spanish speaker, she holds a B.A. in Political Science from DePaul University and an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Wilbur Wright College. She remains dedicated to strengthening public institutions and delivering impactful, equitable service to the communities she serves.
Erin Steva
Erin Steva leads transformative change in higher education, workforce, and community development through policy analysis, organization management, fundraising and advocacy. Erin is Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at Chicago State University. She oversees the departments of Government and Community Affairs, Marketing and Media Relations, Center for Education Equity, and Center for Workforce Equity, and drives the institution’s economic development plan. External Affairs raises the university’s profile and advances the institution’s mission through strategic relationships with employers, community institutions, decision-makers, and other stakeholders and targeted marketing and communications. Recent initiatives include releasing a community-driven campus economic development plan, passing legislation to make a state scholarship more equitable, securing nearly $2 million a year from public and philanthropic sources, securing formation of a Congressional Caucus on Predominantly Black Institutions, and hosting a dozen presidential appointee visitors.
Prior to CSU, Erin was the Midwest Director of Young Invincibles and with Start Early. At Young Invincibles, she drafted Illinois’ youth apprenticeship policy which reflected feedback from stakeholders across Illinois including young adults; launched a smartphone application that connects housing insecure youth to life-saving resources; and nearly doubled the office budget. Erin started her career in California, where her work included building a coalition that secured community protections from urban oil drilling and improving public transportation in Los Angeles.
Erin is a board member of Revolution Workshop, a Chicago Leadership Circle 2025 Fellow, a 2023 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow, and 2019 Chicago Innovation Awards winner. Erin graduated summa cum laude from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and was student of the year when she graduated with a Master of Public Policy from University of California Los Angeles.
Makiya Thomas
Makiya Thomas is a dedicated public health professional, minister, and military leader committed to advancing equity and community well-being. Born and raised in Decatur, Illinois, she earned her Bachelor and Master of Arts from Eastern Illinois University, where she also completed the ROTC program as a Military Distinguished Graduate. She later earned her Master of Divinity while continuing military service in the United States Army and now the Illinois National Guard, where she serves as a Senior TAC Officer.
Makiya works at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, specializing in health equity, community engagement, and organizational development. Her leadership extends throughout the community as Co-Chair of the NAACP Veterans Committee, Board Director for the Urbana Rotary Club, and President of the Healing Invisible Wounds Veterans Advisory Board.
Her recent projects include developing a purchasing policy for the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District that prioritizes contracting with minority-owned, veteran-owned, women-owned, and disabled-person businesses, resulting in a stronger and more diverse budget. She also participated in the SDOH & Place Fellowship through the Healthy Regions & Policies Lab at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she conducted qualitative research with African American women who had given birth within the past five years in Champaign County. Additionally, through her work with Healing Invisible Wounds, she helps coordinate semi-annual conferences for local veterans, providing access to resources and presentations on psychoeducation, PTSD, mental health, substance use, and homelessness.
Above all, Makiya remains driven by a deep desire to advocate for others and create positive, lasting change in the world.
Cat Valdez Doyle
Cat Valdez Doyle is a community-focused leader dedicated to equitable development, cultural preservation, and expanding civic participation in Rockford. She serves as Director of Housing at Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc., where she leads state-funded housing programs for young adults and coordinates cross-agency efforts to strengthen affordable housing pathways.
Cat is a founding member and volunteer project co-chair of the South Main Mercado and La Onda, NFP. Under her leadership, the Mercado has grown into a cultural and economic anchor, supporting more than 120 local vendors and drawing over 5,000 annual visitors. Her partnership with the City of Rockford, GoRockford, and regional planning agencies helped secure the Southwest Rockford Cultural District designation.
Her career includes roles with Rosecrance Behavioral Health, ASM Global at Soldier Field, Circuit of the Americas, and the Formula One United States Grand Prix, where she managed logistics, team coordination, and guest experience for large-scale public events. These experiences strengthened her skills in communication, responsiveness, and stakeholder engagement.
Cat also serves as a Precinct Committeeperson with the Winnebago County Democratic Party, focusing on neighborhood representation, voter engagement, and improved access to local political processes. She believes civic leadership is rooted in consistent presence and service.
A Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce 40 Leaders Under 40 honoree and recipient of multiple community revitalization awards, Cat brings a people-first, collaboration-driven approach to every initiative she leads.
Erin Van Brooker
Erin Van Brooker is a civil engineer, community advocate, and emerging leader whose career reflects determination, resilience, and a commitment to opening doors for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Erin has built her career in materials testing and infrastructure development, where she has consistently challenged expectations and advocated for greater representation of women in STEM and leadership roles.
As a woman in engineering, Erin understands firsthand the barriers women face. From being underestimated in technical settings, to the lack of female role models in decision-making positions. Instead of accepting these dynamics, she has spent her career pushing back, leading with excellence, mentoring and hiring younger women, and using her voice to create space for others to rise. Her ability to blend technical expertise with authenticity, empathy, and courage has earned her a reputation as a trusted collaborator and a powerful advocate for inclusive workplaces.
Beyond her engineering career, Erin is deeply committed to community advocacy and civic engagement. She has served as a Women’s March host, led the No Kings Rally, and now volunteers on a congressional campaign team, using each role to organize and amplify events that champion equity, empowerment, and the voices of women across Illinois. Her work reflects a belief that when women stand together—and stand unapologetically in their strength—communities grow stronger and more just.
With a foundation rooted in integrity, service, and a relentless belief in what is possible, Erin is committed to using her voice—and her engineering mind—to build stronger, more inclusive communities across Illinois.
Dr. Ciera Whitaker
Dr. Ciera Whitaker is a civic leader, strategist, and engagement professional with more than 16 years of experience advancing economic development, strengthening small business ecosystems, and supporting mission driven organizations across Chicago’s South Side. Her work is rooted in service, community empowerment, and building strong pathways for sustainable impact.
Dr. Whitaker spent 16 years with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, where she served in key leadership roles, including Program Director. Throughout her tenure, she led entrepreneurship initiatives, business support programs, and community centered strategies that supported hundreds of small businesses and contributed significantly to South Shore’s economic development landscape.
In addition to her professional work, Dr. Whitaker serves as a Councilwoman for the 6th District Police District Council, where she focuses on public safety, accountability, and strengthening relationships between residents and law enforcement. As the district’s Community Engagement Liaison, she works to elevate community concerns, promote transparency, and advance collaborative solutions that support a safer, more connected district.
Dr. Whitaker’s leadership extends statewide as Second Vice President of the Young Democrats of Illinois, as well as locally through her roles as Local School Council Vice Chair at Jane A. Neil Elementary, Local School Council Chair at Simeon Career Academy, and Alumni Board of Advisors of the Chicago State University Foundation.
She is also the Founder & Chief Engagement Officer of New Wave Strategy LLC, where she advises nonprofits and organizations on strategic planning, operational systems, compliance, and workforce development programming.
Dr. Whitaker holds two master’s degrees, an MBA and a Master’s in Criminal Justice and an honorary doctorate recognizing her leadership, service, and civic contribution.
Claudia Zuno
Claudia Zuno is a second-generation entrepreneur leading her family’s small business that has been established for over 55 years. She has documented the history and milestones of community leaders who have made an impact throughout the years from the city of Chicago to the state and on the national level as well. Being behind the camera at Zuno Photographic, Claudia learned that photography isn’t just art, but a powerful tool for community connection, fostering relationships, and preserving history.
Claudia’s career is equally defined by her dedication through service and civic engagement. She has held leadership roles with the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois, Chicago’s Mexican-American Women’s Auxiliary, and the National Museum of Mexican Art. These contributions have supported cultural initiatives, community events, youth leadership programs, and fundraising efforts that uplift and celebrate Chicago’s Latino community. Her contributions reflect her belief that cultural preservation and community empowerment go hand-in-hand.
With over three decades of professional experience, Claudia has mastered her craft and fostered new skills, allowing her to take it to the next level. Claudia has become a trusted voice in community spaces where culture, politics, and public service intersect. She has cultivated relationships with civic organizations, cultural institutions, and local leaders, using her platform to elevate underrepresented communities and encourage broader participation in public life.
Claudia continues to expand her impact, documenting issues that matter, supporting the next generation of leaders, and using her resources to better serve her community. Her mission is to uplift her community, preserve its stories, and help shape a more inclusive narrative for the generations that follow.