I am honored and excited for this opportunity to serve as President of the Illinois Region of Phi Theta Kappa. In fall 2020, I was inducted into the Chi Upsilon Chapter at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake. I got involved very quickly, leading an educational forum presentation for the Illinois Regional Leadership Conference. In addition, I worked with the chapter on the Honors in Action and College Project activities. Working with our chapter team to welcome new students, recruit new members, and help the community through adopt-a-highway has been an awesome experience. I was selected for the All-Illinois Academic Team and I received the International Distinguished Chapter Member award at Catalyst 2021.

I am a sixteen-time multi-award winning professional belly dancer, US Air Force Veteran, mother of two, and a volunteer with Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA), an organization that helps those with disabilities achieve their fitness goals. After a career in graphic design, I am returning to study Health and Fitness Education. As a personal fitness instructor, I want to help others reach their fitness goals and study behaviors in habit change and nutrition awareness. I enjoy helping people become the best that they can be by leveraging fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness to develop positive lifestyles.

As President, I bring my experiences as a non-traditional student to the table to help our Region support the diverse members of PTK develop personally and academically. Working together, we will exceed even our own expectations.

I am extremely honored to serve as the Vice President of the Southern District. I was introduced to Phi Theta Kappa in early February of this year and then inducted at the end of March. I have fallen in love with my chapter - Alpha Iota Epsilon. From the members of my chapter to my chapter’s advisors, I really feel like it’s one big family. As Vice President, I will bring every aspect of my strong work ethic, life experiences, and wisdom to light. Nothing is acceptable besides success.

Some other facts about me: I am currently working towards an Associate Degree in Sports Management at Lincoln Trail College. I plan on attending the University of Michigan to finish my undergrad. I am currently interning for the college’s marketing office, and I absolutely love every part of it. I also play soccer at Lincoln Trail, where I have been rewarded the leadership position as team captain. Playing soccer over the past ten years has taught me leadership, passion, and most importantly, integrity. I am going to bring all of these to the table for Phi Theta Kappa. In 2017, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. What I thought was going to be a major setback, instead taught me strength and perseverance. Lastly, having the opportunity to be Vice President is God’s work, and I want to give the glory to Him and all the opportunities He has provided to me.

I am very excited to serve as Illinois Region’s Central Vice President for 2021-2022. In April 2021, I was inducted into the Alpha Epsilon Kappa Chapter at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, and I was recently elected as Vice President of Service for the chapter. As Central Vice President, I will put all my prior knowledge and experience from previous leadership positions into helping the Illinois Region succeed. Although this past year has not been a traditional year, I look forward to seeing what the Illinois Region can achieve in the coming year!

Here are some facts about me: I am studying chemistry and hope to pursue chemistry with a minor in secondary education when I transfer to a four-year university. My aspirations are to teach chemistry at the high school level. I graduated from North Mac High School in 2020, where I held numerous leadership positions, including Class Treasurer, Science Club President, National Honor Society Historian, and Scholastic Bowl Co-Captain. I am a member of the LLCC Honors Program and a recipient of the LLCC Trustees’ Honors Program Scholarship. In my spare time, I like to read novels, listen to music, and go kayaking.