Our Staff
Our Staff
We are a diverse team with professional experience and expertise in and beyond the classroom. Individually and collectively, we are committed to building and supporting an education system that provides equitable opportunities for every student in every corner of our state.
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Robin Steans
President
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Nicole Bela
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Cheryl Flores
Director of Community Engagement
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Bravetta Hassell
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Jennifer Kirmes
Director of Policy
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Jelani Saadiq
Director of Government Relations
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Jim O’Connor
Project Director
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Kelsey Bakken
Senior Policy Advisor
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Maya Portillo
Senior Policy Advisor
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Eucarol Juarez
Senior Communications Associate
ejuarez@advanceillinois.org -
Maty Ortega Cruz
Senior Community Engagement Associate
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Gerson Ramirez
Senior Government Relations Associate
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Eyob Villa-Moges
Senior Policy Associate
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Mercedes Wentworth-Nice
Senior Policy Associate
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Berenice Martinez
Policy Associate
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Jeremiah Phillips
Development Associate
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Indigo Sherck
Office Manager & Executive Assistant