Julie Pryde is the administrator of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. She is a UIS Master of Public Health graduate and the 2025 University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award recipient. She spoke to Community Voices about what led her to public health, the evolution of HIV/AIDS medications and education, and attitudes toward immunizations. Julie also shared her approach to humor and provided insight into how she makes health information accessible for all ages.

May 1 - May 2 were Public Media Giving Days and the start of NPR Illinois' Spring Fund Drive. There has been talk about the uncertainty of public media funding, which has left many listeners and donors questioning why. NPR Illinois General Manager Randy Eccles and NPR Illinois Director of Development Kate McKenzie spoke with Bea Bonner about the spring fund drive, station funding, and insight into the uncertainty of defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

Williamsville Public Library & Museum Director Natalie Albers explaines why libraries are relevant in the digital age.

Mx. Leo Wilder is the founder of Pride Learning Academy, a microschool intended to better meet the needs of students. Wilder spoke to Community Voices about his inspiration behind starting the academy and how the school can prevent bullying, promote outdoor activities, support mental health, accommodate diverse learners and prepare students with practical skills.For more information about Pride Learning Academy visit: https://www.pridelearningacademy.com/

Kathy and Bob Best are siblings who grew up in the newspaper business. Their parents owned a local paper in Sullivan, Ill., and although they have taken divergent paths, they both continue to play a role in sharing news. Kathy is the director of the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism, and Bob is a photographer and the pressroom manager at Paddock Publications in Central Illinois. They spoke to Community Voices about their family’s history, their careers and the state of journalism.

Pam Molitoris is the executive director of the Central Illinois Foodbank. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey into the nonprofit realm, how the foodbank is adapting to provide for the community, and initiatives like their mobile kitchen cart, which teaches community members how to cook. She also addresses concerns surrounding cuts to local food programs and leaves a message for the community to come together during uncertain times. Find more information about the Central Illinois Foodbank here.

The Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens has a new wheelchair accessible garden. Carey Smith and Missy Norman spoke to Community Voices about the design of the garden, the community it creates and how it provides options for those with differing accessibility needs.

Music Director Taichi Fukumura from the Illinois Symphony Orchestra spoke to Community Voices about the upcoming concert titled "Passion and Pulse," which features soloist Anna Geniushene on piano. The performances will take place on May 2 at the UIS Performing Arts Center in Springfield, Ill. and May 3 at the ISU Center for Performing Arts in Normal, Ill., both at 7:30 p.m. Concert Comments will take place at 6:30 p.m. before each performance. For more information visit: ilsypmhony.org

Downtown Springfield Inc. is an organization working to create a vibrant and connected community to enrich the downtown Springfield experience. DSI Executive Director Carlos Ortega and DSI Board President Blake Pryor spoke to Community Voices about Community Conversations, a series of listening sessions where community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions about the downtown area and its future.The next Community Conversations are scheduled for April 23 and May 10. For more information visit: facebook.com/DowntownSpringfieldInc

Nakesha Rice is a human resources professional with a passion for helping people succeed. She spoke to Community Voices about her experiences growing up in Mississippi, her time in the military and her journey to Springfield. She also talked about her experience as the president of Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) and gave advice for young professionals who may be uncomfortable in new environments.