In this episode, we sit down with Greg Meyer, Executive Director, and Michele Evans, the Grants & Communications Director, of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation. The IPCF is a grant-making public charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in their four-county service area (McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, and Logan counties). They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in the community.

Learn more at https://ilprairiecf.org/

In this week's episode, we sit down with Nick Papineau, the Education Director of the Children's Discovery Museum in Normal. We talk about the power of play, the new Luckey Climber, and how students and the community can experience the CDM.

Learn more at https://www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.net/

The mission of the Challenger Learning Center is to engage students and teachers in dynamic, hands-on exploration and discovery opportunities that strengthen knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), inspire students to pursue careers in these fields and provide an outlet to learn and apply important life skills. The CLC offers programs for students year-round in grades K-8 through their local school or homeschool program. To learn more, visit https://www.heartland.edu/clc/

Update: The KidWind event will be on February 14th!

In this episode we sit down with the award-winning broadcaster turned government worker, Katherine Murphy. She spends her time telling the story of Bloomington, Illinois as the Communications & External Affairs Manager for the City. She started her journey in broadcasting in High School in the Western Burbs of Chicago and continued down that path at Illinois State University. After graduation, she worked in cities across the country before finding her way back to central Illinois almost 30 years later. During her time on the radio, she honed her skills in crafting compelling narratives and connecting with diverse audiences. Her passion for effective communication and her genuine love for her City make her an advocate for its growth and prosperity.

Molly Evans is the Executive Director of the McLean County Children’s Advocacy Center & CASA program. Molly grew up in McLean County and has over 20 years of experience in the child protection field, serving children and families in McLean, Livingston, and DeWitt counties.

Learn more about the McLean County CAC by visiting https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/125/Child-Advocacy-Center-CAC-CASA

In this episode, we sit down with Tracy Warne, a member of the Planning Team for 100 Women for Good Bloomington-Normal. 100 Women for Good is a group of 100 women who are passionate about making a positive and meaningful impact on Bloomington-Normal, the neighborhood they call home. Their goal is to bring together at least 100 women who will contribute financially to local nonprofits in Bloomington-Normal.

Learn more at https://www.100womenforgoodbn.org/

Kristin Mangrich is entering her 10th year in education at Woodland CUSD 5 and her 2nd year as the principal of the elementary school. Prior to her current role, Kristin served as an assistant principal for the district and an athletic director for another district. Before entering educational leadership she taught physical education.

Kristin received an astounding 11 nominations for the ROE # 17 Regional Recognition at the end of last school year so we had to sit down and learn about the amazing work she is doing in her district.

Nikki Meyer has served as the Business Community Coordinator for the Bloomington Area Career Center since 2014. Among other things, Nikki oversees the BACC’s participation in Skills USA and the Annual 8th Grade Career Expo. She earned her bachelor's in Psychology in 2010 from Illinois State University.

Special note: After this episode was recorded BACC decided to mix up their Career Expos this year! In October BACC will host a 10th Grade Career Expo, and in February they will host their 8th Grade Career Expo.

In this episode of ROE 17 POD, we sit down with Candace Summers, Senior Director of Education for the McLean County Museum of History and lead coordinator for the Evergreen Cemetery Walk. Every year she helps to educate over 20,000 people in Central Illinois through a wide variety of education programs. About 8,000 of those individuals are school children and senior citizens who receive in-depth educational programs free of charge. Candace has over 20 years in museum education and over 25 years of historical research experience. We are grateful for Candance's time as she spoke to us about the amazing resources right here in McLean County!

Marilena Gozur was named the 2022 Illinois East Central Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education's Those Who Excel Awards. Mrs. Gozur is going into her 14th year at Cedar Ridge Elementary School in Unit 5, which is where she started her career. As a bilingual special education teacher, she works with students in kindergarten through fifth grade.