Product Owner at Ford Motor Company

Alfred holds a leadership position with Ford Motor Company where he is responsible for cultivating user community and increasing Vehicle Software Electrical Management (VSEM) adoption. Alfred served Eight years in the US Navy and is a veteran honorably discharged. For his exceptional leadership, he received the Navy Achievement Medal - Desert Shield/Desert Storm. In his spare time, Alfred is an avid martial arts practitioner, achieving a 4th Dan black belt in the World Traditional Tang Soo Do Federation. The Brooklyn, New York native is a husband and father of two children.

Retired

Azark Cobbs was born and raised in Champaign, and is currently a resident of Garden Hills. He is retired from a career at DHL Airway Inc. and Chicago Manufacturing Institute. He has served the community as a member of the Unit 4 Education Equity Excellence Committee, Prairie Rivers Network, Promise Healthcare, North First Street Business Club, and 5th and Hill Neighborhood Rights Group.

Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Graduate and International Programs 

University of Illinois

Margareth teaches Children and the Law and Education Law and publishes widely. A s a mother of two, her interests in education at all levels are both personal and professional. She has directed a tutoring program for middle school students, been a high school teacher, served on several school boards, and was a Trustee on the College Board.

Assistant Director of Engineering Outreach and Public Engagement

University of Illinois

Lara has been an educator in Champaign-Urbana since 1991. She taught math and science at Urbana Middle School for 13 years before returning to school full-time to pursue a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with expertise in teacher education and professional learning. Since 2018, she has been leading the College of Engineering's Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering programs, providing opportunities for youth and families to experience the joy and wonder of science, engineering, and mathematics. She is an active member of the McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church, serving on the Christian Education Committee and the Green Team. She also co-manages the McKinley Giving Garden each year, growing fresh produce for distribution at the Garden Hills Food Pantry.

Clinical and Teaching Assistant Professor 

University of Illinois

Joe teaches courses in engineering and business at the University of Illinois at Geis College of Business Bioengineering and Carl Illinois College of Medicine. His research focuses on product development-how information is used and managed within complex-product development systems. He builds quantitative and qualitative models to study these systems. He is a co-founder of Sun Buckets, Inc, a global company that develops, builds, and commercializes thermal energy storage technologies.

Retired School Administrator

Deloris P. Henry is a former school administrator and teacher.  She has devoted her life to equity in education, social justice, and community advocacy work. Dr. Henry has served on the Board of several community organizations, such as the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club (President), Girl Scouts Council, the Champaign County Mental Health Board (President for two terms), and is a member of the Champaign Rotary Club.

Financial Advisor and Portfolio Manager

Cozad Asset Management

Brett Anderson is a financial advisor and portfolio manager at Cozad Asset Management, where he helps individuals and businesses with financial planning, investing, tax preparation, and more. He is an alumnus of the University of Illinois as well as Lincoln Christian University Seminary, where he completed a Master of Divinity program. In addition to his financial advisory practice, Brett enjoys serving local churches through a variety of volunteer ministry opportunities and serves on the finance committee for several non-profit organizations, including DREAAM