What would you like to tell us about your heritage/identity?
I spent my childhood in San Juan del Rio, a small, beautiful city in Durango, Mexico My Mexican heritage has shown me to value family, hard work, loyalty and religion My values have contributed to my ability to pursue my goals and accomplish them Moreover, our tradition consists of celebrating any occasion and we love inviting family, friends
and friends of friends We celebrate cultural holidays such as Dia De Los Muertos, Los Reyes Magos, Dia del Niño, Mexican Independence Day, and Cinco De Mayo Growing up in my hometown I participated in Duranguense dances (durango dances) called Bailables and reenacting a Pancho Villa revolutionary movement
What is a source of pride for you in your heritage/identity?
For starters, Pancho Villa (1878-1923) was a famed Mexican revolutionary and guerrilla leader who advocated for the poor and land reform He ended the reign of a former president, Porfirio Díaz, who ruled over Mexico for 31 consecutive years
Pancho Villa led to the creation of a new government in Mexico
I take pride in the fact that his legacy began in my hometown as he was born there too
Additionally, I take pride in how festive and colorful my culture is I credit my heritage for my creativity, charisma, diplomacy, and work ethic
What do you wish our greater community knew about your heritage/identity?
I wish people knew how our core values and morals are passed down through generations We cherish our community, our family and friends We respect our elders Lastly, we love to share our culture with others, just as we enjoy learning and embracing those from different backgrounds, races and ethnicities
Barbara Hernandez
What would you like to tell us about your heritage/identity?
I'm a first-generation Mexican American. My mom was six months pregnant with me when she migrated to Aurora on Memorial Day of 1992
What is a source of pride for you in your heritage/identity?
My source of pride in my identity is my parents, who even though they left their home country that they could not return to in 21 years, tried their best to show me their traditions, language, and history I would also add that my community, which is majority Latino now, has empowered my identity by having events that represent my culture
What do you wish our greater community knew about your heritage/identity?
I wish our community could see that beyond the politics and stereotypes, Latinos are hardworking individuals who are very family oriented. They just want to provide for their families. My family struggled growing up with language access, lack of social security, lack of a good paying job, and lack of family support in this country However, they overcame all those obstacles and produced two college graduates who gave back to their hometown and one that was elected as a State Representative
Sandra Galindo Ramirez
What would you like to tell us about your heritage/identity?
I was born here in Aurora My parents, Fidel Galindo and Bertha Ramirez, were Mexican They met in Mexico City and fell in love My father decided to come to work with the support of relatives: Jesus and Elvira Vera, in the 50's My father worked at the John Deere factory, saved money, and they got married in Mexico They returned and started their family I am the second daughter, and I was born here in Aurora, just like my younger brother
We returned to Mexico when I was three and a half years old There I studied and worked as an elementary school teacher, as well as teaching math in high school I am currently retired
After 60 years I returned to Aurora, and I live with a cousin and her family on the same street where my parents began to live My cousins Vera told me the place where the house where I lived was located
Aurora has a special meaning for me Many Mexicans live here and maintain the common heritage: food, traditions, music and language.
Although I am not a migrant, I experience the problems of being one I am learning English at the library, and I hope to study it soon at Waubonsee Community College At work I practice English and I hope one day to be a teacher
This great country is built by migrants from all over the world and is full of opportunities to excel every day
Maria Jurado
What would you like to tell us about your heritage/identity?
My name is Marielena ArroyoJurado. I am a born native of Aurora, IL. Being a descendent of a Hungarian and Tex-Mex mother (a native herself) and a father of Mexican organs born out of the State of Guanajuato Mexico in the Valley of Santiago Capi Ranch, a small rural town on the edge of a valley alongside the mountains. Famous for its architectural and beautiful landscapes as well as colors. Along with its landmarks and famous museums. As a member and former Secretary of the Hispanic Heritage Board, it has always been a dream of mine to mentor, guide, and advocate for the Hispanic community and abroad. As a precinct committeewoman for the Aurora Township Democrats it's been my passion to lead and provide awareness of our diverse Hispanic community.
What is a source of pride for you in your heritage/identity?
The source of pride I have in my heritage is that the historic Legends and figures which came before me instilling the values and belief that has risen within me. Those legends consisting of Diego Rivera born in Guanajuato Mexico in 1886, a painter and revolutionist as wed helped establish the mural movement in Mexican and Industrial Art.
Other Legends are that of Miguel Hidalgo and Costilla as their roles played a significant part in the History of Mexico and the very reason, we celebrate our Independence today. As both began the Mexican Wars in village of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo) as the cry of Dolores was increased, the Historic EL GRITO we celebrate today. When Hidalgo range the bell of the Church on September 16th, 1810.
It's no wonder why my identity is described as resilient, brave, and strong. A smart and independent person who is willing to fight for the greater cause who isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. From art to politics, and policy.
What do you wish our greater community knew about your heritage/identity?
The things I wish our city and community members to know about my heritage is that my Mexican people are versatile and diverse as we are proud of our Native Ties and Heritage, for each part of Mexico celebrates its own cultural beliefs. We are known for our scene of humor, creativity, and joyfulness which is reflected in our Art, Music, Literature, and Festivals. Hispanics have contributed to American life since the American Revolution fighting every war since then. Hispanics continued to advance communities across the country as small business owners, veterans, teachers, public servants, amongst many other professions. It is because of these reasons why I want people to know about my identity as a Mexican-American and the difference of our unique but beautiful community.
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Tellusaboutyourself.
I am a museum professional and local history author who’s lived in Aurora since 2019 with my husband, Ashton. I’ve worked in the museum field for seven years as a curator and collections manager and currently work at the Schingoethe Center of Aurora University. In 2022, I was honored to be chosen as one of the inaugural members of the City of Aurora LGBTQ Advisory Board and am proud of the work we are doing for the community.
I truly wish that the greater community would look past the stereotypes and myths about LGBTQ+ people, especially trans individuals, that circulate often in the media. If you make the effort to get to know us, you will see that we just want to live our lives authentically, find happiness, and be a part of a community that respects and values everyone regardless of who they love and what gender they identify with. LGBTQ+ people want to make the world a better place so those who come after us can live in a more accepting and loving world.
I take great pride in the creativity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout history, we have made innovative contributions to politics, art, literature, healthcare, science, technology, and many other fields despite having to live in secrecy or face discrimination. Growing up queer, you learn how to untangle your identity from society’s expectations and be your truest, most authentic self. I believe this experience is what gives LGBTQ+ people a unique and much needed perspective on the world and its issues.
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My name is Cecilia Carrington, and I am a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community here in Aurora! I love traveling in the U.S. and spending time with my family. Being a part of the Queer community is very important to me because there are people from all walks of life who are passionate about sharing their stories and experiences.
Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is more than just attraction and sexuality. It affects the way we view the world around us. It’s easier to notice other social injustices when they are actively happening to you and your community. Queer people stand up for each other and those around them, no matter who they are!
I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by people who love and accept me, but I know that’s not everyone’s story. I want people to understand that it can be difficult for LGBTQ+ members to live authentically as themselves because of their home environment. Having safe spaces in the City of Aurora is important for many people like me to feel not only accepted but celebrated!
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Tellusaboutyourself
My name is Alexander (any/all pronouns), and I currently serve as the Minister of Family and Justice at a church in Naperville where I work with youth, children, and marginalized communities to teach about social justice. As a gay, autistic/ADHD person, I provide a specific focus on LGBTQIA+ and disability justice, and I work to highlight neurodivergent and queer voices in a field where such voices can still be dismissed and rejected. I love to use my art, whether through writing, poetry, dance, puppetry, or any other medium, to tell my story.
I take pride in being able to use my creativity to form bridges in my community, whether that involves creating an online dictionary of autistic terms and experiences or traveling to Pride events across Europe to form connections and learn about multicultural inclusivity efforts like I will do this summer.
I am proud to exist in such a way where younger kids can see autistic and queer voices in leadership and know that their identity, and the identity of those different from them, is incredibly powerful. They know that they can ask questions about anything they don’t understand and learn far more about queerness and neurodiversity than I could at that age. I can show the children in my setting what I seek to show my entire community: that there is a place for those like me. Having a different story to tell and challenging the standard image of leadership only enhances the strength of a community.
Tellusaboutyourself.
I love reading books, practicing yoga, wearing sarees, and of course shopping for handbags and shoes. I am one of your neighbors who lives close to Eola and Liberty. My connection with Aurora started nine years back when I decided to buy a house and move close to my dearest friend. This is a close-knit neighborhood, so I was able to make a lot of friends while I was dropping my kid at school, walking
around in the neighborhood or attending gatherings. I am a full-time software engineer, and a year and a half ago, I also became a licensed financial professional who advises on estate planning, basic family protections, and retirement solutions.
My family, who taught me to be independent, and yet stood by me when I fell apart. I was raised in a middle class family without any gender bias. Both my parents gave me freedom to choose the course of my life while embedding strong cultural values in me. They taught me to be like a coconut: strong on the outside to face challenges in life, and yet soft inside to be kind and considerate to others. They taught me how to be the hero of my story and a role model for my daughter.
Our culture is known for a lot of festivals and celebrations. The festivals’ main purpose is strengthening family ties, tasting the happiness in giving, and respecting and thanking Mother Nature, the five elements, and all the life on this planet. There are 51 festivals in India, 17 of which are nationally celebrated. I am sure most of you are aware of Diwali and Holi, so today I am going to bring two lesserknown celebrations to your attention (but any two are good):
1. Rakha Bandhan: When a sister thanks her brother for being her protector. This is to strengthen the ties between brothers and sisters.
2. Pongal, also known as harvest festival: This is to thank Mother Nature for giving a good yield. This festival is also about giving; a lot of people share their surplus harvest with the poor.
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I raised my family on Aurora’s east side, living here for 30+ years, volunteering for school activities, church, political campaigns, and advocating for peace and justice, racial justice, and immigration education and awareness. I’m currently Co-President of the Aurora Area League of Women Voters; past Acting Chair of the City’s Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board; served as the site coordinator for Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON), a free, Tellusaboutyourself. high-quality legal immigration clinic in Aurora; and cofounded the Aurora Times webzine I was born in Grenada, grew up in Wisconsin, and settled in Aurora I’m a proposal writer, community advocate, and nature lover
My South Asian heritage is both rich in Eastern history and tradition and a unique blend of Western culture derived from hard work and a new start in the Caribbean The South Asian diaspora did not lose their identity in the Caribbean, but
enhanced it by adapting to their new land and adopting new identities mixed with the African diaspora and others
My family is from Trinidad and Tobago, land of doubles, steel pan, Soca, and Carnival
Many South Asians don’t understand the depth and unique heritage of the diaspora For example, I am Indo-Caribbean
My ancestors migrated to the West Indies (Caribbean) following the abolition of slavery by Europe The plantation owners realized they still needed workers for the sugarcane fields and cocoa plantations, so they brought indentured servants from India to labor long hours in the fields Thus, I now claim a vibrant and rich heritage that is both Indian and Caribbean
Tellusaboutyourself.
I was born and raised in India I moved to this country because my husband was on a work visa here in the United States After briefly living in upstate New York and Detroit, we moved to Chicago Aurora has been my home since 2004 I came to the United States on a dependent visa and hence couldn’t work. So rather than sitting at home, I decided to volunteer my time at various
non-profit organizations, including Indian temples/churches I also enrolled myself in a dual degree program at UIC. I graduated with a 4 5/5 0 GPA and obtained my MBA in International Studies and MS in Management Information Systems Due to my involvement in various clubs and activities, I was also inducted into their Activities Honorary Society, a privilege only 15 students receive every year
Just before I graduated from UIC, I obtained my work permit, which allowed me to work in corporate America without any restrictions. I started my career at CNA with their project management team Since then, I have moved within the company and worked with various teams. I am also part of their Asian American Employee Resource Group The main motto of this group is to address the challenges faced by Asian Americans at work and to build cultural awareness with staff
I am a trained dancer in Indian Classical dance form Back in India, I finished my graduation in Bharatnatyam style of dance When I came to the United States, I brought my dance costumes, ghunghroos (bells) and my dance jewelry with me, with the hope that I might get an opportunity to perform. After being part of a few dance dramas in Detroit and the Chicagoland area, I was looking for
a more structured and consistent format I enrolled myself with Tarana School of Dance and Music in Aurora. The school teaches Kathak style of classical dance, which is one of the seven Indian Classical Dance forms I joined as a student, and now I am an assistant teacher in the same school After learning the art for almost 10 years, I became the first adult graduate student of this dance school to host a solo dance graduation stage ceremony called
“Rangmanch Visharad” Today, I impart the same knowledge to our upcoming generations. In addition to the theoretical knowledge, we merge the practical aspect to showcase its various implications It is my small attempt to retain the rich Indian cultural heritage within me and to pass it along to the next generation Today, my daughter also learns Kathak at the same dance school, and as my guru tells me to “Dream Big”, I wish that one day she will carry forward our legacy
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Tellusaboutyourself.
I am Ghousia Wajid, and my journey began in Hyderabad, India, before bringing me to the U S in 1987 Since settling in Illinois, I've proudly called Aurora/Naperville home for the past 25 years, where I live with my husband, two children, and two beloved cats
Throughout my life, I’ve embraced the roles of a working mom, businesswoman,
and committed neighbor, but my true passion lies in community service With over 20 years of experience across industries such as banking, retail, and consulting, I’ve dedicated myself to nurturing and strengthening our local community. I firmly believe in the importance of giving back, and I actively volunteer with numerous non-profit organizations in Aurora/Naperville Together, we can build a brighter future, fostering connections and support for all our neighbors.
As a proud Hyderabadi immigrant, I take immense pride in our rich heritage Our beautiful languages, vibrant cultural traditions, and deep commitment to education are
cornerstones of my identity Speaking Urdu at home keeps me closely connected to my roots, while our cherished traditions, such as celebrating Eid and savoring Hyderabadi cuisine, allow me to share the beauty of my culture with others. The strong emphasis on education within our community has not only inspired my personal journey but also motivated me to contribute meaningfully to society
This legacy of knowledge and tradition has been passed down through generations, evident in my children’s achievements, all of whom hold Master’s degrees Celebrating our heritage and its values enriches my life and fuels my commitment to honor and uplift our community
As a Muslim Hyderabadi from India, I am passionate about sharing the richness of our heritage with the community Our cultural identity is a vibrant mosaic of diversity, steeped in history and tradition Hyderabad beautifully embodies the blend of Islamic and Indian cultures, evident in our language, cuisine, and festivals. What I hope people recognize is that our identity is deeply rooted in values of hospitality and respect We celebrate the diverse tapestry of our community by embracing all languages, religions, and backgrounds. By fostering understanding and connection, we can create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and included, enriching our shared experience together.
G a n a p a t h i
Tellusaboutyourself.
Art is my passion. I see art in almost anything I see Preserving ancient art forms and tribal/folk art is important to me Numerous folk art forms prevail around the world which I would like to preserve and teach to future generations. I have been an Aurora resident for the past 20
years I grew up in India and migrated to the US after my marriage. I am an IT professional who spends her free time and weekends teaching commissioning and exhibiting art!
Art, music, and dance are all intertwined as part of the cultural heritage I am so proud of from India There is music, dance, or art for every occasion Homes and temples are adorned with art to present stories of epics or
nature as a visual tool. I come from a culture where family is most important In our culture, generations of families live in the same house, and it is passed on from one generation to another.
India/Bharat has a very diverse, colorful heritage. There are 18 official languages; each one has its own script and tongue This ancient country has existed for thousands of decades and preserves its culture even with so much diversity All fellow countrymen are treated as brothers and sisters Traditional art forms are carried on from ancient times even in the most urban settings of India It is a very colorful country with tons of food varieties to try
i S r i v a s t a v a
Tellusaboutyourself.
I was born and brought up in Delhi and moved to Chicago in 2020 just before COVID hit I really like Aurora, and I have made a lot of good friends within the community and outside the community I feel blessed for all the people I know here I work with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and I want to work towards destigmatizing the conversation around mental health and wellness in South Asian communities, because I feel there is a lack of mental health information and a prevalence of cultural or language barriers It prevents people in South Asian communities from accessing much-needed support I love spending time with my kids, who are 8 and 15, and I absolutely love going for long road trips in the United States
I am proud of Indian culture and heritage - how people are grounded and helpful As there are so many Indians living in Aurora, it can be clearly seen how religious and social they are I appreciate the family bonding culture and how kids in our families are extremely respectful and welcoming to their grandparents.
I believe there are many small festivals that people are unaware of, as they are not from the same South Asian community They may have a prejudice about those festivals, which is totally understandable; however, if they get to know our culture and rituals, I feel there will be a better understanding.
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Tellusaboutyourself.
My name is Abha, and I am a physical therapist, mother of two, and wife of one My favorite hobby is collecting experiences by trying new things and going on adventures with my kids I also LOVE reading and aim to pass on that love to my kids, so we are at the library often! I am from St Louis originally, moved to Aurora for my husband's job, and have loved learning about this city and all the wonderful things it offers I am currently trying to launch my own company called Mobility and Beyond to encourage healthy lifestyles as we age
As a culture, we value family, education, and grit We work hard and are willing to put in time and effort to reach our goals We also believe in God, in Karma, and helping each other We also love teaching others about our culture, so please, come ask. You can't know what you don't know, and we would love to share a meal with you!
I am proud to be IndianAmerican One of my favorite things about our culture is our love of a good party. We genuinely enjoy bonding with the community over good food and music, feeding our human needs both literally and figuratively Whether we are celebrating a life, a wedding, or just a regular Saturday, we do it with an open heart
PaTellusaboutyourself.
My name is Sunita Patel (Pandrangi). I’m an Asian American. My brother Shankar was born with a chromosomal abnormality. Growing up in a smaller town in Michigan with immigrant parents and a brother with a disability impacted me deeply. My parents' struggle along with my experiences has shaped who I am today.
Today, I’m a Registered Nurse and passionate learner, and I describe myself as a “philomath”. My work throughout my career has broadened my desire to help people. I have a wide spectrum of personal interests, as a community activist, lover of Indian classical dance and music, and women’s mental well-being. Living in this area has been extremely fulfilling to connect with this amazing community.
I’m proud of my heritage. My experiences have shaped who I am today. I was brought up in a town that, at the time, had only five Indian families. This unique experience provided me an amazing opportunity to explore my cultural heritage in a dynamic way. I was afforded opportunities to perform as a classically trained dancer and travel. I am very proud of our family in terms of our diversity. We have had the richness of many cultures blended into our family which has given our family a multicultural appreciation.
My heritage is a blend of cultures from the United States to countries such as Venezuela and England, along with my
work with the disability community This broad experience has afforded me the opportunity to easily relate to all types of people
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Tellusaboutyourself.
My name is Natalie Bonner. I have two beautiful children. I am the founder of a nonprofit organization, a business consultant, and a children's book author. I was born and raised in Aurora. I started my education at O'Donnell Elementary, then moved to the west side of town. Once I relocated, I attended Nancy L. Hill Elementary, Jefferson Middle School, and I graduated from West Aurora High School in 2000. Family and service to the community are extremely important to me. My family has been in Aurora for over 80 years.
My grandfather, the late Bishop William Haven Bonner, started his church, the Greater Mount Olive COGIC in 1944. In 1982, the City of Aurora renamed Pond Avenue to Bonner Avenue to celebrate my grandfather's contribution and impact in the community. My mom dedicated her career to serving troubled and at-risk youth. The Bonner family has a legacy in the city of Aurora.
My wish is that people know my family's legacy of giving, service, and excellence. Throughout life, I've experienced my family's leadership, not just in the church, but in the community as a whole: from my grandfather's preaching, to my grandmother’s cooking; from my mom's mentoring and counseling, to my aunt's teaching. I started my nonprofit because I had amazing examples in my family. My family's impact will last for generations to come.
I am a physician, married mother of five, and 20year resident of Aurora. I am a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. I grew up in lower Alabama in close proximity to Tellusaboutyourself. Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. I enjoy being with family, traveling, and living a life of continuing education and civic engagement. My goal is to serve my community through action and example.
On the maternal side, I am the 4times great-granddaughter of Ossie (or Osia depending on the historical record) and Iena Keeby (alternate spelling Keebie) who arrived in Mobile, Alabama on the Clotilda, the last slave ship to arrive in the USA. They were instrumental in founding Africatown. On the
paternal side, my grandmother immigrated from Barbados at the age of 19. Their stories of resilience and ultimately triumph are embodied in themselves and their descendants.
I think my particular story has the interesting element of including my categorization as an American Descendant of Enslaved Peoples, as well as being a descendant of someone who arrived on the Clotilda, in which enslavement was not the outcome despite the intention of those who commissioned the ship, and also an immigrant's story. I think it's reflective of the complexity of our backgrounds and experiences in this country.
Communit y VOICES
Tellusaboutyourself.
I am a sophomore at Millikin University studying art therapy. Art has always been my favorite thing. As a kid, I loved drawing skyscrapers, bridges, and landmarks. Lately, I’ve been focused on illustrating classic cars. Art, family, travel, mental health, social justice, education, and my faith are all important to me. I was born in Chicago but
have lived in Aurora since I was one. Even though I go to school at Millikin University in Decatur, Aurora is my home.
I’m proud of my family’s legacy of education and hard work. Both of my parents have professional degrees. My aunt is an attorney, and my uncle is a college professor. My grandparents were teachers, a minister, and a postal worker.
Many were college graduates; all highly valued education. As a Black family, they achieved so much despite the barriers they faced. I’m grateful for the path they paved and the example they set for me and others.
I want people to know that Black people face real barriers, but that doesn’t mean we lack the ability to succeed. My family proves we achieve academically, professionally, and financially through hard work and determination. Nothing is handed to us. I also want people to understand that I’m neurodivergent. It shapes how I experience the world, but it doesn’t limit me. I’m a proud Black neurodivergent young man with goals and a future.
I am a working mother and a Black author. I grew up in the church community! My father is a Black Baptist minister of New Jerusalem Baptist Church. My mother is a strong Black woman. She birthed fifteen children. I love how Aurora is like a family. Connect on many levels and trying to bring people of all backgrounds together.
I am an African American poet. A mother to three beautiful children! My son is in the United States Navy and two daughters in college. Tellusaboutyourself.
Black people have a rich history in Aurora. We are strong and resilient! Our faith guides us! African Americans are very caring and concerned for everyone’s well-being. Everyone they meet is family.
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Tellusaboutyourself. work extra hard and take nothing for granted. This laid the groundwork for my NIU degree in journalism, my 40year career in publishing, and my love for books, adventure, and travel Most recently, I am excited to have joined the APL Foundation Board of Directors
I have lived in Aurora for 30 years with my husband and two children Although I hadn’t imagined Aurora would be where I’d raise my children and call home, the city welcomed us, and it quickly became the community we needed all along. I grew up on the south side of Chicago. I’m the fifth of seven children born to working-class parents who migrated from South Carolina in the late 1950s My African American parents left the segregated Jim Crow South believing the move to Chicago would provide better opportunities for their children by offering them an education they were both denied. My father nurtured my love of reading by having me read aloud to him from local newspapers every Sunday morning. He reminded us that as African Americans in the United States, we’d need to
Growing up, my heritage was present in family gatherings where stories about ancestors were told around traditional southern cuisine These stories of relatives overcoming oppression instilled pride in my African American family
and strength of character that I don’t believe I’d have otherwise. I’ve continued the tradition of stories about ancestors with my children. I’ve also explored my own African ancestry and traced my lineage to the Bamilkeke (“people of faith”) peoples in Cameroon
African Americans are a resilient people for whom family goes beyond biology and often is extended to friends and neighbors Living in Aurora, I have found a diverse family in the public library, in Black- and minority-owned businesses, in the independent bookstore, the local theaters, the performing arts, and in the animal shelter (shout out to Bella) all these spaces make up the vibrant community that I’m proud to call home
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I was born and raised on the east side of Aurora. I received my education from East Aurora School District 131. I am the mother to 5 children and 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson, Kayden, who is nonverbal autistic. Tellusaboutyourself.
I am a community organizer and the director of Community Advocacy Awareness Network (CAAN), a 501(c)(3) organization. We serve youth, seniors, veterans, babies and moms, and advocate for bullying issues, autism, and IEP support in the school setting. I have a passion for serving families in need. Family stability is very important to me. I love collaborating with others to serve.
A source of pride for me is my family's legacy of giving, rooted in the values instilled by my mother, Beulah Fultz. Our family motto is to never look down on anyone regardless of
their race, gender, or status in life and always have an open heart, willing to give, because you never know when you may need someone in life. Having a prayerful life really makes a difference for me.
As an African American woman who has been blessed to overcome cancer and a stroke, I wish to inspire others with my story. It's essential to remember that no one defines your identity, your destination, or your capabilities. It is important to believe in diversity and unity. Challenges will arise, but
with the right mindset, you can overcome them. I stand as a testimony to the power of resilience and determination. You can do anything you put your heart and mind to!
H a r r i s
Tellusaboutyourself.
I am a social impact entrepreneur. My company, DVA Leadership & Development Training Consultants, offers leadership development training services. My work is in Team Development and Team Bonding. I am new to Aurora, IL. I came from Chicago's West Side where I still provide community harm reduction training. I have been married to my husband and training partner, Darryl Sr., for 40 years. We have 6 children and 16 grandchildren with 1 greatgrandchild. Our motto is Family First.
As a corporate trainer, we offer more than fifty percent of our services in underserved communities. It is our pleasure to skill, upskill and reskill Aurora's workforce. We want to ensure today's workforce is prepared for the challenges ahead of us in an ever changing world.
Our TRUE story. African Americans have been central to every chapter of U.S. history —from the Revolutionary War to modern technology, music, politics, and beyond. To separate Black history from American history is to leave out key contributors, innovations, and stories of resilience and brilliance.
Communit y VOICES
Tellusaboutyourself.
I have lived in Aurora for more than 40 years since moving here from Chicago’s South Side. I am a graduate of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL where I majored in Journalism. I came to Aurora after landing a public relations position at Northern Illinois Gas Company corporate headquarters in Naperville, IL. My young family enjoyed Aurora’s libraries where my twins, boy and girl, enjoyed the children’s library and my wife and I checked out books regularly. Aurora was a diverse city with nice people who helped one another.
Rearing twins in Aurora was wonderful. Our children attended
Nancy Hill and Saint Joseph elementary schools. They attended West Aurora High School and excelled in a diverse educational environment. Our son played on the 1997 Class AA West Aurora Basketball team that finished second in the State High School Basketball Championship.
Our daughter was selected Who’s Who Among American High School Students in 1994|95. We met wonderful people like the Hayden Family who we remain friends with today.
I had the opportunity to work for some of the most outstanding companies and organizations that
shaped my life and career. I worked for the Chicago Defender newspaper as a freelance journalist and photographer; served as Director of Communications for
the two top youth-serving organizations in Chicago. Those opportunities paved the way for me to join the national public relations firm for McDonald’s Corporation and later the Aurora Economic Development Commission as Assistant Director and Executive Director from 1999-2012.
Communit y VOICES
Tellusaboutyourself.
I’m a writer, youth advocate, and special education assistant who has lived in Aurora for 24 years. I’m the founder of Believe and Be Brave, where I write a series of guided journals and teach self-esteem workshops that help elementary-age students believe in themselves so they can take brave action toward their goals. I also run Stacey M Design, where I design greeting cards and gifts that promote positivity and self-love. I grew up in the Northeast in
Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey and now proudly call Aurora home. I’m married and have a son in college. Helping young people feel seen, valued, and confident is my passion.
I’m proud to be the author of eight guided journals for students. After my son experienced trauma during his school years, I created tools to help him rebuild his confidence, and now I help other kids do the same. Through my work, I support students in understanding their worth, embracing their uniqueness, and celebrating their achievements. Turning a difficult experience into something that uplifts others is one of my greatest sources of pride.
As a Black woman, I was raised by parents who were active in the civil rights movement. From an early age, they taught my sister and me that we could do anything we set our minds to, even when society tried to limit us. My work is rooted in that belief. I want all kids, including my son, to understand their worth and feel valued, especially those harmed by negative messages about who they are.
