November 20th, 2025
Last night, I did a ride along with the Urbana police. It’s important to know where the issues are happening in our community, and why they are happening. I learned so much, asked them some really tough questions, and am planning to start attending the Alternative Response Task Force meetings.
The work police do is integral to public safety. The majority of their calls are domestics and mental health related, and I want to continue working with them to learn and expand how they incorporate social workers into their protocol.
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
Today I met with Dr Jennea Klingenberg, Founder & Executive Director of the HOYCE Center. The HOYCE Center is a non-profit that provides items like toiletries, clothes, diapers, school supplies, and toys for children and their families. Last year, the HOYCE Center donated $243,000 worth of items to children and families in need.
Dr Klingenberg could use a lot of help with sorting donations. If you love to organize, or would just like to volunteer, go to https://www.hoycecenter.org/volunteer-at-hoyce
November 13th, 2025
Today I met with Chief Larry Boone, the Chief of Police at the Urbana Police Department. He has served for the past two years, and brought his data driven experience with him to our community.
I learned that in our community there are three main categories of calls that Urbana Police generally receive and they are noise violations, domestic violence, and mental health calls. Currently the Crisis Co-Response Team that consists of mental health clinicians ride with the officer to support police in de-escalating situations.
Chief Boone also talked about how the effects of redlining are still reverberating in Urbana. As a person of color, he has great insight into approaching these communities by following what he calls PIE (prevention, intervention, and enforcement). He does this by partnering with agencies such as Courage Connection, who helps families affected by domestic violence.
Currently, the Urbana Police Department is working with the Alternative Police Response team to bring social workers and mental health professionals in to support police work.
Tonight there is a Reimagining Public Safety Town Hall at the I-Hotel in Champaign to discuss proven and new solutions to end gun injury in Illinois. Mayor Williams, Mayor Feinen, Representative Ammons, and Chief Boone will all be speaking.
Chief Larry Boone and Mayor DeShawn Williams of Urbana
November 11th, 2025
Today, I met with the Director of the New American Welcome Center, an organization that welcomes immigrants who are new to our community and connects them with vital local resources, including legal and family support services. In Champaign County, over 25,500 residents, more than one in eight (12.2%), are foreign-born. These individuals and families enrich our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. They strengthen our economy, our cultural life, and our shared civic identity.
We need streamlined legal pathways for work, education, and citizenship; protection for DACA recipients and dreamers, who contribute daily to our communities; and investment in local integration efforts, such as language access, workforce development, and cultural competent healthcare.
The Immigrant Relief Fund through the New American Welcome Center is seeking donations. If you would like to contribute, go to https://nawc.universityymca.org/sup.../immigrant-relief-fund
November 11th, 2025
Yesterday, I met with Hannah Velasco, Recruiting and Training Coordinator at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). CASA volunteers serve as guardians ad litem for children in the child welfare system, ensuring that every child’s voice is heard from the moment a case enters court.
In Illinois, foster care now supports youth from birth through age 21. When I went through Missouri’s child welfare system in the 1990s, jurisdiction ended at 17, before legal adulthood. I went through the system twice, and I wish I’d had that extended support past the age of 17. If not for my adoptive family, who paid for my mental health care and gave me a safe home, I wouldn’t have made it through college. I’m grateful that today’s youth receive the additional time and care I once needed.
Hannah and I discussed the growing shortage of long-term therapeutic and healthcare providers who accept Medicaid, as well as the limited availability of foster homes. We also talked about how rising poverty directly increases cases of neglect, an urgent concern as SNAP and WIC face uncertain futures.
CASA in Champaign needs more volunteers to advocate for children who cannot advocate for themselves. If you’re interested in making a life-changing difference, please consider volunteering at https://casa4kids.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/
November 5th, 2025
Today, I met with Jess Sturges, Program Manager of Advocacy and Campaigns at Planned Parenthood. Among their most-used services are STI testing, contraception, and cancer screenings — critical forms of preventive care.
I support Planned Parenthood because I believe everyone deserves medical privacy and access to comprehensive, compassionate healthcare. I believe that in order to preserve the sanctity of life; care, education, and prevention need to remain accessible to all.
As a social worker, I believe in building a society that supports life through compassion — by investing in the social resources that allow every birthing person the security and care needed to choose to raise their child.
To donate to Planned Parenthood of Illinois, go to https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/onlineactions/cOJVhOyrzkq4uBcxVekXFA2?sourceid=1000065&affiliateID=090430&affName=Planned+Parenthood+of+Illinois&refwidget=Historic_Donate_Button&_gl=1*1chzhfd*_gcl_au*MTEzNzE0MTU5LjE3NjIzODQ1NjE.*_ga*MzU5MzI4MTY2LjE3NjIzODQ1NjE.*_ga_ENXC8KHJL8*czE3NjIzODQ1NjAkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjIzODQ2NTEkajI5JGwwJGgxMzY1MTQzNzk0
November 4th, 2024
Today, I met with Cedar King, the Men’s Program Director at C-U at Home, a mid-barrier shelter for individuals who are experiencing homelessness. We talked about how important social support systems, such as family and generational wealth, are in being a safety net for those in danger of becoming unsheltered. We also discussed how clients can work full-time jobs, and still be unhoused because housing prices are astronomical right now.
We need to protect benefits like SNAP and WIC, as well as Medicaid and Medicare so that lack of food and healthcare don’t exacerbate housing insecurity. We need to pay living wages that keep up with housing inflation, and to provide the financial footing for those without generational wealth to be able to also build equity. We need to build more low- to middle-income housing, and expand rent stabilization policies. These are all issues I will fight for if elected to Congress.
To donate to or volunteer for C-U at Home, go to https://www.cuathome.us/
October 30th, 2025
Yesterday, I met with Maria Jimenez, Executive Director of Immigration Services of Champaign Urbana (ISCU). ISCU offers case management, bilingual mental health, a food insecurity program, free transportation, and a donations warehouse for immigrants, all while using a trauma informed approach.
Many immigrants, documented and undocumented, are utilizing fewer social services, like healthcare, food assistance, or legal aid, because they fear surveillance and immigration enforcement. Policies of surveillance and enforcement have made safety feel conditional, turning survival itself into a risk. Families should not have to choose between safety and survival. Trust is not a luxury. It is a public safety tool. When immigrants feel safe seeking help, our whole community becomes safer, stronger, and healthier.
To donate to ISCU visit https://www.isc-u.org/copy-of-money.
October 29th, 2025
Yesterday, I met with Jill Duden, Regional Council Manager at Birth to Five, Region 9. Birth to Five provides regional needs assessments related to families and early childhood education. They have discovered such gaps as lack of transportation to and from rural communities; a shortage of childcare workers; and lack of comprehensive, cohesive, wrap around services for families in our community.
#UniversalChildCare is an absolute necessity in addressing the shortage of teachers in the workforce. Increased wages, and financial and social support services can incentivize their labor. Instead of increasing tuition, which is a burden for families already paying a hefty price for #daycare, moving to universal child care will change the conditions that cause inadequate amounts of #teachers in the early childhood education work force. It transforms the problem from a private burden to a public good, and is a win-win situation for the teachers and the families they serve.
More information can be found at their website: https://www.birthtofiveil.com/region9
October 26th, 2025
October 16th, 2025
This week, I visited with Ashlee Lambert, Executive Director of Development, at Caritas Family Solutions. Caritas serves 58 counties, mostly located in Southern Illinois, and is a wrap-around organization that offers numerous child and family services, behavioral health support, and community outreach.
Wrap-around agencies prioritize holistic approaches, and are vitally important to client care. Comprehensive mental health systems that interface with hospitals and legal entities provide the continuity of care that meets the gold standard for patients. If elected, I will push for better community organization between social services through collaborative meetings and projects.
Caritas' donation link is at https://caritasfamilysolutions.org/donate/
October 15th, 2025
Yesterday, I met with Jennifer Tiemann, Assistant Director of Metro East Every Survivor Counts, an agency that provides medical and legal advocacy, and counseling to sexual assault survivors.
Jennifer talked about meeting survivors at emergency rooms and at police stations to provide crisis intervention, legal options, and communicate with hospital staff and police.
As a social worker, I really appreciated Jennifer’s honesty about burnout. Caring for others, especially under pressure, can be exhausting. Mental health professionals and direct providers need to make space for their own self-care without feeling guilty.
Visit https://www.metroeasteverysurvivorcounts.org/ to make a donation.
October 15th, 2025
Yesterday, I met with Amber Clayborne, who founded the Keregende Foundation, to learn about their social service. Keregende provides individuals and families impacted by sexual abuse with assistance, advocacy, and support. It prioritizes under-resourced communities in Southern Illinois, such as East St Louis and Belleville, where the majority of children are Black and come from low-income households.
Keregende provides free individual therapy for survivors, non-offending caregiver support groups, family case management, prevention education, and financial assistance to families of survivors.
As an elected official, I will support agencies that focus on sexual abuse, push for more funding, and advocate for laws that protect and advance the well-being of survivors and their families.
Keregende accepts donations at this link: https://kerengendefoundation.org/donate/
Amber wrote her own graphic novel because there isn't enough literature out there about families of color impacted by sexual abuse
The summer camp kids decorated their own mannequins as an empowerment exercise. This is the mannequin that they all created together. I love that they put fortunes from fortune cookies on it.
Clothing/Hygiene bags for survivors
Amber and me
October 4th, 2025
September 28th, 2025
September 27th, 2025
Yesterday I met with ACCORD (the Asian American Coalition Combatting Oppression, Racism, and Discrimination), a registered student organization at the U of I to discuss policies affecting the Asian American community. We talked about the model minority myth; immigration and discriminatory laws; and how my own experiences as an Asian American female influence my policy perspectives today.
If elected, I will stand up for the protection and expansion of laws affecting marginalized communities, I will work to invest in minority owned businesses, and I will continue to seek guidance and advocate for the policies that these communities want to see.
Day in the life running for congress! #womeningovernment #CollinsvilleIL #italianfestival #dayinthelife
September 17th, 2025
Today I met with Elevated Access, a non-profit that provides air transportation nationwide at no cost for patients and providers to travel for #abortions and #genderaffirmingcare. Since their inception in April 2022, they have helped 3,000 passengers.
As a mother who used IVF, I needed to be able to make medical decisions with my doctor to keep myself and my baby safe. In order to act in my and my baby’s best interests, I needed those decisions to not be criminalized.
As a social worker, I want every #birthingperson to have the resources they need if they choose to keep the baby. But people have a right to bodily autonomy and health privacy, and I honor that.
If you would like to donate or volunteer to this wonderful organization, go to elevatedaccess.org
September 15th, 2025
I am against Carbon Capture and Sequestration #mahometaquifer #noccs #nocarboncaptureandsequestration
September 14th, 2025
Yesterday, I met with the Family Roots Pilot Program that gives healing to African American descendants of enslaved individuals through the opportunity to connect with their heritage through genealogy and historical research.
I had a really wonderful experience, and got to do one of my favorite things: collect stories.
I heard stories of a Black man who was so dark-skinned that he hated looking in the mirror, but in the process of learning his lineage, he learned to see his own physical features as beautiful.
I heard stories of grown men crying, that after a lifetime of chasing awards and achievements, they could finally feel a sense of identity and belonging after meeting living relatives.
I heard stories about people desperately wanting to know where their last names came from, and stories of reunification of families that were wrongfully separated.
Family roots are an important part of who we are.
When I asked Family Roots what I could do to support them, they said to share about their organization so that others can discover their ancestors and living relatives. Their website is takir.org.
Dr. LaKisha David
September 12th, 2025
On Wednesday, I went to Motherland Gardens in Springfield and met with founder, Yves Doumen, to learn more about urban agriculture, investing in low-income neighborhoods, and providing free, organic produce for those who are food insecure. Motherland Gardens offers cooking classes and programs for kids and college students. It was really neat to see them building trust with the community by serving them.
You can volunteer or make a donation to Motherland Gardens at https://www.motherlandcommunityproject.org
First we harvested the crops
We then put them on a drying rack
This is called an infinite composter. Yves and his team use it to keep food scraps from the landfill. The organization material turns into fertile soil, and then is grated in clumps to be used for planting.
Yves built Motherland Gardens on land that once had a condemned home on it. You can see where the old concrete foundation was of the house, and how Yves has built rich, fertile soil on top of it to grow his crops.
24/7 Food Pantry
These tires were left on the property, and Yves repurposed them as flower beds. He is currently looking for a painter to paint the tires.
Then we washed them
Washing station
Then we weigh, sort, record, and bag the produce for distribution
Bees
September 3rd, 2025
Today I met with Julia Cronin, Coordinator at Urbana-Champaign Books to Prisoners. I learned that:
*The two most popular books prisoners request from UC Books to Prisoners is first, the dictionary (which they can request every five years), and second GED prep books.
*Other popular book topics are starting your own business, trade job skills, and reentry subjects (like how to use the internet or a cell phone).
*Banned book topics included sexuality and gender, maps of Illinois, how to survive off the grid, and how to cast a magic spell.
Those who are incarcerated want to learn and grow; and most importantly, want a successful reentry into society. When formerly incarcerated people leave prison with more education and skills, they not only better their own personal lives, but also contribute positively to society. Access to books is a right, not a privilege, and this should be reflected in our policies.
UC Books to Prisoners will be having their next book sale on November 1st, 9am-5pm at the IMC in Urbana.
September 3rd, 2025
My speech at the rally in Springfield on #LaborDay
August 29th, 2025
Today I had the privilege of meeting with First Followers Champaign-Urbana and H3 (Harm, Healing, and Hope) in Champaign County.
First Followers is doing critical work supporting people as they reenter society after incarceration. H3 brings together organizations across our community to confront violence with compassion, healing, and hope.
Right now in Illinois, people leaving prison are given just $25 and expected to rebuild their lives. That’s not enough. We need more transitional social workers and case managers to help with the basics, IDs, bus passes, birth certificates, and we need housing laws that prioritize keeping families together.
When we give people the tools to succeed, we strengthen our entire community. Preventing cycles of poverty and incarceration isn’t just the moral choice, it’s the practical one. It lowers costs, reduces recidivism, and creates safer, healthier neighborhoods for all of us.
I encourage you to learn more about these incredible organizations and support their work:
August 26th, 2025
Today I had the opportunity to meet with the Executive Director of the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans (IARA). We talked about the important work they’re leading to protect programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security while ensuring dignity in retirement for all Illinois seniors.
With recent attacks in Congress through the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that threatens to undermine these hard-earned benefits, supporting organizations like IARA is more important than ever. As the population of seniors continues to grow, we must organize and stand together to safeguard retirement security. I look forward to working alongside IARA to make sure older Americans have the security and respect they deserve.
August 19th, 2025
Domestic violence is one of the top health concerns in the United States.
Over 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the U.S. have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime.*
Today I met with Valena Hedin from Courage Connection, a community resource and education outreach center, and an emergency and transitional shelter for domestic violence survivors.
I will work towards comprehensive funding for domestic violence shelters and agencies across IL-13 and support legislation expanding education and awareness in teen dating and gun violence.
Courage Connection will be having a free community event on October 18th, 12-3pm, at The Yard on Broadway in Urbana. Everyone is invited!
* Black, M.C., Basile, K.C., Breiding, M.J., Smith, S.G., Walters, M.L., Merrick, M.T., Chen, J., & Stevens, M.R. (2011). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 Summary Report. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
August 18th, 2025
Every social service agency I’ve talked to has expressed a need for affordable housing in District 13.
Today I was able to speak with Neighborhood Services with the City of Champaign, and ask them what support I can advocate for.
Housing is the foundation for social services to be effective, and lack of access can have a ripple effect that negatively impacts a person’s ability to utilize resources.
We need to end housing discrimination, build more low- to middle-income housing, and get more beds in shelters. To do this, we need to create and designate more funding to these issues.
Something I learned today was that if you live in the City of Champaign, you can register your neighborhood into a Registered Neighborhood Group. Benefits include receiving technical and financial assistance, small grants, and more.
Here’s the link if you’d like to register your neighborhood:
August 14th, 2025
Today I met with Charlotte Alvarez from The Immigration Project. The Immigration Project provides legal and social services to immigrants of all status. We discussed the impact of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” immigration issues in rural areas, and the need for more bilingual social workers.
My biological mother was an immigrant, and our family had contact with the child welfare system twice. We could have really benefited from a comprehensive program like The Immigration Project, and I wish our community had this service when I was growing up.
The Immigration Project is having its Annual Fundraising Luncheon on October 9th in Normal, IL. Everyone is invited, although you do have to register:
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSep33Aq64tYgR.../viewform
August 9th, 2025
Made By Martians is a local, minority-owned business that makes purses, pouches, and lanyards. Their products are vibrant, creative, and practical; and you can purchase their items through @made.bymartians on Instagram and bagsmadebymartians.etsy.com. They are a mother-daughter duo, and talking with them today sincerely made my day!
These were my two favorite pencil cases (the top picture is a map of London)
Owners and creators: Simon Rose, Celestine, Erin Stubing
Look at these gorgeous patterns and colors!
August 6th, 2025
Healthcare and shelter are a human right.
Today I talked with my longtime friend, Darya Shahgheibi, Executive Director of the Greater Community AIDS Project (GCAP) of East Central Illinois. We’ve both seen first-hand how stigma around mental health affects policy – in the requirements and restrictions for affordable housing, and in accessibility of healthcare. We need to destigmatize mental health in our policies, and work towards policies that help all members of our community, regardless of health status.
GCAP is hosting a 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, October 19th, 2025, and they could use sponsors, volunteers, and in-kind donations (such as snacks, bottled water, etc.) If you’re interested in contributing, message GCAP at info@gcapnow.com.
August 1st, 2025
Today, I met with a dear friend of mine, Brittney Walker, who is starting a nonprofit, Bubble Baby Foundation, that ensures that every child has access to allergy free foods. Food is already expensive, but it can be even more costly if you have a specialized diet. Those who can’t afford an allergy free diet often can not meet appropriate food requirements at a food pantry or convenient store, for example.
Brittney is currently looking for a large space for her food pantry, a large refrigerator, and a deep freezer. If you’re able to donate or provide these items at a low cost, then you can contact her at https://bubblebabyfoundation.org/
July 31st, 2025
Today, I spoke with Brian Dolinar, an on-the-ground journalist who reports on local social justice issues. This morning, Brian and I discussed immigration reform, sanctuary cities, and undocumented immigrants as actual human beings (not just cheap labor that our economy depends upon).
To follow Brian, go to https://briandolinar.substack.com/
#immigrationreform #sanctuarycities #undocumentedimmigrantsarehumanbeings
July 31st, 2025
Look at this sign I free-hand drew all by myself for Saturday’s protest!
July 31st, 2025
I am half-Taiwanese and I was excited to take N to the Taiwan Adventure at the Champaign Public Library. He is one-quarter Taiwanese, and it was nice to see him enjoy many of my childhood hobbies that I haven't had a chance to pass down to my own kids.
July 30th. 2025
Amazing event Lowe Lowe!! Love and peace always wins!
July 25th, 2025
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting with Joshua Gavel, Executive Director of Uniting Pride. As part of our conversations about various issues impacting the LGBTQIA+ community, we discussed the large proportion of the community that is unhoused.
We need to address the issues that cause this concerning proportion of trans and nonbinary people being mistreated at or entirely rejected from shelters for unhoused folks.
We need to remove barriers for the LGBTQIA+ community, such as identification requirements that mandate the gender binary, and that prohibit people from displaying their chosen name.
We need to do more! It’s time to really stand up for the LGBTQIA+ community! Transgender rights are under attack at every level. No more excuses!
If you're interested in supporting and learning more about Uniting Pride, make sure to go to www.unitingpride.org.
July 19th, 2025
I spent yesterday afternoon with Lynn and Britny from Tricoci University of Beauty Culture in Urbana, and they told me about some of the neat community-building aspects of their school.
The “Vitality Project” is a new curriculum that offers mental health skills so that stylists can not only listen empathically to their clients, but can also learn coping mechanisms for the stylists themselves.
The program also braids and cuts hair for FREE at the Champaign Farmers Market on Tuesday evenings. As part of this effort, Lynn has been focused on bringing in expert teachers who work with Black clients, which has changed the demographic not only of the students, but also their clients.
I got a really cute haircut there and appreciated the family- and community-oriented vibe between students and teachers, which is another aspect Lynn and Britny work hard to provide.
Here’s their website if you’d like more information about their services:
July 17th, 2025
Protesting is…
Honoring our past after it’s been erased,
Resisting division by coming together, and
Speaking out when the world wants us silenced.
Tonight we protested in John Lewis fashion, with peace, love, and solidarity at the Good Trouble Lives On rally. We’re not backing down from those who’d rather we kept quiet. #goodtroubleliveson
July 8th, 2025
I had a great time learning about the exciting opportunities Housing Authority of Champaign YouthBuild is providing for Young adults in our local community.
July 8th, 2025
Today I met with transportation expert and dear friend, Michael Kilcullen. I didn’t realize the impact of transportation on social justice factors, but pretty much any community problem involves some sort of direct or indirect influence from transportation!
July 8th, 2025
Today I visited with The Autism Program (TAP), and was amazed at all of their many free services.
I attached some of the pictures of the materials they make. Make sure to read the captions because they are brilliantly creative.
If you’d like to make a financial donation, please visit: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/48940/donations/new...&
This is a bookmark that also serves as a reading window for people who need assistance with tracking or concentration.
This is a Minecraft mood chart! It’s so creative!
Keeping our hands to ourselves for those interested in Spider-Man.
I need this one! The person gets to remove a puzzle piece every 10 minutes. When all the pieces are off, the person has earned screen time.
Playroom
June 28th, 2025
Today C and I went to the Individible Illinois State Convening. I learned so much, and the energy at the convening makes me even more motivated to LISTEN and WORK.
It’s time to hold the President accountable for violating the constitution, deceiving and misinforming voters, and funneling tax dollars to his billionaire buddies.
That’s why my campaign slogan is “We’re not backing down.” I’m working hard to be your public servant, and to represent you fairly!
Please consider donating to my campaign so I can continue advocating!
June 27th, 2025
This morning I read my two favorite childhood books to the scholars at the Champaign Freedom School. There’s something so special about sharing your childhood memories with the next generation of children.
These scholars are so energizing! What a great way to start the weekend!
Here is the signup genius if you’d like to volunteer:
June 21st, 2025
Today I met with Kristin Radcliffe, who has a private therapy practice in O’Fallon, IL (http://www.kbradcliffe.com/ ). I’m grateful to hear her experiences in working with the LGBTQ+ community, and to continue learning as we keep in touch.
Hearing the stories of marginalized communities can be painful, but that’s why I’m running for Congress. Kristin gave me the encouragement I needed today, and renewed my strength in fighting for and with underrepresented communities.
Please consider making a donation through my website so I can continue to meet with social service agencies to better advocate for IL District-13.
June 20th, 2025
Today I met with Julie Pryde, Administrator of CUPHD (Champaign-Urbana Public Health District). If you know Julie, you know all the work she’s done to lead our community through some of our most significant health crises.
Their website is https://www.c-uphd.org/ and they have lots of helpful programs and resources. I attached a picture of their free food pantry, just for an example.
CUPHD also accepts donations of children’s books. I provided a picture if you’d like to contribute. They also have some volunteer positions available.
Please consider making a donation through my website so I can continue to meet with social service agencies to better advocate for IL District-13.
June 19th, 2025
Tonight I met with Susie; a single mother of three girls, one of which is special needs. Susie has been a fierce advocate for her daughter, especially when it comes to her education. Check out all the amazing educational materials Susie created!
As everyone knows, having a special needs child can be expensive. One of Susie’s daughters is a very talented and successful athlete. If you feel inclined to donate to her travel funds for her championship, I know they would appreciate it (see QR code).
If you live in IL District-13, and would like to share your story with me, please contact me through my website.
