I CHOOSE ILLINOIS - Zach Shields - Decatur, IL Public Schools Foundation

I CHOOSE ILLINOIS - Zach Shields - Decatur, IL Public Schools Foundation

Decatur Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Zach Shields might have started out as a Buckeye but he’s all Illinois now. His job at the Foundation gives him a broad platform to help influence and impact Decatur’s youth from working with philanthroper Howard Buffet on a “Welders to Wall Street” strategy to engage urban youth in becoming involved in and discovering careers in agriculture to providing cultural learning opportunities in other countries, Zach is leading the way.  Zach chooses Illinois because it is a fertile ground for creative minds and a great place to pool positive energy. Learn more about his Illinois story in this week’s podcast.

I CHOOSE ILLINOIS - Abby Colvin - Knox County Partnership in Galesburg, IL

Varna, Illinois – native Abby Colvin had to leave Illinois to truly appreciate her Midwest -humble, central Illinois, upbringing. A job with Easter Seals took her to Florida, but she was back in Illinois within a year and now extols the virtues of the state not only in her job as Director of Communications and Development at the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development but also in her outside activities which include re-invigorating the local Young Professionals Network. Learn why Abby chooses Illinois in today’s podcast.

I CHOOSE ILLINOIS - Terrence "Tat" Taylor in Decatur, IL

We REALLY enjoyed this! What an inspiring story! Joy. Positivity. Love. Decatur, Illinois’ Terrence “Tat” Taylor Chooses Illinois because he knows that by working together we will all be better. His motto is “Connecting, Correcting and Directing” and his advice to everyone is simple: “Turn Your Passion Into Your Profession and Your Profession Will Turn to Profit” Almost 20 years ago as a teenage father Terrence A. Taylor, better known as Tat, decided to really engage with his hometown of Decatur. He wanted to be involved in bettering where he lived not only for himself, but others who grew up near him and, most importantly, for his young daughter. When Tat was growing up, other than his parents, he didn’t really see young, African American, influencers. He wanted to change that and be present in people’s lives. Stepping out of his comfort zone, Tat picked up the community newspaper, and a locally produced magazine called Thrive, scouring for activities where he thought his point of view could make a difference and simply started showing up. He didn’t wait to be asked. And, he was often the only person under 30, the only person of color and the only person who grew up in his part of the city that was in the room. Speaking to him now, it’s hard to believe that he is the same self-described, shy kid whose biggest aspirations were to be a radio DJ. Starting with a studio in the closet of his room where his sister was a big get for an interview and the greatest worry he had was finding the perfect on-air name, Tat has expanded those dreams much farther not only for himself but for hundreds if not thousands in his circle. Tat has done and continues to do it all – school family support coordinator; Decatur schools 2.0 mentor; board member for Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Beautify Decatur committee member and volunteer; DJ and #1 Decatur radio personality. He firmly believes that what you put out is what you get back out of each day and each interaction. In recent years, Tat’s roles have expanded geographically. O’Shea Builders asked him to be the face of their campaign geared to attracting more minorities to construction trades jobs and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has made him the DJ for all Illini sporting events. Even with all of this, he continues to focus on mentoring, believing the best way to help our youth is by connecting, correcting and directing. Tat and long-time friend Bennie Smith, Jr. are in the process of opening another mentoring venture. The Suite 704 is a place where young adults can begin to realize their radio and video broadcast dreams.

I CHOOSE ILLINOIS - Morris Mayor Chris Brown

Mayor Chris Brown is a lifelong resident of Grundy County whose family has been in the Morris area for five generations. He has a refreshing perspective on the positive attributes of Illinois and a contagious enthusiasm for Morris and Grundy County and all they have to offer residents, employers, and visitors to the area. If you have never visited Morris, put it on your list and enjoy the vibrant downtown and activities taking place throughout the year. As the city slogan states: “Visit for a Day and Stay for Life!”

I CHOOSE ILLINOIS - The Outlet in Springfield

Michael Phelon knew he had a calling to help fatherless boys and young men on their path to adulthood. As a result, The Outlet was founded in Springfield, Illinois, and has grown over the last 14 years into a beacon of hope for countless individuals who might have otherwise not had positive, relatable male role models. And now, the program has expanded, moving into a new facility and creating a presence throughout Central Illinois. Boys and young men ages 8-22 are paired with The Outlet's role models. Mentor and mentee pairs develop strong, lifelong relationships through discussing topics related to life and the journey to manhood, participating in group workshops, and taking educational trips together. The program has achieved significant outcomes. Participants of this program have graduated high school, gone on to college or trade school, become entrepreneurs, and even returned to The Outlet to become a mentor! Participants also report feeling more confident in their identity and purpose. Michael Phelon and the staff and volunteers of t The Outlet are making a difference and helping us all remember the efforts behind the scenes that help Elevate Illinois.