Beatrice Bonner

Melodie Parrish is the author of 8 Months of Hell: My Journey with PTSD . She spoke to Community Voices about the process of writing her book, as well as her experience with PTSD and traumatic brain injury.For more information visit: https://www.8monthsofhell.com/

Rev. Martin Woulfe serves the Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist congregation in Springfield. He spoke to Community Voices about inclusivity and the role of faith leaders in social justice efforts.

Thanks to a Healing Illinois grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Field Foundation of Illinois, administered by the United Way of Central Illinois, the NPR Illinois team is visiting several diverse communities to discuss what it's like to live in central Illinois. In this LISTEN session, you hear from international students that attend UIS as they discuss their experiences in Springfield, some of the challenges they face, and how they work to keep their culture alive away from home.

Jason Frazier is the CEO and president of MindsEye Radio. He spoke to Community Voices about MindsEye’s mission to create an inclusive community by translating vision into audio for those who are blind or visually impaired.

Thanks to a Healing Illinois grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Field Foundation of Illinois, administered by the United Way of Central Illinois, the NPR Illinois team is visiting several diverse communities to discuss what it's like to live in central Illinois. In this LISTEN session you hear from members of the Black community at the Springfield Urban League's Empowerment Center as they discuss the challenges they face and how they work toward positive change in Springfield.

Courtney Blankenship is a Petersburg resident hosting an upcoming workshop at 1st and 3rd Boutique and Wine Bar on Saturday, June 22, entitled “There is Power in Asking for What You Want.” She spoke to Community Voices about her experience as a life coach, as well as her background in music business.

Esports is a form of organized competition using multiplayer video games. This form of competition has been very popular among high school and college students. The University of Illinois Springfield unveiled their new Esports arena in September 2023. The arena is located in Founders Residence Hall. Jay Swenson UIS Assistant Director of Campus Recreation and Zach Logsdon UIS Information Technology Services IT Technical Associate spoke to Community Voices about the journey to bring the esports arena to campus, Zach's process of building the gaming computers, and about the UIS Esports team. They also discuss misconceptions of esports. Click here for more information about esports at UIS.

The American Heart Association is an organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. They also promote healthier lives. This work is done through education, research and advocacy. Catherine Henebry, Director of School Engagement & Springfield Heart & Stroke Walk, along with Lauren Peters, AHA Illinois Government Relations Director, spoke to Community Voices about the story behind their Nation of Lifesavers initiative, legislation surrounding cardiac emergency response plans in schools, and they shared stories of how CPR has saved lives. They also talked about the annual Springfield Heart & Stroke Walk happening at Southwind Park on June 9. For registration and more details click here.

Bella Szabo started as the new Executive Director of the Springfield Area Arts Council in February of this year. She spoke to Community Voices about her passion for ceramics, the behind the scenes of curating exhibits, and about the programs and events she is bringing to the SAAC. Bella also talks about her time as the manager of the University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery. Find more information about upcoming events and programing at the SAAC here.

Nathan Essex recently joined the Springfield Park District as the Director of Marketing and Recreation. He spoke to Community Voices about his time as a teacher and principal, his love of music, and his initial plans through his new position at the park district. Nathan also discussed some of the great events and activities that will be happening this summer.