Beatrice Bonner
Community Voices - Editor/ Co-HostBeatrice is the Community Voices Editor for NPR Illinois.
Reach Bea at communityvoices@nprillinois.org.
Previously, she was the Leadership Lived student worker for NPR Illinois during the 2017-2018 school year. Beatrice completed the Capital Honors Scholars Program majoring in communications at UIS in 2018.
Beatrice has acted as a multimedia consultant and co-host at Teen Talk Radio Theater in Chicago.
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The Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival brings together states to address poverty and its effects. Rev. Susan Phillips and Carlos Rodriguez are two of three Illinois tri-chairs for the campaign. They spoke to Community Voices about the history of the original Poor People's Campaign of 1968, why the revival of the campaign started in 2018, and the current state of poverty in Illinois. They also discuss immigration and their 40-week voter mobilization movement leading up to the election.
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Greta Lopp is a high school senior and leader of Student United Way at Glenwood High School. She spoke to Community Voices about her love of volunteering, the journey to bring Student United Way to her high school, and some of the service projects they've worked on. Greta also shares her perspective on today's youth and community involvement.
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Peyton Leonard is a local singer, songwriter, and author. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey with singing, various health challenges, and her new book The Mutates. Peyton also talks about her first book signing and the importance of words.
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Brigitte Franzen is a certified financial planner and a former hog farmer. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey to Central Illinois, establishing her own hog farm, and her new book "Have Pigs, Will Travel." Brigitte also gives words of encouragement for others who have dealt with detours in life.
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This week on Beyond the Mouse, Brett and Bea sit down with Benjamin Rauhala, the music director for Disney Princess: The Concert. They talk about the show and how it's changed over the years. Rauhala also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the production and what new music is added to the program.Disney Princess: The Concert comes to Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday March 6, 2024. For more information visit: https://uispac.com/disney-princess-the-concert/Disney Princess: The Concert arrives at the Fabulous Fox in St. Louis on Saturday March 16, 2024. For more information visit: https://www.fabulousfox.com/events/detail/disney-princess
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Dr. Jamarco Clark joined UIS as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs on June 12, 2023. He spoke to Community Voices about his experience working at different colleges, starting at UIS, and the role of student affairs on college campuses. Dr. Clark also gives advice and words of wisdom on achieving goals.
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Becky Wheeler is the founder of Beltany Wellness which provides online classes and guided journeys through Ireland to promote healing and transformation. She spoke to Community Voices about her experiences in Ireland, embracing the intuitive voice, and her upcoming guided intuitive journey to Ireland. Becky also talks about shamanic breathwork and other spiritual practices.
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Mary Kate Smith is a local voice teacher, actress, singer and more. She also owns The Studio on the Square in Petersburg, Ill. where they offer a variety of lessons and classes. Mary Kate spoke to Community Voices about her journey with theatre and music, her experiences in Chicago and L.A. and the success of The Studio on the Square. She also talked about some of the most rewarding productions she's been a part of at the Springfield Muni Opera.
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The Cats' Pyjamas is the new cat café opening soon in Springfield, Ill. The owners are Springfield locals Tom Raymond and Samantha Enz. They spoke to Community Voices about the origins of cat cafes, how to properly engage with cats and what they hope to offer at the café. They also talk about the benefits of having a cat café in town.