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 Joy of Movement is an organization that offers dance and exercise classes for those with Parkinson's disease. Founder and instructor Eve Fischberg and class participant Pat Graham spoke to Community Voices about the classes offered both in-person and online. Graham also shared how the classes have helped her as she contends with her disease and why she advocates for others to join. For more information visit: thejoyofmovement.org
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The Illinois Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Day at the Capitol is coming up April 30th - May 1st in Springfield. They will be partnering with the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for a day of advocacy and education. Michael Gaines, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Sherri Hale, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. spoke to Community Voices about the history and legacy of their organizations, the different items they'll be advocating for, and the schedule for the two days of events. They also talk about the history and work of Black Greek-lettered Organizations in our community.
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Beth Allen is Manager of Community Development for the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois. She also is Rotary Youth Exchange Chair for the local District 6460. Beth spoke to Community Voices about upcoming Girl Scouts of Central Illinois events, her travel experiences, and Rotary Youth Exchange. She also discusses an organization called Together Women Rise.
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Juliana Stratton is the 48th lieutenant governor of Illinois. In December 2023, the office of the Lt. Governor launched a new initiative called We Thrive, which focuses on women and financial freedom. In February 2024, Governor Pritzker announced a new initiative that focuses on maternal health care called the Birth Equity Initiative. Lt. Governor Stratton spoke to Community Voices about how Chicago shaped her life, the challenges women have faced, and how the whole state will benefit from the two new initiatives. The Lt. Governor also talks about traveling throughout the state hosting "We Chats" to hear from a variety of different women.
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Interim Associate Dean for the College of Public Affairs and Education Ann Strahle and Director of the Public Affairs Reporting Program Jason Piscia sat down with Co-host Bea Bonner to discuss the UIS Journalism and Podcasting Camp. They discuss this rare opportunity that provides aspiring young journalists to learn more about the industry and how to guard themselves against misinformation.
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LJ Pemberton is the marketing and patron relations manager for the Kirkland Fine Arts Center. LJ is also an artist and published author. She returned to Community Voices to speak about her journey as a writer and her new book "Still Alive." LJ also talks about a future book she is currently working on.
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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.