Here’s Why I’m the Right Choice to Serve as Village Trustee for Arlington Heights
From the moment I decided to run for trustee, my goal has always been to bring us closer as a community, creating a place where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
Key Partnerships I’ve Built and How They Correlate with My Authority to Serve as Village Trustee
Through my leadership as CEO of Shelter, Inc., I have developed partnerships with major agencies that play critical roles in advancing child welfare and social services, including:
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS):
Shelter collaborates with DCFS to provide emergency shelter, foster care support, and specialized services for vulnerable children and families.
My experience working within the regulations, compliance, and funding structures of DCFS has honed my ability to navigate complex systems and advocate for effective solutions.
Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS):
Shelter works with DHS to secure resources and address critical needs such as housing, mental health services, and community support.
This partnership has strengthened my understanding of statewide policies and funding mechanisms, equipping me to advocate for policies that balance fiscal responsibility with community needs.
Administration for Children and Families (ACF):
Shelter’s alignment with ACF priorities at the federal level ensures we address systemic issues such as child trafficking, housing insecurity, and family reunification.
This collaboration has taught me the importance of engaging multiple stakeholders to achieve long-term, sustainable solutions—skills essential for effective local governance.
Council on Accreditation (COA):
Shelter maintains accreditation through COA, ensuring that we meet the highest standards in service delivery and organizational management.
This commitment to excellence underscores my ability to lead within systems of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement—qualities critical for public office.
How This Supports with My Authority to Serve
My work with these agencies demonstrates my ability to:
Navigate Complex Bureaucracies: I have firsthand experience working with local, state, and federal systems to secure resources and implement programs.
Ensure Accountability: I am skilled in meeting regulatory standards, managing compliance, and maintaining transparency in operations.
Build Partnerships: Collaborating with diverse stakeholders to address community challenges is a cornerstone of my leadership approach.
Drive Solutions: I know how to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to provide effective services, ensuring resources are used efficiently and with impact.
These partnerships reflect my readiness to serve as a Village Trustee in Arlington Heights by leveraging my expertise in collaboration, advocacy, and governance to address local challenges and foster a thriving community.
My Experience With Funding and How Correlates with My Stance to Take Office
My leadership at Shelter, Inc. has been defined by financial growth, accountability, and innovation—qualities that directly correlate with my readiness to serve as a Village Trustee in Arlington Heights. Over the past six years, I have successfully grown Shelter from a $1.8 million agency to a $6.7 million agency, demonstrating my ability to secure resources, manage complex funding structures, and strategically allocate funds to drive impactful results.
Scaling Major Government Contracts:
I have overseen substantial contracts with agencies like DCFS, DHS, and federal entities such as ACF, managing millions in public funds while adhering to stringent rules and regulations.
This growth required not only securing these contracts but ensuring compliance, efficient reporting, and transparency in every dollar spent.
This experience equips me to navigate public funding responsibly, prioritize accountability, and ensure Arlington Heights’ resources are managed effectively to benefit the entire community.
Securing Investment-Level Gifts:
Through strategic outreach, I have cultivated investment-level gifts from major donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, to sustain and expand Shelter’s programs.
This included building relationships, aligning donor goals with organizational needs, and fostering trust to secure transformative contributions.
As Trustee, I will bring this skill set to Arlington Heights by seeking creative funding solutions, fostering public-private partnerships, and attracting external investments to reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Driving Strategic Growth:
Growing Shelter from a $1.8 million to a $6.7 million agency required balancing fiscal responsibility with bold investments in programs and infrastructure.
I understand how to allocate resources strategically, ensuring they meet current needs while building a foundation for sustainable growth.
This same approach will guide my decision-making as Trustee, where responsible financial stewardship and forward-thinking investments will be critical.
Ensuring Compliance and Accountability:
Managing this level of growth required maintaining compliance with government regulations and ensuring transparency at every step for both public and private funding sources.
This commitment to ethical financial management will carry over to my role as Trustee, where public trust and transparency are paramount.
How This Supports My Authority to Serve as Trustee:
My proven ability to grow an organization’s financial capacity demonstrates my capability to manage resources effectively and drive impactful results.
My experience with government contracts, donor relations, and strategic planning equips me to identify innovative funding solutions, attract investments, and reduce reliance on burdensome taxes or fees.
As Trustee, I will prioritize financial responsibility, strategic growth, and collaboration, ensuring that Arlington Heights thrives economically while meeting the needs of its residents.
Growing Shelter, Inc. from a $1.8 million to a $6.7 million agency in just six years reflects my ability to lead with vision, fiscal prudence, and collaboration. This expertise positions me to make thoughtful, strategic decisions that will benefit the future of Arlington Heights.
Moving Forward Together
This campaign is about more than just a single candidate—it’s about all of us. It truly takes a village to make meaningful change, and we are that village.
I encourage you to stay engaged, spread the word, and share your ideas for making Arlington Heights the best it can be. Whether through attending events, volunteering, or simply sharing your thoughts, every bit of involvement helps move us closer to our goals.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible support. I am so proud to stand alongside each of you as we work together toward a brighter future.
Let’s keep going—because together, we’re stronger.
With gratitude,
