GUEST SPEAKERS:

Congressman Bill Foster is a scientist and businessman representing the 11th Congressional District of Illinois. He previously served from March 2008 until January 2011 as the Representative of the Illinois 14th Congressional District. Foster is the only physicist in Congress.

Stephanie Kifowit is the Illinois state representative for the 84th district, which includes all or parts of Aurora, Boulder Hill, Montgomery, Naperville, and Oswego. Kifowit is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, a former substitute teacher, and previously served as an alderman in the city of Aurora.

Linda Chapa LaVia is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 83rd District since 2003. She was first elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 2002, becoming the first Hispanic to win a seat in the state legislature outside of Cook County.

PANELISTS:

Dr. Karen Sullivan has been the superintendent of Indian Prairie School District 204 since June 2014. She is a familiar face in District 204, with 18 years of experience in the areas of special education, human resources, and leading schools. She also served as the first Principal of Prairie Children Preschool and Principal of Cowlishaw Elementary School, as well as Director of Student Services.

Darrell Echols, principal of the Metea Valley High School began his career as an actor on "The Cosby Show" and "Saturday Night Live," but for the past 22 years he has played the role of educator. Principal Echols moved to the Chicago area with his wife, went back to school for a teaching certificate from Northeastern University and began working in suburban schools in 1992.

Aadil Farid is a board member & ex-President of the Islamic Center of Naperville, an avid speaker and devoted community outreach volunteer. Mr. Farid is a partner at Safa Systems Inc. an Information Technology and Services Consulting Company.

Charles Fox is a specialist in education law, supporting the needs and rights of children and young adults. In addition to his daily law practice, Fox was an adjunct professor at DePaul University Law School (2009), with a supervisory role in the newly created Special Education Law Clinic, which opened in August 2008.

Tejas Shah is an immigration attorney at Franczek Radelet P.C., leading the firm's immigration practice and serving as a member of the Labor & Employment and Higher Education Practice Groups. Mr. Shah has received many awards, most recently the "Leading Lawyer", Law Bulletin Publishing (2017).

Tony Martinez is a member of the Human Relations Commission for the City of Aurora and Director of Community Affairs for the West Aurora School District #129.  Mr. Martinez works with district and building staff to coordinate the efforts and activities of districtwide organizations including but not limited to: Superintendents Community Advisory Council (SCAC), Multicultural Advisory Council (MCAC), A+ Foundation and Booster organizations.