Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Cindy Villafuerte has been part of the Special Olympics Illinois movement over the past decade. She is a business professional who is passionate about inclusivity and an advocate for those who don’t always have a voice. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging committee is essential to building an inclusive culture for our athletes, community and workforce. Where everyone is valued, diversity is celebrated and a sense of belonging nurtured. Together we can contribute to build a more inclusive, tolerant and enriched society for the benefit of all, both abled and disabled.

Mo Khan is an attorney and advocate for public policy that uplifts underserved populations. People of all backgrounds, beliefs, and communities deserve to be included. This idea is fundamental to the Special Olympics movement and sits at the core of this committee's charter. Launching the DEIB committee is important because it serves as a platform for the entire Special Olympics Illinois community to come together around shared values.

Patty has over 35 years of experience working with individuals of all ages in the Special Recreation and Special Olympics field. Throughout her career she has worked with individuals with and without disabilities and their families as they start their sports and work journey. Patty is excited to be on the DEIB committee as we work to ensure all individuals have access to and feel included at Special Olympics Illinois.

Bio coming soon!

Jennifer holds two certifications from the University of South Florida in Inclusive and Ethical Leadership and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace. She currently serves as president of Junior League of the Quad Cities, where she also leads their DEI initiatives. She is a part of the DEIB committee at SOILL because she wants to help create an environment where our athletes, volunteers and staff can be themselves, be heard and feel like they belong.

Jillian started her professional journey as a teacher and since has worked with individuals of all ages in various roles over the past 12 years. Throughout her career she has worked with people with various differences including socioeconomic standing, race, religion, LGBTQ+, and disabilities. Jillian is excited to be on the DEIB committee as we work to ensure all individuals have access to and feel included in the great opportunities that are offered within Special Olympics Illinois.

Vanessa believes in embracing the power of diversity and how that strengthens our community. Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American, in a small town in Central Illinois, diversity and inclusion were not often celebrated. This experience was the driving force of her being an advocate for unrepresented communities. She strongly believes in DIEB work of dismantling systemic barriers, challenging biases to pave away for equal opportunities for all. Because everyone deserves a seat at the table.

Amanda is a strong advocate for the disability community and has dedicated her career to transforming the lives of people with disabilities. Prior to joining SOILL, she was the community outreach lead for Northwestern Medicine’s internal disability employee resource group and worked for a variety nonprofits serving individuals with disabilities. Amanda is particularly passionate about inclusion, health equity, and intersectionality as it relates to the disability community. She hopes to bring a DEIB lens to her work in development at SOILL.

Sarah Stevens is a former healthcare executive turned writer, speaker, and entrepreneur. After leaving her career in corporate healthcare in 2016, she founded The Beautifull Project - a storytelling collective that has reached tens of thousands of women across the globe with its powerful message about learning to take up space. She also serves as the Community Impact Officer at The Project of The Quad Cities, a nonprofit that serves people living with HIV and the LGBTQ+ community. "I am an eternal optimist with an abiding belief that the world as a whole - and our workplaces in particular - are capable of being so much more than they have ever been before. I believe that the story doesn't have to end the way it started. I believe that we can always write a better ending."

Zinyra "Z" Ross has lived two distinct lives. The first, she was isolated by severe cognitive disability and bullied. In her present life, Z is a confident and courageous role model. Z was raised to embrace life challenges and create her own path. At 13 years old Z began volunteering and working at Brookfield Zoo Chicago Zoological Society. This became and continues to be a non-traditional means of education for Zinyra, while she continues to work there. Zinyra also works at United Airlines as a Special Olympics Illinois service ambassador, she is one of the first to be hired in this position (UA4). Z is a Special Olympics Illinois athlete, leader, global messenger, Board of Director member and DEIB board member for Special Olympics Illinois. As well as a Artisan and innovative entrepreneur. As a member of the DEIB Board. I know access to resources are vital to know what adequate accommodations are needed for people with disabilities like me. I will continue to help others grow into a world where our ideas are welcomed, valued needed and necessary.

Amber Dunn is a patrol Master Sergeant with the Illinois State Police and serves on the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run committee. Amber has been involved with Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the past 12 years. Working as a minority female in a male-dominated and limited diversity environment, she has been a proponent for diversity, equity, and inclusion at all events and areas. Amber is committed to ensuring that SOILL is a welcoming and inclusive place for all members of our community.