I knew I was going to respect and admire Advance Illinois the day Robin Steans walked into my office. She was newly named to her position as President and was doing a Listening Tour throughout the state. She drove to Springfield to meet me and hear what I believed to be major issues facing education in Illinois and what possible solutions I might offer. She continued downstate to meet other education leaders throughout Illinois.  Robin gets it… It is all about communication and relationships! 

What Robin was beginning to create that year was a network of collaborative relationships throughout our state of education advocates and policy makers that continues today.  

She has continued that journey by making Advance Illinois the highly respected, highly effective policy and advocacy organization it is. Under the capitol dome, people care about Advance Illinois' position on bills, respect the research that goes into their decisions, and admire their ability to identify issues and create solutions through perseverance and relational advocacy.  

The number of children and educators who have benefitted from the efforts of Advanced Illinois is amazing to consider! Our state is better because of fifteen years of Advance!! 

Diane Rutledge, Ph.D.