La Tanya Cobb

La Tanya Cobb is a Program Director in the Illinois Leadership Center. She has been with the University of Illinois for 15 years. La Tanya comes from Academic Affairs with 8 years of advising experience in Liberal Arts and Sciences and 3 years of Programming experience in Continuing Education. La Tanya completed her Bachelor's degree in Political Science at the University of Illinois and her Masters from Eastern Illinois University in College Student Personnel.

La Tanya is responsible for and the Center's outreach efforts, management of the i-Programs and LeaderShape Institute, facilitator recruitment as well as supervision of graduate assistants and Graf interns.

La Tanya is a liaison for various campus collaborations. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the Bruce Nesbit African American Cultural Center's advisory board. She also serves on the i-Unite and 5 Days 4 Change committees. In her spare time, La Tanya enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to House music, reading and traveling.

Heath Harding

Heath Harding serves as the Associate Director of the Illinois Leadership Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His main responsibilities include developing academic partnerships, fostering research on leadership, and guiding internal assessment efforts. Prior to joining the staff, he was the assistant director of the School of Leadership Studies at Kansas State University and an instructor in the department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

He has a doctorate in leadership studies from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. His research interests include leadership education - specifically the experiences of leadership educators in the leadership development process, leadership identity development, complexity in leadership systems, community development, futuring, and creativity. His teaching experience and interests include leadership theory, leadership skill development, groups and teams, organizational leadership, environmental leadership, ethics, and dramaturgical teaching methodology.

Heath enjoys spending time outside walking, hiking, and biking. He also enjoys reading and cooking during the colder months. As a naturally curious person, he likes to explore new places, eat new foods, and meet new people.

Sara Thompson

Sara Thompson serves as the Director of the Illinois Leadership Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she oversees leadership development opportunities for Illinois' students. The Illinois Leadership Center provides opportunities for leadership growth and development for all students through short workshops, day-long i-Programs, a week-long intensive called LeaderShape, and a multi-semester certificate program. In addition, the Center collaborates often with academic departments and student affairs units to provide resources and assistance to these departmental leadership efforts.

Prior to joining the Leadership Center, she spent two years working for Arthur Anderson L.L.P. as an internal change management consultant. Sara Thompson is a two-time graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she obtained a BS from the College of Business in Organizational Behavior and a Master of Education in Organizational Development from the Department of Human Resource Education.

Sara is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education from the College and University Leadership Program at Colorado State University. In her free time, Sara enjoys competing in triathlons, practicing yoga, and spending time outdoors.

Kirstin Phelps

Kirstin Phelps is a Program Director at the Illinois Leadership Center. In this role she is responsible for overseeing the Imprint i-programs, helping with curriculum design and development, and coordinating the technology and database improvements. Kirstin also is the liaison for various campus collaborations with La Casa Cultural Latina, Engineering Career Services, the College of Business, and Division of Campus Recreation. Kirstin graduated from the University of Illinois with a M.S. in Agricultural Education and a B.S. in Communications and Advertising. Prior to serving as Program Director, she worked as an advertising representative for the Daily Illini, program coordinator and conference planner for the Physics Department, and assistant editor and marketing consultant for ACTIMAX Learning, a small start-up company. When not at the Leadership Center, Kirstin enjoys cooking, reading, running, and traveling.

Angela Ennis

Angela Ennis is the Administrative Aide for the Illinois Leadership Center. She provides budget and financial support and is responsible for the administrative functions of the Leadership Center. Angie has worked for the University for 18 years. Previous employment includes working in the New Student Programs Office and the Office of the Dean of Students. In her free time, Angie enjoys riding horses, running, and being outdoors.

Esther Lamarre

Esther Lamarre serves as the Visiting Program Manager working primarily with the Leadership Certificate Program, office marketing team, and student staff development. A true Miamian, Esther attended the University of Miami where she completed a B.S. in Communication Studies and Political Science with a minor in Sociology. Esther also earned a Master of Education in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia. In her spare time, Esther enjoys taking pictures, running, traveling, getting lost in music, scrapbooking, and anything involving tons of laughter.

Cecilia Suarez

Greetings! My name is Cecilia Suarez (better known as CC) and I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. I earned my Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Miami (Go CANES) and majored in biology and elementary education. Upon completing my Bachelors degree, I enrolled at Miami University of Ohio where I graduated with a Masters of Science in Education in 2007. After graduation, I accepted a job at New York University, where I served as the Diversity Educator for the Department of Residential Life and Housing Services. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD in Educational Policy Studies here at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When not working or trying to change the world, I can be found at the boxing gym, hanging out with friends, cooking, listening and singing to music, reading, dreaming of being on the beach, and playing with my dog, CheX.

Christopher Barnes

Chris is originally from Oak Park, IL but spent his childhood in several locations (including Champaign/Urbana). He graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcasting. Currently, Chris is a second year Master student in Educational Policy, Organization and Leadership (EPOL) here at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Through practice and research, he hopes to increase the persistence and matriculation of students in college (particularly those of under-represented populations). In his free time, he enjoys; eating, traveling, distance running, and watching shows such as “The First 48."

Joe Evertz

Joe is a senior studying advertising and marketing, specializing in planning and strategy, market research, and organizational management. Currently, Joe works for Graduate and Upper Division Housing on campus as a service clerk. In addition, he works with the Department of Business Administration researching various topics, such as the impact of the Enron accounting scandal on managerial control. Joe has a long standing relationship with the Illinois Leadership Center and looks forward to working with the student volunteers, professional staff, and campus participants. As a Graf Intern, he hopes to continue to develop professionally by gaining more experience with conducting research, developing and executing presentations and events, and formulating budgets. Based on students’ behavior and interests, Joe hopes to help current and newly admitted students learn about the programs, opportunities, and experiences, such as The LeaderShape Institute, offered by the Illinois Leadership Center. Some of his interests include film history, strategic planning, project management, and swimming.

Paul Stanton

Paul Stanton is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is in the College of Media pursuing a degree in Media Studies. He has a minor in Political Science and also has obtained the Illinois Leadership Certificate provided by the Illinois Leadership Center. While on campus he has been a Resident Advisor for two years, a tour guide, a teaching assistant for two courses, and an active member in campus committees for the College of Media as well as the Illinois Leadership Center. He has worked as an intern for C-SPAN in Washington D.C. as well as Cision in Chicago. He has been active in the Illinois Student Alumni Ambassadors serving as a co-chair for Homecoming Publicity, an Illini Comeback Host, the VP of Publicity, and as the Urbana Student Representative to the University of Illinois Alumni Association Board of Directors. Paul is also a member of the Student Leadership Advancement Team (SLAT).

Chris Cole

Chris is a senior double majoring in Political Science and African-American Studies. He is an active member of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. He also is a member of Dance 2XS Caliente, United Greek Council Judicial Representative, US Empowered, USHLI (United States Hispanic Leadership Institute), and much more. He has spent a summer studying abroad in Brazil and has been obsessed with it ever since. As a result he has picked up doing Capoeira. He plans on taking the LSAT this year and will be pursing Law School after graduation. In his spare time he enjoys dancing, listening to music, watching movies, laughing, and spending time with loved ones.

Meghan Schaffer

Meghan is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Communication with a minor in Business. She is an active member of the Student Alumni Ambassadors and thoroughly enjoys engaging with students, alumni and the campus community. Meghan also participates in Illinois Connection, an advocacy group striving to obtain support for higher education. Formerly serving as a Resident Advisor to the Garner LEADS Living Learning Community, she continues to enjoy participating in activities hosted by the LEADS community and other communities within University Housing. Meghan is still exploring career options but is considering attending graduate school for a Masters in Student Affairs or Higher Education Administration. In her spare time, she enjoys supporting her two favorite sports teams; The Chicago White Sox and the Fighting Illini.

Courtney Wolff

Courtney is a Senior in the College of Media studying Advertising with a Minor in Leadership Studies. On campus she is involved with Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and American Advertising Federation. She finished her Leadership Certificate last Spring and is very thankful for her Leadership Coach and his guidance. Some of her favorite things include playing volleyball with friends, swimming and recently, SCUBA diving.

Sara Urbanski

Sara is a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is in the College of Fine and Applied Arts studying New Media with a minor in Community-Based Art Education. At the Illinois Leadership Center, she works on the marketing team as a multimedia worker where she makes all kinds of lovely promotional videos for the center. In her spare time, she loves going on adventures, play with her puppy Harley, and baking.

Jonathon Brito

Jonathan is currently a senior in Latino/a Studies and Communication and is planning to attend graduate school. His areas of research are Youth Organizing and Community Empowerment in the Young Lords organization. He is the Vice President of La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda fraternity incorporated, a scholar from the Ronald E. McNair summer research program and he has worked at La Casa Cultural Latina for the past two years. His hobbies include skateboarding, weight lighting and dancing cumbia. He is also involved with the Mexican Student Association the Latino Youth Conference.

Derrick Rhodes

Derrick is a senior studying Agricultural Education with a concentration in Leadership Education. Derrick hails from the Southside of Chicago, Illinois. Even though he is from a big city, Derrick loves living in a smaller residential setting like Champaign. On campus Derrick is involved in many activities. He is the Region V Undergraduate VP of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related, member of International Impact, SLAT, and other recreational activities. Derrick's biggest joy in life after playing baseball is being a role model for his younger sister.

Derrick is also a member of the Student Leadership Advancement Team (SLAT).

Spencer Yang

Spencer is a Senior in Economics in the college of Liberal Arts and Science. He plans to go to grad school and get a MBA in Finance. He has attended several I-Programs and is currently in the leadership certificate program. Spencer looks forward to developing leadership skills and experience through various events in campus and form valuable relationships.

Ismail Umer

Ismail is a junior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, pursuing a degree in Psychology. Ismail grew up in Naperville, a suburb with a gigantic population, so going to to a big university like the the U of I feels makes him feel right at home. When Ismail isn't studying, he can be found volunteering with his service organization, Volunteer Illini Projects or giving campus tours to prospective high school students as an Illinois Student Admissions Representative (I-STAR). In his spare time, he is content with a meal from either of his favorite campus eateries - Cravings or Penn Station, generally accompanied by a viewing of his favorite show Modern Family.

Kara Lester

Kara is a senior in the College of Liberal and Sciences majoring in sociology with a minor in African-American Studies. In addition to being a student worker at the Illinois Leadership Center, she also enjoys being a member of the YWCA-Women in Leadership Program and the STRONG Kids Undergraduate Research Program. After she graduates in May 2012,she is planning to pursue a Master's in Public Policy.

Kenneth Beyer

Ken is a Senior in the College of Business studying Accountancy and Finance. He is a member of the Student Leadership Advancement Team (SLAT).

Ruth Huang

Ruth is a senior studying Advertising in the College of Media. She is an international student from Taiwan and she has lived in Taiwan, Singapore, and China throughout her life. She rarely gets homesick but she definitely misses the amazing street food! Ruth is passionate about service and leadership development; she is actively involved in a campus service organization called Alternative Spring Break (ASB) & she is also working towards completing her Leadership Certificate. Upon graduation in May, Ruth is not sure what she will be doing but she hopes to one day coordinate & run leadership programs for high school/college students! Ruth loves: singing, laughing, the colour GREEN, using British spelling, trying new foods, travelling, playing badminton, following amazingly talented independent artists on YouTube, driving, playing with her friends, and making new friends! :)

Terrance Jackson

Terrance is a junior studying Communication in the College of LAS. He is from the city of Chicago and loves it because of the night life and the spectacular people. He is in his junior year and has attended almost all of the I-programs. He is also enrolled in the Leadership Certificate program. This upcoming year, he plans to strengthen his ties with the Illinois Leadership Center so that he can learn to become an inspirational and moving speaker so that he can help those in need of direction.

Charlie Yu

Charlie is originally from China, though he grew up in The Hague, in The Netherlands. He is a sophomore in Electrical Engineering, and he enjoys technical challenges. Choosing to try out the i-Program Intersect organized by the Illinois Leadership Center was his first committed wrestle to understanding leadership. His choice to change at Intersect was one of the best decisions he made as a curious freshman, as from it he was able to draw connections with other learning and experiences at the University. In ENG 198 - Introduction to the Missing Basics of Engineering, he was taught 'the missing basics' of today's engineer, commonly considered to be hard-working, but introverted. The University of Illinois is a world leader in Engineering, hence should be producing engineers of the finest caliber - Charlie believes leadership is a vital supplement to 'the Engineers of the Future'; engineers who can think clearly, communicate smoothly, and cooperate effectively. These are just some of the skills incorporated in effective leadership.

Emily Shinogle

Emily Shinogle grew up in Peoria, Illinois and is currently a senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Global Studies. She is highly involved with the University as she is a Illinois Leadership Certificate Student ,President of Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society, a Student Admissions Representative, member of three Student Affairs committees and a four-year member of the piccolo section in the Marching Illini. After graduation, she hopes to continue her education by attending law school with a focus on Human Rights for women and children.

Sami Khan

Sami is a Junior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. He is planning to study medicine and become a surgeon. He is also a part of a neuroscience research team that conducts experiments to centered around brain memory and plasticity. Aside from academics, he enjoys writing stories and playing basketball, football, & volleyball. He hopes to strengthen his ties with the ILC and solidify his leadership skills through learning experiences.

Liza Booker

Liza Booker is a senior in the College of LAS, majoring in both English and Rhetoric. She has a minor in Informatics and has a great passion for writing. She plans to attend graduate school for Library Science in the spring.

Arsalan Kabir

Arsalan Kabir is in his last semester of undergrad. He is majoring in Accountancy and earning a minor in Chemistry. He completed the leadership certificate program in May 2010. He cannot begin to tell you how many doors have opened because of the work he has done with the Leadership Center. Try a program and you will see :)

LaToya Jones

LaToya is a junior majoring in Media and Cinema Studies and minoring in Communications. She is currently getting more involved in the Leadership Center and different RSOs on campus. At first, she may seem shy but she is actually a laid back, fun, down to earth, easy going person once you get to know her. She has a great interest in volunteering and she one day hopes to start her own non profit organization for young girls.

Carrie Hokl

Carrie is a Senior in the Nursing program. Carrie grew up in the not-so-small but still not well known Northern suburb of Morton Grove. Although suburb life was great, getting away from home to attend UIUC was even better and she loves her home away from home. When she's not busy with school work, she enjoys playing soccer, running and participating in various activities on campus. Her favorite thing about campus is the cheap latte Wednesdays at Espresso and the fact that everything is within walking distance.

Eileen Fleming

Eileen Fleming is a senior studying Recreation, Sport, & Tourism. She has taken many workshops through the Illinois Leadership Center and completed the Leadership Certificate Program in 2010. She is very passionate about helping others explore their leadership potential and the ILC is a great place to start! In her free time she loves to run, go on adventures with friends, write songs, laugh until her stomach hurts, and much more! :) Meeting new people is one of her favorite hobbies so if you ever see her, say hi!

Elliana Jin

Elliana is a junior major in Accounting and Finance. She loves traveling and meeting new people. Being a part of Leadership Center is awesome. It helps her to know more about leadership skills and interact with talented people. It has been one of the most wonderful college experiences!!!

Semecia Williams

Semecia is a Senior studying Agricultural Education with a concentration in Leadership Education. She is a native South-side Chicagoan who loves both the big city and smaller residential areas. Semecia would like to pursuit a career in Higher Education focusing on policy and organizational strategies. She is a huge supporter of student activities on campus as well as volunteer and leadership development activities. Semecia enjoys helping and learning about others.

Michelle Gao

Michelle Gao is a senior in Accountancy. She got involved with the ILC by attending Intersect her freshman year, and hasn't looked back since. She has since facilitated Intersect herself; attended Insight, Integrity, and Leadershape; and joined the leadership certificate program. Other campus involvements include being a Counseling Center Paraprofessional and singing for Illini Contraband.