Meet Rita
GENERAL
- Peoria resident for 50 years
- Mother and “Nonny” (Grandmother) – All Girls
- Credible, Reputable, Strong Interpersonal Skills
- Bridge Builder / Team Builder / Collaborator
- Top Secret FBI Security Clearance (inactive)
- Highly Successful Resource Developer for our community
- Private and Public Sector Business Acumen
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT
- Illinois Central College, Vice President of Diversity and Community Impact
- Consultant/Workshop Instructor, Neighborhood Academy
EDUCATION
- Ph.D, Organization and Management, Capella University
- M.A., Education Administration, Bradley University
- MBA, Entrepreneurship, Walden University
- B.A, Human Services Management, University of Illinois – Springfield
- Certified Six Sigma Green Belt
PAST EMPLOYMENT
- Advanced Information Services (AIS), Manager of Federal Services
- Bradley University, Director, Multicultural Student Services
- City of Peoria, JTPA, Program Coordinator, Consultant
- Illinois Department of Human Services, Self- Support Specialist
- Northside Action Council, Community Organizer
HONORS & ACTIVITIES
- CURRENT BOARDS: Peoria Police-Community Relations Committee (Chairperson), Operating Board for Peoria Alignment, Martin Luther King Committee of Peoria (President), Peoria Promise Community Advisory Board
- CURRENT BOARDS: Central Illinois Friends
- RECIPIENT, 2018 Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Legacy Award, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Peoria Alumnae Chapter sisterhood & Legends Luncheon
- RECIPIENT, 2017 Annie Jo Gordon Legend Award, Doer of the Deeds Brunch and Awards
- BOARD MEMBER, Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity (2004-2017)
- STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER, Central Illinois Center of Excellence for Secure Software (CICESS) (2014-2016)
- RECIPIENT, 2011 Whitney M. Young Award, Boy Scouts of America, W.D. Boyce Council
- RECIPIENT, 2009 Women’s History Award, National Association for Women (NOW)
- RECIPIENT, Carter D. Jones Civic Liberties Award, IL-Wisconsin I.B.P.O.E. (2006)
- RECIPIENT, YWCA Valeska Hinton Human Rights Award (2005)
- INDUCTEE, African-American Hall of Fame/Museum, Peoria, IL (2002)
- RECIPIENT, 25 Women in Leadership Award, WEEK TV, PACC (2001)
- RECIPIENT, Exemplary Alumni Award, Bradley University (1995)
- COMMISSIONER, City of Peoria Planning Commission (1995-1996)
- TRUSTEE, Peoria Park District (1991-1993)
- COMMISSIONER, (City) Overall Economic Development Commission (1992-1996)
- CONSULTANT, US Department of Labor/Brandeis University (1991-1993)
- RECIPIENT, JTPA Presidential Award – Outstanding Youth Program (1991)
- EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR, Central Illinois PIC (1988-1989; 1989-1990)
- RECIPIENT, Dr. Martin L. King Commemorative Service Leadership Award (1985)
- DELEGATE, Illinois Forum on Welfare Reform (1988)
- COMMISSIONER, Human Resource Commission, City of Peoria (1986-1989)
- ADVISOR, Peoria Housing Authority Tenant Councils (1980-1990)
Contact Rita at:
Email: ritaalipeoria@gmail.com
Telephone: (309) 669-7096

In my family, we have five generations of strong women. We live and serve passionately. Back row: Rita, BreAija holding Devy (granddaughter and great-granddaughter, Brandy (daughter) Front row: Nora (mother) and Asiya (granddaughter)
