This week, State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) had the honor of welcoming and recognizing two dedicated local leaders at the annual Emerging Women Leaders Conference and Recognition Event in Springfield – Pingree Grove Village President Amber Kubiak and DeKalb County History Center Executive Director Michelle Donahoe. The annual event, hosted by Illinois House Minority Tony McCombie and her leadership team, of which Keicher is a member, brings together women leaders from across Illinois for a day of recognition and leadership development programming.
“It was my honor to recognize Amber and Michelle,” said Keicher. “In their respective roles, they have both demonstrated a passion for service and leadership in our communities, and it was a privilege to recommend them for selection at this year’s Emerging Women Leaders Conference. Thank you to both of them for the work they have done and continue to do to serve residents in the communities of the 70th District.”
Kubiak receives a certificate of recognition from Deputy House Minority Leader Norine Hammond.
As the Village President of Pingree Grove, Amber Kubiak leads one of the fastest-growing communities in northern Illinois. Prior to becoming Village President, Amber became an active volunteer on the village events committee for several years, helping expand offerings to the community that continues to this day. Her involvement with the events committee ultimately led to her becoming a Trustee on the village board and helping foster community growth that has seen the population grow, as well as expanding commercial and retail business development in the community.
Without the work of Michelle Donahoe, the DeKalb County History Center would not exist today. After serving for 13 years as the Executive Director of the Sycamore History Museum, Michelle played a prominent role in the creation of the countywide history center and the funding program that made it a reality. In 2019, she was also elected to the Illinois Association of Museums board of directors. Michelle is also actively involved in local nonprofit work, serving on the steering committee of the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership.
Following a recognition brunch with dozens of women leaders from across the state, the Emerging Women Leaders Conference included a day of programming designed to inspire and empower women leaders. The main program featured a panel discussion with Linda Renee Baker a professor from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White, Susan Hayes Gordon with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and Decatur businesswoman Kara Demirjian Huss.
Rep. Keicher serves the 70th District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Kane, and McHenry Counties.
