I am a mom, social worker, small business owner, and nonprofit leader known across my community and Illinois as an effective advocate for the most vulnerable among us. With more than a decade of helping to write and pass many state and federal laws, I am proud of my track record as a consensus-building to expand healthcare access, promote equity, equality, and diversity, save lives, and reduce taxpayer expenses. I have led coalitions that improve community safety, support youth and families, and enhance mental health and substance use services.
I spent the early days of my career developing advertising campaigns for the healthcare, real estate, and solar energy industries. After my brother tragically died from a drug overdose, my parents and I started Live4Lali, a grassroots nonprofit that helps thousands of people annually who struggle with substance use and co-occurring issues. The organization now serves five counties, operating on over $1 million yearly.
