Our Story

Lili is a first-generation bilingual Chicago South-Side native with Mexican roots. Lili is a licensed counselor and clinical consultant, focusing on minoritized communities in Chicagoland. Lili is a counselor educator, supervisor, consultant, and accomplished author and speaker. Lili collaborates with organizations to implement trauma-- informed and restorative practices. She is active in the International Association of Resilience and Trauma Counseling, American Counseling Association (ACA) International Committee, ACA Foundation Board, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Education Justice Project. She holds degrees in psychology and sociology (Roosevelt University), counseling psychology (Adler University), and counselor education and supervision (Argosy University). Lili lives in Naperville with her beloved family.

Diana lives in Naperville with Jamie, her husband, and their three children; the kids will be the third generation at Naperville Central High School. She earned a Master’s in Sociology from the University of South Florida and a BA in English and Sociology from Kenyon College. Diana is entering her third year as an AAUW-Naperville Membership co-chair. She also serves on the Boards of the City of Naperville’s Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission, Naperville Police Foundation, and NEF (Naperville Education Fund for School District 203). She is also a Steering Member of Nuestro Futuro/”Our Future” (largest affinity fund servicing Latinx communities housed at The Chicago Community Trust). Diana was born in Colombia, South America and is fluent in Spanish. She grew up in Queens, New York , and has lived in Illinois since 2007.

Elida Sughey, a proud Latina born in Mexico City, grew up in Downers Grove and dedicates her life to celebrating her Mexican heritage and uniting Latinos. Residing in Bolingbrook with her spouse Noelia and five stepchildren, Elida holds an Associate's Degree in Administrative Medical Assistance from Olympia College, a Diploma in Digital Professional Photography from the IL Institute of Art, and is a Certified Interpreter from the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform. Her community involvement spans various roles: in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet, as a founder of cultural and youth groups, a mentor to parents, a leader for the Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project, and an organizer of various Latino events. She played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing a vaccine clinic.

Elizabeth Camacho Navarro lives in Naperville, IL with her husband Victor, and their three school-aged children. She has dedicated her career to the social services and behavioral health sectors, with a strong commitment to bridging the gap between individuals and essential resources. Elizabeth holds a master’s degree in forensic psychology with a minor in social work  and brings over 20 years of experience working in the field of community mental health, school-based programs as well as in the field of criminal justice system and medical case management to bridge the gap between people and being able to obtain resources. Elizabeth is bilingual/bicultural being born and raised in Chicago by then immigrant parents. This has led to her ability to work with a broader population. Elizabeth has held positions as a Mental Health Consultant for the Head Start/Early Head start programs in Chicago, CADC counselor at a transitional residential facility for adult male offenders, SASS therapist working in crisis intervention, Individual/family/group therapist, school-based counselor, Educator/trainer running groups for staff, parents, and community. Forensic Interviewer for children who have been abused and court appointed Mediator, and supervisor.

Cynthia Castillo, originally from Monterrey, Mexico, immigrated to Chicago with her family at the age of two. Growing up in the vibrant Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods, she developed a strong bond to her cultural heritage and community. Cynthia carried this passion into her distinguished 27-year career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where she championed diversity and mentorship initiatives, including founding and serving as the executive sponsor of the Latine Employee Resource Group. Now, as a consultant for a financial institution, she continues to apply her expertise to help others. Cynthia holds an MBA in Finance and International Business from Loyola University Chicago, along with a BBA in Business Administration. She resides in Naperville with her husband and two children.

Linda lives in Naperville with her husband, Ish (Ismael), and has two sons who both graduated from Neuqua Valley High School. Linda has dedicated over two decades of her life to the nonprofit sector through her consulting company, Organizational Architects, Inc. Her roles have been diverse and impactful, ranging from a grants manager and evaluator to a consultant, board member, and volunteer. Linda's areas of expertise span behavioral health, public health, youth/teen OTS programs, housing/homelessness prevention, and the arts, including theater, film, and multimedia. She holds a master’s degree in organizational development and nonprofit management from Loyola University and a BA in Psychology. Linda is also a trained yoga and meditation teacher and medicine keeper.