As an ISPP Scholar, Oluwakemi Adeyemi is appointed with the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus/ Black Caucus Foundation. His work is significant as he investigates reproductive and voting rights for Black communities to help inform policy in these areas. He is also exploring barriers to the health and well being of youth, especially those in underserved and underrepresented Chicago communities, to enhance policy and resources for youth and communities.

As an ISPP Scholar, Elizabeth Gutierrez is appointed with the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus/Latino Caucus Foundation. Her work is significant in helping to build out a new vision for the ILLCF to better meet the needs of Latino communities in Illinois by helping to better understand what are the priority needs of various neighborhoods, and what policies may be best considered by legislators as they relate to underrepresented and underserved communities.

As an ISP Scholar, Skye Lewis is appointed with the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus/Black Caucus Foundation. Her work is significant in looking at culturally responsive healthcare for underserved communities in Illinois and enhancing her own knowledge and expertise so that she is a better steward for Black and Brown communities. Skye shared some thoughts with me about the ISP program, and her work so far.

Why did you apply for the Illini Science Policy Program?