People
We at the Illinois Leadership® Center pride ourselves on the fact that we are more than a resource center. We are a people center. Simply stop by to talk or make an appointment, we are always here to help.
We are here to talk about anything on your mind from how you are doing to developing, and assisting you in strengthening your leadership skills. For example, we can talk about conflicts in your organization; we'll help you sort out the issues and move towards real solutions. Or we can discuss a plan to effectively transition a new executive board of the organization into their responsibilities. The Center staff provides mentoring, advising, and consulting.
The staff provides and guides you toward opportunities to develop these life skills.
As members of the staff, Graf Student Interns can give you peer advising. The interns are students just like you; they have gone through it all and survived and understand your concerns and questions. We have a great team of Student Workers – all who are knowledgeable about our programs, most having been participants. They are a great resource for you to ask questions about how to register, what to expect, and even what to wear.
Sara Thompson
Sara Thompson serves as the Acting Director of the Illinois Leadership® Center where she oversees leadership development opportunities for Illinois students including leadership programs, collaborative partnerships for leadership course offerings, the Illinois LeaderShape® Institute and the Graf Internship program. Sara co-chairs the Academic Affairs/Student Affairs appointed Illinois Leadership Coordinating Committee, oversees the use of the Emotional Competency Inventory-University (ECI-U), and works with student groups through the Center’s leadership consulting initiative. Prior to joining the Leadership Center, Sara worked for Arthur Anderson L.L.P. as an internal change management consultant. A two-time graduate from the University of Illinois, Sara earned a B.S. from the College of Business in Organizational Behavior and a Master of Education in Organizational Development from the Department of Human Resource Education. In her free time, Sara enjoys competing in triathlons, teaching spinning, and yoga, hiking, and spending time outdoors.
Kirstin Phelps
Kirstin Phelps is a Program Manager at the Illinois Leadership Center. In this role she is responsible for overseeing the Integrity and Ignite i-programs as well various campus collaborations with La Casa Cultural Latina, Engineering Career Services, and International Scholar and Student Services. She also assists with marketing and outreach for the Leadership Center, as well as workshop development and design. Kirstin graduated from the University of Illinois with a M.S. in Agricultural Education and a B.S. in Communications and Advertising. Prior to serving as Program Manager, she worked as an advertising representative for the Daily Illini, program coordinator and conference planner for the Physics Department, and assistant editor and marketing consultant for ACTIMAX Learning, a small start-up company. When not at the Leadership Center, Kirstin can be found reading, running, or traveling.
Kevin Collins
Kevin is a sophomore studying Sociology with a concentration in pre-law. Kevin’s dream job would be attending law school to become a corporate attorney. Kevin’s favorite day is his birthday (October 26th), and an interesting fact is that although he stands at a “mere” 6’8”, he was born 2 months premature. Kevin enjoys being at the University of Illinois because of its diversity (“people from around the world attend this university and its great to see that every day”), and his obsessions include ice cream from Coldstone Creamery and Noodles and Co.
Jason Gwak
Jason is a senior in LAS-Sociology, and has been working at the Illinois Leadership Center since the summer of ’06. Jason is from the Chicago suburbs—a small town called Addison—and enjoys playing basketball and golfing. He enjoys food as well; “all types of food. If you like basketball or food, we can definitely be friends.” If you have any questions about Jason, the ILC, his major, anything, Jason would love to help – just email him or stop by the Leadership Center.
Phil Johnson
Phil is currently enrolled in LAS-General Curriculum, with plans to major in Speech Communications and Business. While not studying, he enjoy singing with the Varsity Men’s Glee Club and working with University Housing as a Resident Advisor in Hopkins Hall. When not on campus, Phil spends time in his hometown of Quincy, IL, visiting friends and catching up with old times. On campus he enjoy swimming, running, and spending time meeting people, especially those who enjoy watching his favorite television show, Scrubs.
Richard Persaud
Richard’s hometown is Skokie, IL. Currently a junior in electrical engineering, Richie’s professional aspiration is to be a math teacher. On campus, he is involved with La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc., Peer Recruitment Program, and the Illinois Leadership Center. Richie enjoys music, dance, all sports, travel, and working out.
Jose Ramos
Jose is a senior majoring in urban and regional planning. His involvements on campus include the Puerto Rican Student Association, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., and the Peer Recruitment Program. Jose’s interests include life, sports, and hats. He likes to dance and enjoy life. Jose is from Chicago and is Puerto Rican. His favorite places on campus include the Quad and the gym.
