A quick overview
- Bachelor of Arts — Journalism, Roosevelt University, Chicago
- Radio News Anchor — WBBM-AM, WGN-AM, WLS-AM, Satellite News Network
- Public Relations — The Conservation Foundation, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Brookfield Zoo, Blackburn College
- Editor, Writer — Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, AOL Patch, The Farmside
- Communications Director, Illinois Democratic Women (present)
- Precinct Committeeperson Blackberry 4
- Geneva Rotary member and former president (2008-2010)
- Former state board member American Association of University Women (1996-1998)
My decision to run for office has been motivated by a desire to contribute to solutions to problems we face in our communities. It is also to provide voters with a choice, when too often incumbents run unopposed. Choice is something unique to our democracy and I value it as something worth fighting for.
My life experiences have made me what I am today — someone dedicated to preserving our quality of life here in Kane County and our natural resources to enjoy clean air, clean water, and a healthy life.
I am from Oak Lawn on the south side of Chicago and ended up marrying a guy I knew from high school after meeting at a reunion. Oak Lawn is a working class neighborhood. My dad was an operating engineer and Local 150 union member as was my grandfather and three uncles. My mom worked at the local hospital.
I worked my way through college, starting out at a community college, graduating with an Associate’s Degree from College of DuPage and eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago. It was 12 years after graduating high school.
My B.A. in Journalism led to a broadcasting career working as a radio news anchor in the suburbs and at the top news stations in Chicago. I’ve worked as an editor and reporter for AOL’s Patch online news, and as a freelance reporter at numerous metro and Chicago news publications.
My first experience with government was covering meetings as a local reporter and interviewing elected officials: school board, city council, park district, library board.
I briefly left broadcasting to begin work in communications with stints at Brookfield Zoo, a unique experience evoking memories of playing frisbee with the dolphins and riding in a van with a grass-toothed, farting llama for a Bozo Show appearance; and Blackburn College in Southern Illinois.
I worked as a county employee at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County for nearly 7 years where I discovered a passion for the environment. It was also my first introduction to working for a government agency, having covered many meetings as a reporter.
Currently, I work as a social, visual, and news media consultant (sanderella.org) bringing my experience as a radio news anchor, journalist, and photographer together. Most recently, I provide services for conservation organizations regionally and statewide and have been with a statewide conservation coalition for 10 years. And I have returned a few times to the “radio ranch” at WBBM and WGN for a few short gigs.
My next venture I hope will be as your county board representative for District 18.
