Thank you for making this year’s Annual Convention, our 75th anniversary celebration, an unforgettable milestone in The Arc of Illinois’ legacy. Whether you joined us in person or virtually, your presence, energy, and unwavering support helped make this one of the most inspiring and meaningful gatherings in our history!
Celebrating 75 years of advocacy, empowerment, and progress was more than just a moment - it was a movement. We were honored to welcome Dr. Alonzo Kelly, whose powerful keynote reminded us that leadership begins with caring for ourselves so we can continue to show up for others. His words challenged us to lead with intention, especially in difficult times. We were equally inspired by Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, whose call to action reminded us that our work is far from done. The fight to protect Medicaid, the Department of Education, and disability rights continues. We must remain bold, united, and relentless in our advocacy.
A heartfelt thank you to Ryan Croke and Director of Developmental Disabilities Tonya Piephoff for joining us in our panel discussion and for contributing their time and leadership to our community. And a special thank you to Governor JB Pritzker for declaring April 23, 2025, as The Arc of Illinois Day! It was an outstanding celebration and a powerful reminder that together, we are The Arc of Illinois.
I was humbled to deliver the keynote on day two and to reflect on the personal experiences that have shaped why and how I lead. Our stories - yours and mine - are the heart of this movement. And a huge thank you to Emily Holl, whose message on the role of siblings and extended families reminded us that true support reaches beyond parents and into every part of our communities. This year also marked our largest-ever group of exhibitors, and the breakout sessions were filled with energy, insight, and impact. I only wish I could have been in every room to experience the incredible learning that took place!
A deep and sincere thank you to our outstanding staff and Board of Directors whose dedication and vision brought this event to life. Your tireless efforts, creativity, and leadership behind the scenes made all of this possible. As we look ahead, we are already planning for next year’s convention, and we want you to be there - along with your friends, colleagues, and partners. This gathering is about building a stronger community and ensuring that every voice is heard.
At The Arc of Illinois, we believe collaboration is essential. Our future depends on uniting voices across the state to drive lasting change. Together, we will continue to advocate for inclusion, equity, and access for all. We will be sharing photos from the event throughout the week on our social media platforms. If you have any you'd like us to post, please send them to me at Samantha@thearcofil.org!
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your leadership, dedication, and voice matter—now more than ever.
With gratitude,
Truly,
Samantha Alloway
Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois |
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