Theodia B. Gillespie has dedicated more than four decades to the mission of the Urban League.  A native of Missouri and graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, she began her career with the Quad County Urban League in 1984.  Theodia became the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Quad County Urban League in 1993 after serving as its Education Coordinator, Director of Education, Director of Employment and Program Director.

Combining a passion for serving clients through education and workforce development and a commitment to service leadership, Theodia has transformed Quad County Urban League into a thriving affiliate by improving operations and public perception and by developing collaborative community partnerships, which expanded the agency’s profile and provided wrap-around services in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties.

An outspoken advocate for equality, Theodia dedicates herself to a host of community and regional boards and organizations, and was recently appointed as Co-Chair of the Education and Workforce Development transition team for the newly elected mayor of Aurora. 

A thought leader in education, employment, law enforcement and politics, Theodia has received several awards for her outstanding record of service. Innovative and forward-thinking, she continues to foster, develop and mentor in the areas of non-profit management, organizational development, and fund development to create a sustainable, economic and civil community model with global impact.