Youth of the Year Competition
On March 14, 2025, Equity and Engagement Department Director, Rachel Joy, had the honor of attending the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club (DMBGC) Youth of the Year Event. Ms. Joy was a Youth of the Year judge for the event. Ms. Joy had the responsibility of evaluating and selecting the most outstanding club member who […]
Director Speaks at Rotary of Savoy
On March 20, 2025, Equity and Engagement Department Director, Rachel Joy, had the honor of attending the Rotary of Savoy Monthly meeting. Ms. Joy proudly highlighted the expansive department work being done in the three divisions – Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Community Safety & Justice, and Community Outreach and Engagement. Rotary members were able to […]
2024 Showcase of the Equitable Development Data Insight Training
On December 12, 2024, Rob Kowalski, Director of the Neighborhood Services Department; Rachel Joy, Director of the Equity and Engagement Department; and Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist, participated in the 2024 Showcase of the Equitable Development Data Insight Training (EDDIT). During the event, City staff had the opportunity to present alongside other 2024 cohorts, including […]
Government Alliance on Race and Equity Panel
On December 11, 2024, Rachel Joy, Director of the Equity and Engagement Department, served as one of two panelists for the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) conversation on Operationalizing Policies to Foster Connected and Prosperous Immigrant Communities. GARE includes 13,000 plus members who serve as racial equity practitioners and other governmental staff representing […]
Keynote Speaker Champaign Public Library Staff Development Day
On Friday, November 8, 2024, Rachel Joy, Equity and Engagement Department was the guest speaker for the Champaign Public Library’s staff development day. Rachel provided valuable insights into the Equity and Engagement Department and its three divisions. This informative session sparked a lively Q&A, demonstrating the interest of library staff in the department’s work. Library […]
EDDIT Site Visit and Symposium
On June 5 and 6, 2024, staff from Equity and Engagement, Public Works, and Neighborhood Services Departments participated in the Equitable Development Data Insight Training (EDDIT) site visit. EDDIT, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, offers specialized data analysis and storytelling training for nonprofit, community, and government organizations dedicated to promoting urban equity in […]
New Mayor Feinen Podcast Discusses “The Beat”
Watch the latest episode of the Mayor Feinen Podcast as Mayor Feinen sits down with Equity and Engagement Director Rachel Joy and Senior Planner for Economic Development T.J. Blakeman to get an update on The Beat. The Beat, a new and dynamic City initiative, is transforming Downtown Champaign into a vibrant entertainment hub, and it’s […]
East Central Illinois Women Attorney’s Association (ECIWAA) Presentation
On May 21, 2024, Rachel Joy, from the Equity and Engagement Department presented during a meeting of the East Central Illinois Women Attorney’s Association (ECIWAA) at Silver Creek Restaurant. The focus of the presentation was the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint. A focus on partnerships with community organizations, law enforcement and victim advocacy served as […]
LIFT Black History Month Annual Program
On February 26, 2024, Deputy City Manager, Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Department staff, Rachel Joy and Tracy Parsons, attended the LIFT annual Black history month event held at Neil St. Blues. The event was an opportunity for families and students to review historical facts with a focus on the Harlem Renaissance, engage with […]
City Staff Attend ILCMA Winter Conference
City Manager Dorothy Ann David and Deputy City Manager Joan Walls attended the Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA) Winter Conference in Normal, IL February 7-9, 2024. During the conference, Joan Walls was honored with the Life Saver Award, which honors ILCMA members who have provided support and mentoring to members in career transition. In addition, […]