Gus Wood - IMC Board President 

He/Him

Gus is an Assistant Professor in the Labor Education Program at the University of Illinois. He is a former two-term president of the Graduate Employees Organization (GEO) and currently hosts Radio Free Labor on WEFT Community Radio.

David Cisneros (first name Josue) - IMC Board Secretary 

He/They

David Cisneros has lived in Urbana-Champaign for ten years. He is an educator, writer, researcher, and organizer. He teaches classes on rhetoric, public advocacy, and social movements at the University of Illinois. David has published research on immigrant justice, border abolition, and Latinx movements. Passionate about media, communication, and social change at the IMC, he is also involved with supporting labor organizing, immigrant justice work, and political education around abolitionism. David is also a Star Trek nerd, a cat lover, a novice gardener, and writes bad poetry.

Camille Cobb - Treasure 

Bio Coming Soon!  

Chelsea Birchmier - IMC Board Member 

She/Her

Chelsea Birchmier is a graduate student and worker researching social movements in the Psychology department at UIUC. She is an organizer working with the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) and Champaign County Bailout Coalition and is involved in struggles for ceasefire and liberation in Palestine.

Mica Light - IMC Board Member 

She/Her

I am a current board member at UCIMC in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, with a deep passion for artistic development.

Born in Decatur, IL, to S.L. and Verlean Light, I am the fourth of five children from their union. From an early age, I expressed a desire to explore new horizons, which my parents supported, leading to my move to Jackson, Tennessee, in 1996. My career in Tennessee was marked by various roles in service to others. I served as a Case Manager through AmeriCorps at The Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and later worked as a counselor for JACOA, assisting clients battling addiction. Additionally, I pursued a career in nursing, working in the Cardiac and Pulmonary Unit for five years.

In 2006, I relocated my family to Houston, TX, where I managed a shelter for the homeless. After two years, we returned to Illinois, as my children preferred the familiarity of a smaller town environment. Back in Illinois, I embarked on a robust career in direct service, contributing to over 17 agencies in Champaign County. Through my 17-plus years here, I have cultivated a strong work ethic and built lasting relationships with clients, providers, and educators. Known for my resourcefulness and ability to connect individuals to necessary services, I have consistently supported clients dealing with sexual abuse and trauma, drawing on my personal experiences.

Despite being diagnosed with congestive heart failure over a decade ago, I pursued higher education at Parkland College, earning a degree in Special Education, and later attended Millikin University in Decatur, IL, where I achieved academic honors, including the Dean’s List. My educational journey was focused on special education and bilingual studies, leading to teaching roles in both Decatur and Champaign County. I also received my minister’s license from the Universal Life Church and am an ordained minister.

Currently, I am a Notary Signing Agent providing notary services, a process server, a member of the Women’s Junior League of C-U, a panel member of the DCFS Bias Free Removal Board, and the owner of three businesses, including the Light’s Authentic Inc., U.C.C.O. Inc., and U.C.C.O. Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the homeless population in Champaign County. Despite health challenges, I remain committed to helping others, leveraging my experiences as a teenage mother, single parent, adult college student, and business owner. I have been published in “Bold Journey” magazine twice now along with having my story published in the “Rebel Magazine” as well. 

My current endeavors include contracting with the Champaign County Township Office, where I provide case management services to the homeless through the Buddies program. Additionally, I work with Old Kings Orchard in Macon County as an Outreach Worker and Mentor for local schools. I also host a radio show, “Afternoons with DLight,” on UCIMC’s WRFU, which brings me immense joy.

Through these roles, I continue to make meaningful contributions to my community, blending my passion for service with my commitment to artistic and personal development.

Katye Newhouse - IMC Board Member 

They/Them

Katye is the co-director of Prism Community Art School and a long-time Champaign-Urbana resident.

D. Ava Briley - IMC Board Member 

D. Ava Briley is an associate professor and associate head for diversity and inclusion in the Department of Psychology at UIUC. Their research focuses on personality and identity development from a bioecological point of view. Ava also acts as a community facilitator for local support groups. In downtime, Ava enjoys spending time in nature, anything space-related, and hanging out with their dogs, cats, and kid.

Erica Holmes - IMC Board Member 

Bio Coming Soon! 

Sara Wheatcroft - IMC Board Member 

Bio Coming Soon! 

Frank DiNovo - IMC Board Member

Bio Coming Soon!