Grace is excited to be a Facilitator for the WACC CEO East program. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University starting her career in Human Resources at a medical facility. After 9 years, she decided to open her own business, Stone Bridge Running in Downtown Dixon. This niche running shop offers products to promote people being active in any form - focusing on walkers, runners, and those that stand all day. She and her husband, Jeff, have two adult children, a mowing business, an ultrarunning event company, two beloved pups, and a stereotypical cat (judgmental and annoyed at all times). Grace and her family are active members in the community supporting Discover Dixon, United Way of Lee County, the Reagan Run 5k, and so many entities that encompass the amazing area where they live. Grace looks forward to getting the students of CEO involved in business and community development through the various outlets throughout their area.  

Emily Brooks is thrilled to return to the WACC CEO West program as its facilitator, having once been a student in the program herself. A two-time graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Emily still enjoys cheering on the Fighting Illini whenever she gets the chance. As a fifth-generation farmer, she grew up on her family’s grain and livestock operation and remains actively involved in the family farm alongside her fiancé, Clayton. Together, they enjoy traveling and spending time with their Australian Shepherd puppy. Emily is excited to bring her experiences back to the program and help today’s students step outside of their comfort zones, build meaningful relationships with community leaders, learn more about local businesses, and discover what they are capable of accomplishing.