Building Shared Value in Communities

Virtual | 09.15.2023 | 12:25 - 12:55 EST

2. Building Shared Value in Communities

Join us for an inspiring presentation designed to empower individuals, community leaders, and activists to learn about the community change in rural Illinois. Key highlights include community assessment, collaborative network-building, advocacy, resource mobilization, and policy/systems change. Whether you’re a concerned citizen or a community leader, this presentation will help you become a catalyst for positive change in your community.

Diana Merdian, MA, Regional Office of Education & Mayor, Sterling, IL

Diana Merdian was born and raised in Sterling, IL. She went on to get her Associate's Degree from Sauk Valley Community College, a Bachelor’s of Arts (Healthcare Studies), and a Master’s in Education (Family and Community Services) from Ashford University in Clinton, IA.

She served as a Level 5 Family Support Specialist for the Regional Office of Education #47 (ROE) in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties for three years at Riverdale Preschool For All program. She then went on to become the Family Education and Support Services Program Coordinator for the Nexus Program, Community/Data Systems Manager for the IRIS referral system within the community, and an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with the ROE.

As current mayor of Sterling, IL she works with families experiencing homelessness and students at risk of dropping out on a typical day.