Speaker: Stephanie Beck Crawford

One of my greatest passions is lifelong learning through continued education, networking and exploring new interests, striving to encourage others to do the same. I highly value diversity and inclusion, am a strong LGBTQ Ally and support several nonprofits ranging from ALCU to Galena Food Pantry to My Block, My Hood, My City. It is my purpose to assist everyone to be their best professionally, while being wholly authentic. Both personally and in business, I encompass a high commitment in improving local community by supporting and leading various charitable activities.

I received my undergraduate degree from Western Illinois University with a major in independent studies with an emphasis in dance. After graduation I worked at three dance studios and a pre-school, waited tables, cleaned houses and worked at an industrial plant as a secretary. This lasted a year until I was offered the Assistant Director position at one of the dance studios.

Five years later, I made the decision to leave the arts for a more stable career with regular hours, good pay and benefits. I earned my Masters in Human Resources Management and Development. This led me to a 25-year career in Corporate Real Estate, 22 of those years in Human Resource. I left Corporate America as Senior Business Partner with the People Department supporting 3500 employees throughout the Americas (US, LATAM, CAN).

I continued my journey to serve the greater good when I received my Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. I was fortunate enough to lend my talents to various charitable organizations: Executive Director, Beck Legacy Fund; Board Member at Large, CBRE LGBT & Allies EBRG; Committee Member and Chairperson, CBRE Chicago Philanthropic Group; Associate Board Member and Chairperson, Jobs for Youth (JFY); Board of Directors, William and Irene Beck Foundation. I have also taught part-time as an Adjunct Professor for a local community college Human Resource Management, Compensation and Benefits, and Labor Relations.

After retiring from Corporate America in 2022, I made my way back into the arts directing a play, teaching dance & yoga, and am part of a writer’s workshop. What started off as volunteer work, I currently work fo JDLF Collective as Finance Director, Executive Assistant and Food Pantry Coordinator.

As a side hustle, I help clients build tools in financial organization, human resource services and home office decluttering for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits. I am also available for speaking engagements on Money Mindset. Money can be uncomfortable and complicated. Understanding the why is key to positive change.

For schools and nonprofits, I offer a Financial Literacy program at no cost. Your Money & Your Life was initially created through a collaboration between the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Financial Links for Low-Income People Coalition, and the University of Illinois Extension. It was copywritten in 2001. I have recently updated this to a 4-hour interactive presentation that can be conducted in person or virtually.