Gerald Podraza - Highland Trustee

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Vote for YOUTHFULNESS, THOUGHTFULNESS, CREATIVITY, and INTEGRITY

GERALD H. PODRAZA

TRUSTEE - HIGHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

     Rich in community assets, Highland CC is bounded by JoDaviess, Ogle, Carroll, Stephenson and part of Winnebago Counties. Opportunities abound within its cities, towns, and villages yet too many assets remain undervalued. Undervalued assets when developed through partnerships with existing organizations can leverage funding and conclude in extraordinary learning outcomes; the community is a learning laboratory! As a result, HCC gains exposure, it becomes recognized as a fountain of possibilities. 

     Gerald's daughter, Jenna and his son, Adam both attended Wilbur Wright Junior College. Wilbur Wright Junior College formerly known as Wright Junior College, is a public community college in Chicago.

Volunteer History

• Irving Park YMCA – Floor Hockey Coach
•  Chicago Greater Food Depository – Food Delivery Driver
•  Habitat for Humanity – Drywall Installer
• Citizens Assisting Police – Neighborhood Watch
•  Maryville Reception Center – Aids Baby Cuddler
•  Citizens to Revive Passenger Rail – Blackhawk & Twin Cities Zephyr
• Keep Kids Free ( ban military automatic weapons AR-15 & AK-47)

Education History

• Quincy College/University – B.S.
• Southern Illinois University – M.M.
• North Eastern Illinois University – Post Graduate (psychology & human resource
• development
•  University of Illinois, Chicago – Doctoral Studies (public policy analysis & ethnography of

communication)

Philanthropic History

• Northern Illinois Food Bank
• River Bend Food Bank
• Habitat for Humanity
• Covenant House

Employment History

• Illinois Department of Mental Health – Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry
• Chicago Regional Chapter One/Dupage Supplemental Project – Human Resource

Development

• Maryville Academy – Pre-Vocational Coordinator (DCFS Wards)
• Chicago Board of Education – Education to Careers Coordinator (11 high schools)
• Mount Hope Vineyard/Farm – Owner/Manager (wine grapes & industrial hemp)
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Check out Gerald's Facebook page by clicking here