Aurora

Anna Li an Aurora resident and celebrated Olympian. A 2006 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School, an eight-time All-American gymnast, she won the 2010 NCAA National Championship title, a gold medalist at the 2011 World Championships, 2012 Olympic gold medalist and inducted into the Region 5 Hall of Fame. Anna now leads as a coach at Legacy Elite Gymnastics residing in Aurora.

Mayor Richard C. Irvin was elected as the first African-American Mayor of Aurora in 2017. Irvin graduated from East Aurora High School, served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, practiced law at the state’s attorney in Cook County, and was a prosecutor for Kane County State's Attorney's Office. Irving is an adjunct professor at Robert Morris College, Northern Illinois University and a substitute teacher at East Aurora School, his alma maters. Mayor Irvin is a public servant who leads with passion, persistence, and personal responsibility.

Tom Skilling is the chief meteorologist and celebrating his 45th anniversary with WGN-TV in 2023. Tom was hired by WKKD in Aurora, IL, while attending West Aurora High School. He has established himself as a respected meteorologist both locally and nationally, known for his in-depth reports, enthusiasm, and use of state-of-the-art technology. Tom Skilling has been awarded with three honorary doctorates from Lewis University, St. Mary’s of Minnesota and Aurora University

Mary Lou Chapa is an entrepreneur, community volunteer, and has been a trailblazer for Hispanic women in Aurora dedicating her life to the community, leaving a path for strong women in business. Mary Lou was the very first Hispanic woman realtor in Aurora, the first woman (minority woman) to earn her brokers license and opened her own office in 1970. Mary Lou paved a path for Hispanic women in business, building a strong community which shaped the history of Aurora. These big achievements were challenging and to quote she, “overcame racism, sexism, and bigotry.”