Board Members
Magdalynne Bruckner
Magdalynne Bruckner graduated Cum Laude from Monmouth College’20 with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Business Administration. She works in the Transportation and Logistics Industry as an HR Professional for a Fortune 500 company. She is passionate about people, storytelling, and making an impact. Magdalynne is a proud advocate for adoption education, SA awareness, and much more.
She is a podcaster, aspiring author, and young woman who believes, ‘My pain is purposeful,’ a testament to the belief that even in the darkest of times, there is always light.
Zohaib Farooq
Zohaib Farooq graduated from Benedictine University with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science, along with minors in Chemistry and Philosophy through the Honors Scholars Program. Later earned his Master’s degree in Integrative Physiology.
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, and came to the United States at the age of six. Currently, works as a Lead Medical Assistant at DuPage Immediate Care, and also serves as a manager and lead salesperson at BG Motor Cars, a used car dealership.
Fortunate to have gained a variety of leadership experiences throughout my academic and professional journey. Served as a mentor and leader in the Accelerate Career through Education (A.C.E.) program and held executive roles in organizations such as the Student Senate, the Commuter Student Association, and the Orientation Leader team. Contributes to his community as a triage coordinator for the Islamic Center of Naperville’s Shifa Medical Clinic.
His goal is to become a physician and to serve his community through compassionate, patient-centered care. One of his core values is that everyone—regardless of race, background, or ethnicity—deserves respect and the opportunity to become the person they aspire to be.
Carolyn LeFavour
Carolyn is an award-winning sales and marketing executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the consumer products industry. Currently serving as Senior Vice President of Sales at Gibson Homewares, Carolyn has led national and private label brand growth across retail and eCommerce channels, with full P&L responsibility and a strong record of driving market expansion and profitability.
Previously, she held senior executive roles at Lifetime Brands and Corelle Brands, where they led cross-functional teams, developed innovative product strategies, and built lasting partnerships. A patent holder and inventor, Carolyn brings both strategic insight and creative thinking to every initiative.
Known for collaborative leadership and a commitment to mentorship, she is passionate about leveraging business expertise to support mission-driven organizations and strengthen community impact.
Nyla Talton
Nyla Talton is a dedicated community advocate and board member with a strong passion for service, relationship-building, and community engagement. She has supported and led fundraising initiatives focused on assisting individuals and families in need through internships and self-driven efforts.
In addition to serving on the board, Nyla supports the organization in an operations management role, helping oversee administrative functions, organizational development, and strategic growth initiatives. She is committed to creating structured, collaborative environments that help mission-driven work thrive efficiently and effectively.
Nyla is currently pursuing a University Studies degree at Western Michigan University with an emphasis in psychology, social work, and human resources, bringing a thoughtful and people-centered approach to her work and community impact.
Dianna Plumbo
VICE PRESIDENT
Dianna holds a Master of Science in Written Communication from National Louis University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Roosevelt University.
Her career began 17 years ago and has remained dedicated to the same organization throughout. Life’s work involves celebrating her unique community while advocating for a voice for all.
Arnold Banks
Craig Gilmore
Craig J. Gilmore is a Detroit native, engineer, entrepreneur, and advocate for youth development. A graduate of Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School and Alabama A&M University, where he earned degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Craig built his foundation through student leadership, NSBE, IEEE, and athletics.
Over the past two decades, he has supported some of the nation's most critical aerospace and defense initiatives — including work with NASA, the Missile Defense Agency, and the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. Today, he leads the integration and testing of advanced satellite and space-based systems that strengthen national security and support the modern warfighter.
Craig is equally committed to the next generation. He has organized and delivered STEM programs across the country with a particular focus on underserved and underrepresented communities, driven by the belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. As an engineer and entrepreneur, he remains focused on creating sustainable solutions that generate long-term value for communities, industries, and future generations.
Valerie Talton
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Valerie Talton is an educator, youth development leader, and founder of Accelerate Career Through Education (A.C.E.). With over 20 years of experience in education, training, and public speaking, she is passionate about empowering youth and families through leadership development, parent engagement, and college readiness programs. At National Louis University, Valerie received her BA in Applied Behavior Psychology. Valerie champions the idea that parents are a child’s first teachers and is committed to creating opportunities that support student success.
She is a founding member of Illinois Oswego Community Unit School District 308’s Diversity & Equity Committee. She has served as the Illinois State Advisor for the NAACP Youth & College Division. Her work has earned recognition from school districts, community organizations, and the NAACP. Valerie is also the founder of the nonprofit What I Need (W.I.N.), dedicated to meeting youth where they are and expanding access to resources and opportunities.
“Every child deserves the right to an opportunity to thrive and live happy and healthy.”
Arnold Banks is an accomplished aviation professional with nearly 30 years of industry experience, currently serving as a Captain for a major airline. A proud graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Technologies, Arnold has built a career defined not only by excellence in the cockpit, but by a deep commitment to mentorship and community impact.
Arnold is passionate about opening doors for young people by exposing them to the vast opportunities within aviation and aerospace. He actively mentors aspiring pilots and works tirelessly to inspire the next generation of aviation leaders — helping youth see aviation as a pathway to achievement, purpose, and lifelong success.