Kathy Obear
Statement of Interest: I want to help co-create greater belonging, equity and access in Central Park. Since moving here in 2017, I have found friendly neighbors though I’ve yet to find a sense of community and connection. As I am slowing down and cascading towards retirement, I want to get more involved locally and use what I have learned over the decades as an educator/facilitator of social/racial justice to influence and possibly change local programs, practices, and policies. Thank you for considering me.
Bio: Currently president of the Center for Transformation and Change, Dr. Kathy Obear is nationally recognized as an expert in helping leaders, change agents, and facilitators develop the capacity to create equitable, inclusive, and racially/socially just organizations. Kathy is a co-founder of the Social Justice Training Institute, an intensive professional development experience to deepen capacity to dismantle dynamics of racism and white supremacy in ourselves and in our organizations.
Over the past 35+ years, her expertise has put her in front of hundreds of higher education groups, human service and K-12 organizations, and corporations across the United States and internationally to increase the passion, competence, and commitment necessary to creating inclusive, socially-just environments and services for all members of the organization and those they serve.
Jon Parrish
Statement of Interest: I am deeply committed to the Central Park community and am eager to contribute to its well-being and development as a board member of CPUN. As an original owner in the Willow Park neighborhood, I’ve witnessed over the past 0 years the changes, opportunities, and challenges in the Northfield community. My desire to join CPUN stems from a belief in the power of active participation and community engagement. I am driven to help shape the direction and initiatives that directly impact our neighborhood, fostering inclusive dialogue, promoting transparency, and advocating for equitable solutions. Serving on the board is not just an opportunity for me to give back but also a chance to learn and grow personally and professionally. With two school-aged children attending Willow Elementary and Denver Green, I have a vested interest in initiatives related to safe streets, working on ways to improve transportation between the neighborhoods and between the north and south sides of I-70. I am excited about the prospect of making a meaningful difference and contributing to the betterment of our community’s future. Thank you for your consideration.
Bio: As an experienced leader with a history of community service and professional involvement, I believe my background makes me a strong representative of the Northfield community for CPUN. My previous public/professional experience includes serving as the education chair of the Illuminating Engineering Society Chicago chapter, where I organized educational courses and collaborated with volunteer instructors for a 20-week program. Additionally, community service runs in my family; my father was the president of a local HOA in Littleton for 10 years, where I attended community meetings as a child. I know from these experiences that working for an association can be a thankless but important job. As my children are now a bit older and more independent, it allows me to give back to the community as my family once did.
Professionally, I bring a diverse skill set from my role as a business development leader within Johnson Controls energy efficiency division, where I have interacted and worked directly with public sector customers for the past 14 years. This experience has honed my ability to navigate complex issues and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
With a track record of public sector customer engagement and a commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue, I believe I am well-equipped to represent the interests of Northfield residents and contribute to CPUN’s important work of shaping the future of the entire community.
Elizabeth Silva de Balboa
Statement of Interest: Elizabeth looks forward to bringing her energy, experience and creativity to the board of Central Park United Neighbors. Her board service will focus on promoting safer streets for pedestrians and bikers and on building community through group wellness programs to bring people together in our many neighborhood green spaces.
Bio: Elizabeth Silva de Balboa has been a Central Park resident since 2019. She brings over 35 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Her decades-long career with the YMCA focused on building community through group fitness classes, wellness programming and health education. As a certified yoga instructor, group fitness coach and personal trainer, Elizabeth is passionate about fostering connection, inclusivity, and strengthening community.
