WILL COUNTY BOARD: NATALIE COLEMAN - DISTRICT 7
BIO:
Dr. Natalie Coleman is a servant leader. Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois she has found that her desire to give back and help shape the next generation has led her to thrive in the education world. She currently works full time as CEO of After the Peanut and serves as a County Board member for District 10 in Will County. She has over 15 years of experience in education and also served as a Military Police Officer in the Illinois Army National Guard.
Military Career
Dr. Coleman spent over 15 months in Iraq in 2002-2003 during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as a MIlitary Police Officer leading the 3rd platoon of the 933rd Military Police Company (Chicago, IL). As the only minority female officer in the unit, she took it upon herself to exceed the standards and to this day has the admiration and respect of her soldiers. Upon returning from Iraq, Dr. Coleman completed her Captain Career Course and was promoted to Captain. She then became the Commander of the 933rd Police MIlitary Police Company. Dr. Coleman’s last position was the Personnel Officer for the 33rd Military Police Battalion (Bloomington, IL). She was honorably discharged in 2011.
Educational Career
Dr. Coleman began her educational career in 2003 and has never looked back. She began her career as a high school chemistry and physics teacher at Bloom HIgh School, moved on to become the Science and Social Science Coordinator for Joliet Public Schools District 86. In 2018 she decided to step out of the box and began working full time for the company she founded in 2014, After the Peanut. In 2021, Dr. Coleman earned her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) from the University of Illinois.
Dr. Coleman is a national educational consultant and provides training for K-12 educators and community organizations as well as curriculum development. Some of her training topics include Leadership, STEM Best Practices, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Improving Student Attendance. Her latest training Equity in Schools focuses on cultivating global students, addressing innate biases and reducing stereotypes in order to improve school systems, structures and treatment of students.
Some of her professional accolades include being a Illinois Science Assessment Writer, National Geographic Educator of the Week, National Science Teacher Association Presenter, and TED Innovative Educator.
Public Servant
In 2020 Dr. Coleman was elected to the Will County Board. One of her most recent accomplishments as a board member was spearheading the resolution to have Will County designated as a Hidden Heroes county. Hidden Heroes provides resources and funding to veteran caregivers. Will County has over 10,000 veteran caregivers and this will prove to be monumental for those who serve those who served their country. Dr. Coleman is seeking re-election in 2022 for a 2- year term. In which she plans to serve her constituents through equitable and measurable goals, global thinking, and problem solving.
Why are you running for office?
I want to ensure that valuable and important information is communicated between government/elected officials and constituents. I want to ensure equitable distribution of funds for programs that impact residents across all of Will County. I want to represent the underrepresented groups I am a part of. I am a servant leader and believe that my voice is different from any other on the board. I think Will County is a great place to live. Some of my main focus areas/priorities are economic development, fair housing, equitable distribution of funds, strong educational institutions as well as quality services/resources for veterans.
What do you see as the role of Young People in our communities and our Party?
I believe young people can advance the party through innovative ideas that may not be thought of. I think that young people are a bridge to the next generation and can provide valuable insight and first hand experience to advance the collective. Everyone’s voice is important in making our county better. Ignoring anyone population or advancing the ideas of just one group is detrimental to building a community that is innovative and forward thinking.
If elected to office, what will you do to elevate the voices and concerns of Young People?
I will attend meetings. I will have regularly planned communications and events that offer an opportunity for young people to voice their concerns. I will help them understand the role of a County Board member. I will work with them to solidify ideas, policies, and programs that may lead to implementation for the betterment of the county. I will help them with their inclusion and diversity efforts.
Why are you proud to be a member of the Democratic Party?
I am a proud member because it is a diverse party. It’s a party that believes in equality and inclusion.
