Avelar Selected for Edgar Fellows Public Policy Leadership Program

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. –  In recognition of her leadership ability and desire for good government, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, was recently selected to join the Edgar Fellows Program, a bipartisan public policy leadership training program spearheaded by former Gov. Jim Edgar.

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen as a 2021 Edgar Fellow,” Avelar said. “Even before joining the General Assembly, I have had a passion for helping others and working with all stakeholders to put Illinois on a stable financial path and ensure all Illinois residents have access to affordable, accessible education, health care, and housing. I am excited to spend time with other leaders from throughout the state to learn how we can strengthen our leadership skills, inspire other future leaders and solve the most critical problems facing Illinois.”

The Edgar Fellows Program was started by former Gov. Jim Edgar in partnership with the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs to help build bipartisan and cross-regional approaches to public policy. Each cohort of Edgar Fellows brings together as many as 40 emerging leaders from government and the private sector for a training program on leadership skills and strategies and policy briefings.

“I am excited to attend this year’s Edgar Fellows program and meet leaders from across Illinois,” Avelar continued. “It is vital to the future of our state that we have leaders who will put partisanship and regionalism aside in order to help build a stronger future for Illinois families.”