2026 Governor's Volunteer Service Award Winners

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Kevin Spriggs continues to reside in his hometown, where he balances a high-impact career with a deep commitment to his family and community. As a healthcare Project and Program Management Professional, Kevin currently serves as an Integration Program Manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association where he provides program oversight to various project teams. His extensive background includes support and leadership roles at HCSC and Humana Inc., where he has spent over a decade driving operational excellence and healthcare innovation.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kevin is defined by his spirit of service. Inspired by the goal of fostering health equity and empowering the next generation, he serves as a Mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago as well as Board Secretary for the West Side Pastor's Coalition for AIDS & Inner-City Health, a Getting to Zero (GTZ-IL) partner.

Additionally, Kevin volunteers in numerous capacities, ranging from food pantries to mentorship panels and youth development. The youngest of four children, Kevin is honored to dedicate this Volunteer Service Award to his mother, Willia Spriggs, and his little brother JaQuonn Williams, believing that active service is the cornerstone of a resilient and empowered community.

I am a junior from Chicago and currently attend Whitney M. Young High School. I have grown up in the city and value the diverse community and opportunities it provides. My family has always emphasized education, hard work, and giving back to others, which has strongly influenced my goals and interests. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, especially tennis and basketball, and I am very interested in engineering, particularly computer science. I enjoy building technical projects and continuing to develop my programming and problem-solving skills. I also have professional experience working with a software and technology company, where I have helped with technical projects, data organization, and system improvements.

This experience has strengthened my interest in pursuing computer science in the future. A major part of my time is dedicated to volunteer service through tutoring and educational support programs. I help students with academics and English learning, and this work is important to me because education creates opportunities and independence. Seeing students gain confidence and improve academically has been one of the most meaningful experiences for me, and it motivates me to continue serving my community.

Eboni Williams, born August 28, 1987, is a dedicated community servant, mother of four, and lifelong advocate for youth and family empowerment. As the proud mother of Tyana, Tyrone, Tytiana, and Tyjanay Lesure, Eboni has instilled in her children the same values of service and compassion that have guided her own journey.

Eboni began volunteering at a young age, developing a deep commitment to uplifting underserved communities. She furthered this passion through two years of service with AmeriCorps, where she worked with City Year Chicago as a literacy tutor on the west side, supporting students at Howe Elementary School. She also served with Public Allies Chicago under the leadership of Michelle Obama, where she strengthened her leadership skills and deepened her commitment to civic engagement.

In addition to her work in education, Eboni has volunteered with the American Red Cross, extending her impact to families in crisis. She comes from a legacy of service, inspired by her mother, Dr. Benita Williams-Thompson, a devoted philanthropist who spent over 20 years supporting mothers, children, and incarcerated individuals through Hand-N-Hand Outreach NFP.

Eboni proudly continues this legacy, passing on a strong sense of community to her children, who are now actively contributing to service efforts in their own ways.

My husband and I live in the small town of Milford, Illinois, where we enjoy caring for our three horses and spending time with our four children and seven grandchildren.

I have dedicated my career to education, serving as a teacher and technology coordinator in Watseka School District, Technology and Curriculum Coordinator in Manteno School District, and Math/Science Coordinator and coach for the I-KAN Regional Office of Education. For nearly 20 years, I also operated my own business, traveling throughout the state as a math consultant and instructional coach. These experiences have shaped my passion for supporting both students and teachers.

For the past five years, I have returned to the classroom, teaching junior high math in St. George School District. I am deeply committed to my students’ success and actively support school life as a student council advisor, math team coach, tutor, and mentor. I am also deeply committed to the teachers, my team and support. I strive each day to make our school a positive and enriching place for all students and staff.

Beyond the classroom, I volunteer at Milford Christian Church and Prairie States Christian Service Camp, serving as a teacher, VBS Director, and committee member. I have also been blessed to create multimedia presentations for the Iroquois County Christmas Cantata.

IDHS - Serve Illinois takes this time to pause and reflect on Mustafa Abdall, our 2026 GVSA Winner in the Category of Outstanding Adult Volunteer. He was passionate about the work he did in the Rockford community and was known to many as a local leader. On Behalf of the Officer of the Office of Governor JB Pritzker, DHS Secretary Dulce Quintero and Board Chair Amy Reuff we say thank you to the family, friends and volunteers who served alongside you to improve the quality of life for those in the Rockford community.

Following are the kind words the nominator shared as part of his GVSA nomination application:

Mustafa has said, “No one chooses to be a refugee… we all deserve to have a home and to be safe.” That simple statement highlights why meeting the needs of refugee families is so personal and urgent for him. Having personally experienced the transition to arriving in America, Mustafa is familiar with the isolation, uncertainty, and systemic hurdles newcomers face. He volunteers in this hands-on way because he believes support must go beyond business hours, paperwork, and general services, it must reflect human connection and trust. As his biography states: “kindness is a universal language, one he speaks fluently in every aspect of his life.” With that view, the work of the Rockford Refugee Support Program isn’t just about helping with forms, it is about welcoming people, building belonging, and offering that “any-time” lifeline for someone who may otherwise feel invisible. In short, the need matters to Mustafa because he has walked similar paths and sees each family’s success as a reflection of the entire community’s strength. That’s why he leads by example, showing up late at night, meeting people where they are, and taking the time to listen. To him, serving the community is foundational for making Rockford a place where everyone can thrive.

Kriti Mohan is a senior at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. She is a student leader committed to service, advocacy, and creating meaningful change in her community. Kriti is the founder and president of Help Them Up, a nonprofit that supports women and children affected by domestic abuse. Through her leadership, she has organized large-scale donation drives and helped secure over $50,000 in essential resources.

She also serves as President of the Teen Advisory Council for Ronald McDonald House Charities, leads Crescendo for a Cause in coordinating instrument donation drives, and volunteers with organizations such as Liberation Library and Buddy Up Tennis.

In addition to her service work, Kriti is an accomplished musician and athlete. As an oboist, she was selected for the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra and is a three-time ILMEA Chicago district selection. She is also a leader in her school’s concert and marching bands. Outside of music, she is a four-year varsity tennis player and team co-captain, with her team placing second in state for three consecutive years.

Kriti hopes to continue using her voice to advocate for equity and support those who need it most in college and beyond.

Hello, my name is Yolanda Michelle Williams, and I am 57 years old. I am the proud mother of seven very successful children, and a grandmother of nine grandkids. My youngest daughter is 15 years old. I truly enjoy being a grandmother.

My education includes Lucy Flowers High School, in Chicago, then college in River Grove, Illinois. I am a proud Triton College 2009 alumnus. I also attended National Louis University and am a few credit hours from completing my bachelor's degree. One of my life’s goals is to complete my bachelor's degree.

My career working with children began with volunteering at my oldest daughter's school, Lawndale Academy on the West Side of Chicago. I have worked with children since 1994 and enjoy helping and working in the classroom and in private homes. I love helping others and giving back to the community and am currently volunteering at my school district. My career includes over 36 years of educating preschoolers.

Included in my volunteering, I am a volunteer at the food pantry at my church. My volunteer hours total 5,000+ for the food pantry and the preschool, combined. I served at the preschool for over 15 wonderful years. I also currently volunteer at Catholic Charities with third graders on their reading, writing and mathematics skills. I am deeply passionate about helping our community youth develop and grow.

In my free time, because my faith is strong, I prioritize attending church and bible study on Wednesdays. Frequently, you will find me gardening, shopping and taking long walks in the park.

My mottos are: Treat people the way you want to be treated by others, and it is better to give than to receive. I know my purpose on earth and enjoy each day because life is like vapor. Enjoy, live, and laugh out loud.

Steve Hilberg lives near Homer, IL in Champaign County and has been a Champaign County resident for more than 45 years. He retired from the Illinois State Water Survey/University of Illinois after 36 years as a climatologist/meteorologist. He currently works part-time for Colorado State University as project manager for a national rainfall monitoring network.

For the past 14 years he has been a volunteer with the Champaign County Search & Rescue team. He also is an instructor for Wildland Search and Rescue courses offered by the Illinois Fire Service Institute. Steve became a SAR volunteer to serve the community and quickly realized this was a worthwhile experience. Learning new skills, working with other team members, and having the satisfaction of saving a life, bringing a lost person home, or even just offering comfort and support to affected families provides a significant sense of fulfillment.

When not working or participating in SAR activities, Steve enjoys cooking and bread baking, and often can be found in his woodworking shop working on some project. He also enjoys the outdoors, particularly fishing.

Bailey Bonham is 12 years old and lives in Mahomet. Bailey is a multi-sport athlete participating in travel softball and basketball. Bailey was the 2023 Little Miss of America with American Pageants; which is a community service based pageant organization. She was the 2022 Little Miss of Illinois and served as the 2021 Little Miss Fisher Fair Queen in conjunction with the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen program. Her extensive background of volunteering began when she was just four years old.

Over the years she has volunteered with Special Olympics Illinois and Nevada, Salvation Army, Shriner’s Hospitals, Ronald McDonald House, Eastern Illinois Food Bank, various food pantries and many marathons including the Illinois Marathon in Champaign.

In 2024 Bailey logged over 200 hours of community service. In the last few years, she has helped raised over $10,000 for various organizations including Shriners Hospitals for Children, Bell ringing for the Salvation Army, Special Olympics Polar Plunge and raised over $1,000 for her school during their annual fundraiser. She is honored to have received this award as both her sisters were recipients in 2021 and 2024; the love for volunteering truly runs in her blood.

Bailey wants to encourage everyone of all ages to get out in their community and volunteer. “Giving back to your community is easy and changing someone’s life because of your service is the best reward you can receive.”-Bailey Bonham

Born and raised in Champaign Illinois. Recently married to the love of my life who has five children, so I have a wonderful new family. My most favorite thing to do is travel, I was a travel agent for 25 years with allowed me to travel to 42 countries. Once the computer came on the scene I changed careers to community service. I worked for SNAP-Ed Champaign County for eight years getting poverty wages from the U of I, but I loved the job. I retired two years ago and I was bored, so I decided to open a hygiene pantry in Champaign County.

Champaign happens to have over 30 food pantries but no hygiene pantry. We focus on period poverty and anything that keeps your body clean. I love community service because I get to meet people from all walks of life, and it's very rewarding to receive smiles and thank you for helping people in their life.

Larry Barry is a lifelong resident and businessman of Taylorville, IL. Throughout the years of owning and operating his business, Larry’s Service Center, Larry learned the importance of giving back to his community.

While in business, Larry supported and funded the annual senior citizen dinner at the Christian County Fairgrounds for many years. This event was well attended and appreciated by many area seniors and often one of the largest highlights and successful events of the county fair each year. Upon retirement, Larry immediately found a new avenue to give back to his community by volunteering at the Taylorville Food Pantry. He can be found on-site volunteering weekly at the food pantry, as well as traveling off-site regularly to bring back trailer loads full of food to the local pantry.

Perhaps his greatest passion in life has been supporting, growing, and strengthening the Taylorville FFA Chapter. As the Taylorville FFA Alumni President, Larry helps spearhead and organize many events to support Taylorville FFA. A few of his favorite involvements include the annual sweet corn and pork chop supper, tractor restoration projects, and the FFA National Convention. When asked why he is such an enthusiast for FFA, you will always hear Larry say, “We do it for the kids!”

Nilah Gauss is a college student, a dreamer, and a voice of her community.

Currently double majoring at the University of Missouri-Columbia in English and Theatre with a minor in Black studies. Nilah finds inspiration in her life from her family, community, and her favorite creatives such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Noname. As an avid book reader she has spent her days educating herself on the power of community, education, and giving support at every opportunity given. Her passions have been focused on supporting the black community and sharing the importance of culture and creative expression.

Growing up in Decatur, Illinois her volunteer experiences have been vastly tied to The IncSpot; Volunteering within the Smart Summer program, Scholar Sendoff ,and most recently working the Sensory Station at the Illinois State Fair Nilah continues her impact on her college campus, starting her own organization named ‘Normal Girl Initiative’ to encourage education on intersectionality and creating a safe space for students on campus. Alongside this, she holds position as Activities chair for Mizzou Black Creatives and secretary for the Mizzou chapter of USITT. “I dream it. I work hard. I grind ‘til I own it. ” -Beyoncé Knowles

Born and raised in Kentucky, Joy Hudgins has proudly called Belleville, Illinois home for over 30 years. A devoted mother of four, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of two, Joy has always placed family at the center of her life.

Joy dedicated her career to education and social services, retiring from Federal Civil Service after many years of meaningful work supporting others.

Her commitment to service continues through volunteerism. For the past 16 years, Joy has served with Tapestry of Community Offerings (TOCO) and for approximately 14 years with the Community Interfaith Food Pantry, including four years as Volunteer Coordinator. She also volunteers through Southwestern Illinois College Senior Programs, supporting community events such as Art on the Square in Belleville.

Joy enjoys line dancing, Zumba, playing cards, and spending time with her family. She is continually inspired by fellow volunteers and those she serves.

Cori Jurgensmeyer is a Senior Analyst in Accounting at Nestlé Purina PetCare, based in the St. Louis and Metro East region, which she proudly calls home. She has built her professional career around integrity, accountability, and service, applying a strong analytical mindset to financial operations and cross-functional- collaboration. She is married to her wonderful, supportive husband Chris Jurgensmeyer, and they have two dogs, Yui and Bennie.

Cori is deeply committed to community service, with a primary focus on animal welfare. She has served as Board Treasurer for the Belleville Area Humane Society since 2020, providing financial oversight and governance to advance the organization’s mission. In addition to her board leadership, Cori volunteers regularly at adoption events and fosters animals in need, including cats, kittens, and adult dogs. Her leadership has been instrumental in the organization’s fundraising success. Cori successfully chaired the 2025 Slumber Pawty, raising more than $35,000, and the 2026 Birthday Bash, which raised over $109,000 to support shelter operations and animal care.

Outside of work, Cori enjoys running 5Ks, volunteering, fostering animals, and staying actively engaged in causes that strengthen her community. Her sustained dedication to service reflects a genuine commitment to making a meaningful, lasting impact.