ZONING BOARD COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES
Victoria Romero
Pilsen & areas of McKinley Park
Victoria Romero, the youngest of seven children, was born and raised in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood to Mexican-American parents. She credits her family with instilling in her the values of service, dedication and community involvement.
While growing up in Pilsen, Victoria was exposed to community activism at a very early age. It was the valuable lessons she learned from area leaders that led her toward a path of community service.
Victoria received her Bachelor’s Degree in Latin American Studies from DePaul University. While at DePaul, Victoria noticed a lack of support and services for Latino students. In an effort to fill that void she co-founded the student organization, DALE (DePaul Alliance for Latino Enrichment).
After completing her studies, Victoria chose to serve her community by responding to the critical public health issue of HIV/AIDS/STIs. While at Stop AIDS’ Latino Program, she focused her efforts on community education.
Following her time at Stop AIDS, Victoria moved on to the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, where she coordinated the Latina Services Program. Victoria was a strong advocate for the expansion of services for Latina women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Now, as a Public Health Administrator III at the Chicago Department of Public Health, Victoria serves as a Community-Alignment Specialist in her bureau’s Family Connects Chicago program. She coordinates and supports the agencies that provide the frontline services of Maternal, Infant, Child, and Adolescent health. Victoria thoroughly enjoys bridging health department resources to the diverse communities throughout Chicago.
Victoria is now a homeowner in Pilsen. She is committed to keeping her neighborhood’s Mexican cultural identity alive. Part of that effort has been as a Zoning Board Member for 25th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez’ zoning advisory board, a voluntary board that advocates to bring more affordable housing and responsible development projects to Pilsen in an effort to mitigate gentrification and the displacement of working-class families
Martha Herrera
Pilsen
Martha Herrera is a retired Chicago Public Schools teacher with 30 years of service and a
lifelong connection to the community she served. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, she
moved to Pilsen in 1960 with her mother to reunite with her father. As the oldest of six siblings,
she grew up in a household deeply rooted in the neighborhood’s culture. Her five siblings and
four children were all born and raised in Pilsen, a place that has remained central to her life and
work.
Martha earned a bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Psychology, using her
knowledge and passion to guide generations of students. Beyond the classroom, she was an
organic activist, advocating for the needs of her students and their families. Her commitment to
community engagement continued beyond her teaching career. Today, she serves on the zoning
advisory board and as a board member of a grassroots organization, working to protect the
integrity of Pilsen’s housing landscape.
A strong advocate for lower-income and affordable housing, Martha prioritizes securing
handicap-friendly spaces to ensure long-term residents can remain in the community. She is
dedicated to preserving Pilsen’s culture and resisting the pressures of development that
threaten affordability. Through her work, she continues to fight for a neighborhood that honors
its history and remains accessible to those who call it home
Robert DeBonnett
University Village/Commons
A native of Chicago, A. Robert DeBonnett was raised in a working-class household on the city’s South Side, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to community service.
With over 30 years of diverse professional experience, Rob DeBonnett has held key roles in banking, financial services, project management, and business development. His expertise spans multiple industries, combining analytical skills with strategic leadership.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Rob is dedicated to community engagement, serving on the boards of two local non-profits and actively volunteering in his neighborhood. His commitment to both business excellence and civic involvement reflects a lifelong dedication to creating positive impact
Cynthia Nambo
Pilsen
Cynthia Nambo, an equity centered leader, facilitator, educator, coach, professional developer and designer for over 30 years. Her leadership compels her to design systems for racial, gender, and class equity through cross cultural coalition and innovation.
She was an appointee for the Education Transition Subcommittee for Mayor Johnson and served on the City of Chicago 5 Year Planning Committee for Housing. Currently she is a committee member of the PUSH Housing Committee; and the 25th Ward Zoning Advisory Board.
One of her marked accomplishments was as the project director of a community-led school design initiative that resulted in what is now the Little Village Lawndale Campus of four high schools. Another was as founding principal of Instituto Justice & Leadership Academy, a social justice high school rooted in competencies and restorative justice practices. Her experience spans across organizational entities: the Chicago Public Schools, alternative schools, bilingual education, charters, universities, foundations, community based organizations, and businesses.
Cynthia has lived in Pilsen for over 30 plus years. She is most proud of being a parent of two bilingual Mexican daughters, Las Nambitas, who have benefited from a dual language lived experience & public education.
*Note – With the recent redistricting came new ward boundaries. Although, we lost Chinatown, West Loop, South Loop, and Little Italy, the new 25th Ward consolidates all of Pilsen and includes parts of Little Village. Our office consolidated our Zoning Advisory Board membership to the new ward boundaries of Pilsen, University Village/Commons, and Little Village.
