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 commitment, 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).
Adam Ballard
Pilsen
Adam Ballard develops policy priorities and campaigns in housing, transportation, and related planning issues, with a focus on people who are disabled and/or age 50+. He advocates for needed legislation and regulations, acts as a thought leader on integrating accessibility for the aging community, works with AARP volunteers on community events, and manages relationships with elected officials and public agencies. Adam earned a B.A. from Lincoln Christian University.
Martha Herrera
Pilsen
Robert DeBonnett
University Village/Commons
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.
