2025 ISBE Career Connections Conference

"Heather Penczak - Director of Innovation Heather Penczak is dedicated to equipping students with the skills, networks, and experiences needed for success in college and professional settings. She leads statewide initiatives in work-based learning through the Illinois Work-Based Learning Innovation Network, providing technical assistance to communities in implementing career pathways. Heather also supports competency-based education projects aligned with Illinois’ Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act, driving innovation in how students prepare for their futures. A certified secondary education teacher, Heather brings a wealth of expertise in education policy and practice. She holds a Master of Education in Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University. Heather's work is grounded in her passion for creating equitable opportunities that empower students to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.

Jessica Winn - Jessica Winn is a STEAM educator with NIU STEAM. Jess is a Southern Californian who moved to Illinois from Alaska after spending the last 13 years teaching and growing in the final frontier. She has spent years working in the Alaskan outdoors with the National Park Service, Student Conservation Association, and Anchorage Park Service. She has done internships with NASA and written blogs for PBS. Jess has taught all grades from K-12 in the fields of science and physical education. Her favorite courses to inspire students included Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Astronomy. Jess focuses on Project- and Place-based Learning, building interest through excitement and curiosity. To her, learning starts by building foundational relationships with the people she works with. If she’s not in the office, look for her on the trails, on the water, or biking around with her dog and her family.
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