Graduated University of Phoenix, January 2010 – MBA

Concentration Marketing

Presently substitute teaching with Oak Park School District 97

14 Years teaching experience. 10 Years with Illinois Department

of Children & Family Services (DCFS)

20+ Years Executive Assistant Experience

Published Writer and Song Writer

2012 DCASE Individual Artist Grant Recipient

Esther Jones holds an MBA from University of Phoenix awarded January 2010 and a Bachelor of Business Administration awarded from Rober Morris University, in December of 2005. After obtaining her Masters Esther changed her career from an Executive Administrative Assistant and started teaching for several after school programs including No Child Left Behind for Chicago Public Schools. Prior to teaching Esther had 10 years of experience as an Office Associate and was promoted to Office Coordinator for the Illinois State Department of Children and Family Services.

Esther has always been passionate about the wellbeing and education of all children. Esther is presently a licensed Substitute Teacher for the State of Illinois, she works for the Village of Oak Park. Esther founded Ulimi TOC to give African American children and any others interested an in- depth education in African cultural awareness, which includes African language as the main component of the mission. In addition to language her vision is that the children will come away with a sense of African Culture, the norms and traditions, music, and dances of the continent.

Esther is also a jazz and blues vocalist, a published poet and the recipient of the 2010 Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Individual Artist Award. Esther presently participates in Ridgeville Park Districts African Dance Classes.

Maureen Jones

Board Member