Hi everyone,
I am Jill Westberry, the new Civic Engagement Director! As a native of Minnesota who has lived in three different states, I bring a good mixture of experiences and perspectives.
I enjoy many things, including: reading; enjoying the performing arts; watching documentaries and sports; travelling; spending time with friends, family, nieces and nephews; and just living, laughing, and enjoying life!
I have roots in disability work and advocacy from my younger years. My mother worked in the field, starting at PACER Center and what was then called the Minneapolis Society for the Blind. Our family was very involved with PACER in volunteering and helping in various ways, such as with their fundraising events and youth programs. This was truly a highlight for us as we enjoyed it so much. To this day, we have lasting, good memories from those experiences! Having various lived experiences, including growing up in a household with a younger family member who had multiple disabilities, my heart for people with disabilities is strong and tangible.
After I obtained my undergraduate degree in business from Carlson School of Management, I started working in the marketing and communications field. I then moved into education, working with the Minneapolis Public School District (K-12), managing an after-school enrichment program where a large percentage of the students had disabilities. This was my first introduction to the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) and 504 plans.
I went on to obtain a master’s degree and worked in higher education administration and leadership for many years. Later, I went to work for Job Corps, a federal workforce development program under the U.S. Department of Labor. There, I directed cross-functional teams encompassing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, disability services, and student progress/career counseling areas. After this, I came back to Minnesota and started working for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as their ADA Coordinator (Human Resources Unit Head). In this role, I primarily focused on providing strategic leadership for Title I of the ADA, while also providing consultation for Title II.
Throughout my personal and professional life, I have considerable community and civic engagement experience, as well as public and community relations. I am delighted to be here at the Minnesota Council on Disability, and to serve our Minnesota community and constituents!