ICCDC President

Dr. Candice Dowd Maxwell
Assistant Vice President of Belonging
McHenry County College

I often say that I’ve been engaged in DEI work before I could name it. I recognize the need to pursue equity—to shift, change, and examine policies and practices that marginalize individuals based on their social and cultural identities. That recognition starts with influencing the ways in which we understand each other authenticity and exercising humility as opposed to applying coded narratives to people based on our own biases, assumptions, and divisive pathologies.

We see your title, but what are your priorities on campus?

My priority is to promote access to opportunities and resources and engage in strategic equity planning and implementation.

What’s your secret for balancing advocacy and self-care?

Engaging with other DEI professionals who understand the work and can offer support, guidance, and encouragement is important. I also believe in protecting my peace through meditation, laughter, and breathing exercises.

How about one of your goals as an ICCDC leader?

I am a strategic thinker and planner. Therefore, a goal would be to foster a strategic equity planning effort to build on the existing work and promote the growth, impact, and influence of the commission for community colleges in Illinois.

Vice President/President Elect

Dr. Rick Daniels
Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Oakton College

My passion for DEI work began early, growing up as a pastor’s kid in Milwaukee. My parents were deeply involved in ministry and community service, serving on boards and committees while constantly giving back. Watching them model service and community leadership instilled in me a desire not only to belong to a community but to actively contribute to its growth and well-being. That foundation shaped my college studies and ultimately guided my decision to pursue a career in higher education, a field where I could both succeed professionally and make a meaningful impact.

While serving as Dean of Students at Rock Valley College, I realized the powerful role that policy, procedures, and institutional structures play in shaping both student and employee experiences. That understanding deepened my commitment to equity and inclusion and led me to Oakton College, where my work focuses on building inclusive climates, advancing equity-centered policies, and creating systems that drive meaningful change.

We see your title, but what are your priorities on campus?

My priorities center on employee engagement and workplace inclusion. I help lead our college’s Strategic Equity Plan and Equity Policy Audit process, while also specializing in employee relations cases involving discrimination and supporting labor relations in a collaborative way. I also provide executive coaching and informal counseling for employees who seek guidance. Ultimately, I see myself as a campus partner; working alongside others to foster inclusion, build trust, and strengthen our institutional culture.

What’s your secret for balancing advocacy and self-care?

For me, balance starts with being spiritually grounded and knowing when to pause, reflect, and release the tension that comes with this work. I prioritize running, exercise, and healthy eating as ways to recharge. More recently, I’ve learned the true value of sleep. For years, I sacrificed rest in the name of productivity, but I now understand how restorative sleep fuels focus and performance. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m committed to practicing the same care for myself that I encourage in others.

How about one of your goals as an ICCDC leader?

One of my goals is to build stronger networks of collaboration across campuses so that we can share strategies, resources, and lessons learned. By working together, we can scale equity efforts, ensure consistency, and create a broader impact that benefits both our institutions and the communities we serve.

Treasurer

Jessica Santillan-Reyes
Dean, Office of Instruction
Kishwaukee College

For me, DEIA has always been part of my life. My first language is Spanish, and I faced challenges learning English in elementary school. In the book, Borderlands/ La Frontera: The New Mestiza, Gloria Anzaldúa discusses that we need to understand the struggles of others as well as others understanding our struggles. To make changes in society, we must first begin with having awareness of these situations, which lead to inner changes and then societal changes. Throughout my roles in higher ed, I have strived to advocate for others and integrate an equity lens as I serve my community as faculty, advisor, and now administrator.

We see your title, but what are your priorities on campus?

A priority in my role is to lead strategic initiatives for the instruction side of the college. I support faculty and staff while implementing new software systems and transitioning to new instructional practices, including the 8-week format model. Another priority is the management of grants in the areas of Adult Education, Title III, and Perkins, which improve access to resources for students. In addition, advance the academic mission and vision of the college through engagement in college-wide initiatives like leading the HSI Task Force.

What’s your secret for balancing advocacy and self-care?

The key to self-care is giving yourself the grace to do something just for you. Every day I give myself time to do something that I enjoy, which on some days is going for a run, on another day it may be practicing yoga, and sometimes it is building Legos.

How about one of your goals as an ICCDC leader?

In this challenging time, it is more important than ever to continue to be strong and advocate for DEIA. I want to create a supportive environment where we can continue to thrive and move the needle forward for our students, colleagues, and communities.

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Dr. Terrance Bond
Assistant to the President, Equity and Effectiveness
Heartland Community College

My children. I began to notice early in their elementary education that issues I experienced in Milwaukee, WI remained a source of concern in Central IL 20+ years later. I want to be a part of the collective that transforms the educational enterprise.

We see your title, but what are your priorities on campus?

My priority is to drive the implementation and institutionalization of our College Strategic Plan and Equity Plan. This includes policy and procedure revisions, multicultural training and event planning, and creating data-informed measures to reduce opportunity gaps.

What’s your secret for balancing advocacy and self-care?

If I’m being honest, I’m nowhere near finding that balance. My target is unconditional love for self and others. Some days, I do better than others. But when I’m at my best, I’m giving myself grace while listening and offering support as I have the ability.

How about one of your goals as an ICCDC leader?

I want ICCDC to be a forum for Community College leaders to wrestle with the cultural, financial, historical, and organizational challenges encountered as institutions become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We need spaces to discuss our successes and failures and to develop strategies that help change the narrative on education in Illinois.