The Team
Jes McIlvain
Executive Director
Jes (she/her) is a stay-at-home feminist, mother of twin girls, wife of Collyn, owner of NotYourBasicTwinMom, and community/political activist.
Her background is in political science and LGBTQIA+ studies; she has worked in education where she implemented the multicultural program at her school and as a psychiatry coordinator for a mental health clinic. She is a staunch and passionate advocate for equity and inclusion.
An active member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Jes knows what needs to be developed in this area. She started Plainfield Pride to give an advocate voice to our community, to educate our neighbors and the private sector, and to fight for our representation in the larger community and for acceptance in local schools.
Jessica Vasquez
Outreach Chair
Jessica grew up in Plainfield and graduated from Plainfield North in 2009. She spent 10 years in violence prevention and crisis work.
After moving into a new career area, Jessica wanted to find new ways to support the community and is so excited to be a part of Plainfield Pride.
In her free time Jessica loves to read, craft, and spend time with her animals. Through her work with Plainfield Pride she hope to spread a message of love for self and others.
Holly Cowgill
Secretary
Holly (she/her) grew up in Plainfield and was honored to be asked to serve Plainfield Pride as Secretary. She graduated from Plainfield High School when it was the only high school in town.
She spent the first decade of her kids (17,16,and 12) lives as a stay at home Mom and had recently returned to the dental field. She looks forward to spreading love and inclusivity to the people of Plainfield.
Sara Jezik
Research Chair
Sara recently moved to Plainfield with her wife and daughter in 2021 and was immediately welcomed by the community.
Before becoming a stay at home mom she was an educator and counselor, but her passion is all things history.
Being aware of how powerful visibility is for the mental health and well being of LGBTQIA+ youth, Sara hopes that living authentically will encourage others to feel it is possible to do the same.
Jason LaVallee
Youth Services Chair
Jason La Vallee (they/them), a proud veteran Plainfield teacher, has taught in Plainfield School District 202 since 2000, and has been a teacher at Plainfield North High School since 2005.
As a band director at Plainfield North, Jason has had the privilege of working with, and supporting a large part of Plainfield North’s LGBTQIA+ population. In 2019, the opportunity to sponsor the Gay Straight Alliance at Plainfield North High School opened up, and Jason eagerly embraced the opportunity to further support the LGBTQIA+ students at North.
Summer Kornfeind
Drag Events Coordinator
Summer is a professional make up artist with her company SDKARTISTRY and part-time cosplayer and drag queen named Candi Forest. She grew up in Plainfield and spent a lot of time in the arts and theater both in school and other venues.
As a Pansexual Cis Drag Queen she is a firm believer that all forms of drag are valid and should be celebrated. There is more than enough glitter to go around. She and her partner Ken are both members of the LGBTQIA+ community and have a wonderful daughter who they hope will grow up to see a more inclusive Plainfield and world.
Summer is very excited to help bring local drag and arts to Plainfield and continue to watch Plainfield Pride grow and sparkle.
Jax West
Account Manager
Jax (She/ Hers) is a fierce advocate for human rights. She is a firm believer that people should be able to live as their authentic selves and it’s no one’s business. She got very active politically after the election of Trump and started her own activist group, Friends Who March.
Jax has organized many events over the years supporting Choice, Love is Love, Enough, Black Lives Matter, Hate has no Home Here and more. She is also the leader of the Illinois Handmaids.
Jax is married and has one son as well as four rescue dogs, too many fish to count and two hippos. No. Not real hippos. Hairless Guinea pigs that are so freaking cute. She works in politics.
Francesca Vanderwall
Co-Treasurer
bio coming soon
Christina Ross
Communications Chair
Christina (she/her) is a proud mother of 4 kids, ages ranging from 6 to 24. As a bi-sexual female, with bi-sexual children, she is passionate about many things, especially Human Rights, Mental Health Awareness and the LGBTQIA+ Community.
She believes the way we teach our youth is crazy important and thinks we should educate them about diversity and equality, from every age.
Christina is an entrepreneur at heart. She has an extensive background in small business marketing. Her and her husband, Steve, now own and operate a Full-Service Marketing Agency out of Joliet. They are passionate about our Employee Culture and Work/Life Balance, and offer an inclusive, diverse, and safe space for everyone.
Bobbie
Diversity Co-Chair
Bio coming soon
Kevin Kollins
Business Chair
Kevin has spent his entire life throughout the Midwest. Living in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and has been in the Suburbs of Chicago for more than 25 years.
Kevin spent 35 years in the music and radio industry and retired in the Spring of 2022 to spend more time volunteering in the community. Throughout his career he worked with a wide variety of artists ranging from U2 to Garth Brooks, Prince to John Mayer and 100’s more.
He has volunteered his time with dozens of organizations such as the Old Joliet Prison Preservation Coalition, The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, President of his local Elementary School PTO, the Extended Media Coordinator for the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, Morningstar Mission, foster parent, soccer and softball coach. Kevin currently serves on his HOA Board and is a Lieutenant with the Will County Sheriff’s Auxiliary which he’s been a member of for nearly 20 years.
Kevin loves spending time with his 3 daughters and his wife who teaches elementary special education.
Jon Hearsch
Co-Treasurer
Bio coming soon
