President

Ms. Linda Foster completely embodies the spirit of justice, equality and truth–as did the beloved Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.  She often working late into the evenings and during the weekends and holidays to remain a voice for the voiceless and to assist the disenfranchised and the ostracized. She believes that a justice anywhere is an injustice everywhere; As such, she creates coalitions to advance the goodness and fairness in the Bloomington-Normal community. Her peaceful approach towards righting wrongs is most admirable and is reminiscent of Dr. King’ss philosophy toward equality.

Second, Ms. Linda Foster demonstrates a sincere and heartfelt commitment to fostering collaboration and mutual respect among people of various religious, racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Ms. Linda Foster is well respected throughout the Bloomington-Normal community and she has worked tirelessly for OVER 30 YEARS in this community. She has solid relationships with members of all races and she develops bridges to make certain everyone can cross over together, while working on community related disparities. The community has come to depend on Ms. Linda Foster as a true servant leader.

Finally, Ms. Linda Foster believes in the importance of paying it forward.  She pays it forward by inspiring others to aim for greatness and by refusing to allow society to dictate ones potential and capabilities. She has assisted hundreds of families from the Bloomington-Normal community by serving as their voice and by assisting the voiceless with overcoming obstacles and access to reasonable services. 

Ms. Linda Foster demonstrates a sincere and heartfelt commitment to fostering collaboration and mutual respect among people of various religious, racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. On a daily basis, she meets with community leaders, advocates and organizers to build meaningful relationships, while focusing on improved cooperation and collaboration. Ms. Linda Foster recognizes the beauty in bringing different people together in an effort to make the best, most wholesome decision for the greater good. She values individual opinions and perspectives and she passionately demonstrate respect and
dignity when interacting with others. Ms. Linda Foster’s efforts are apparent in the following (non all-inclusive list of collaborative opportunities):

• President of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP Branch.
• Chairperson of Mount Pisgah Baptist Trustee Board.
• Chair of the Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) Board (a faith-based non-for-profit organization that provides advocacy, outreach, support and education to disadvantaged families).
• Past Chair of the Minority and Police Partnership (MAPP) (an organization which promotes better relations between minority citizens and the law enforcement communities. This partnership encourages positive minority and law enforcement interactions. This organization was the first of its kind and has served as a model for other communities throughout the country).
• Past Advisor for the NAACP Student Chapter at Illinois State University.
• Graduate of McLean County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program.
• Past Worthy Matron of Even Chapter #21-Order of the Eastern Stars.
• Past Board Member of the Red Cross.
• Certified Election Judge.
• Past Advisor to NOIR (an ISU Dance Troupe).

Ms. Linda Foster’s efforts have courageously addressed discrimination, prejudice and the effects of past discrimination by remaining a beacon of light and by addressing issues directly, in a peacefully and concerted manner. Ms. Linda Foster carefully gathers the specific details, to meet with the involved stakeholders and to then work on an amicable resolution. Ms. Linda Foster holds herself personally accountable for making certain the discrimination concerns are vetted and resolved to a conclusion.

Ms. Linda Foster proudly works with the local and State-level of the NAACP by eradicating all elements of racism and discrimination through forums, meetings and education. She advocates for diversity and inclusion training to make certain all entities (schools, churches, law enforcement, housing, etc) are aware of implicit and explicit biases.

Ms. Linda Foster’s efforts are paying huge dividends, as the partnerships that she has built allows for proactive handling and involvement, as opposed to reactionary measures. Organizations and schools with concerns and issues are contacting her directly, as they realize she is a stronghold in the community and is well-respected as a leader committed to action-oriented behaviors, all for the betterment of our beloved community!

Ms. Linda Foster is a servant leader, and as such, she does not necessarily seek out recognition for her fine works. She enjoys making a positive difference in the lives of others without receiving accolades.
Nonetheless, many have recognized her great works in the community through the following acknowledgments:

• Commendation from the Chief of Police, who stated:”It is a distinct honor and genuine pleasure to author a letter of recommendation for Ms. Foster. She is an extremely dedicated, consummate and enthusiastic professional. She has a firm grasp and understanding of interpersonal communication and human relation skills and is a professional leader in every sense of the word.
• Overwhelmingly elected as the Bloomington-Normal NAACP President.
• Selected for the Connect Transit Advisory Committee.
• Selected as a Board Member for the Mid-Illini Credit Union
• Leadership McLean County Graduate
• Earned her MSW from Illinois State University
• Retired as an Administrator from Illinois State University

 Ms. Linda Foster’s excellence is transcended through her work as a servant leader. She is a consistent supporter and she remains actively engaged in the betterment of lives–with or without public recognition. And this, is the true definition of selfless leadership! Her commitment with the city’s most prominent organizations clearly demonstrates her commitment to the creation of a diverse and culturally inclusive community.