Jeff C. Williams joined NPR Illinois in February of 2026. Jeff C. Williams was a graphic designer for the University of Illinois Springfield, is a member of the Springfield Art Association Collective Gallery, and is a cofounder of Dim Art House, a working art studio which also provides space for arts related events in the community. Jeff is a former events coordinator at The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space and is a board member of the National Scholastic Art Awards (Mid-Central Illinois Region). Recently, Jeff was selected as lead artist for a grant through Healing Illinois. A youth mentorship art project; which culminated with a 2025 mural in Springfield Jaycee Park. The Illinois State Museum purchased a set of Jeff’s paintings deemed of historical significance in 2024. Jeff is a founding member and songwriter for the band nil8. Which toured North America in the 1990s and early 2000s. He is a graduate of Illinois State University.

What do you like most about your job or what motivates you to wake up and go to work? Currently, the best thing is a cross betwixt learning something new and the exhilaration after a good interview happens with someone coming in for a segment! I get nervous! Then it all goes very smoothly! I'm still figuring it all out!

What drew you to your current position? I have been a lifelong listener and supporter of PBS and NPR... since I was a wee lad! My mama listened and I just loved listening too so that made it an easier decision to start working here.

What has been your favorite project thus far? Maybe the segment I did for National Sock Monkey day with members of Capital City Improv! They didn't know what for sure I was even going to spring on them. I just asked them to come in and told them to reach into a bag... the bag was full of old sock monkeys so they had to start improvising IMMEDIATELY!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would love to understand how to travel closer to light speed.

What do you like to do when you are not working? Ride my bike. Sometimes play in my stinking band that used to tour full time wayyyy back... and finish more painting for this upcoming solo art show I have coming up this summer in the Quad Cities.

What is something you learned just in the last week? I learned way more about data centers and I just don't know if I am on board with them!

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor? This is a challenging question... maybe Tina Fey!?!

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know? Well.... some will know this but many do not.... my nickname in high school was Frog.

What is your motto or personal mantra? One should feel as much harmony that vibrates through this current molecular carbon-based realm as one can. 

Any favorite line from a movie? "Napoleon, don't be jealous that I have been chatting with babes... all day." - Kip Napoleon Dynamite

Elizabeth Brago Boateng is a legal and public service professional with extensive academic training, holding two bachelor's degrees and three master's degrees, including an LL.M., MPA, and an MA in Legal Studies, she grew up in Accra-Ghana. She currently serves as a Program Director of Interns and Education at the Illinois Innocence Project (IIP), where she oversees internship programming and student development in the area of wrongful convictions and justice reform. She previously worked as a Primary Project Analyst (G.P.S.I) at the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) and also served as an intern with the Illinois Innocence Project. She is passionate about mentorship, education and reforms within the legal system. She enjoys travelling and exploring new places in her free time.

What do you like most about your job or what motivates you to wake up and go to work? The fact that I am positively touching the lives of the wrongfully convicted and inspiring interns.

What drew you to your current position? The opportunity to combine mentorship, education and advocacy in a meaningful way. I am passionate about students as they grow professionally while contributing to work that has a real impact on people's lives.

What has been your favorite project thus far? Planning lunch and learn events for the fall 2026 semester.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would like to deepen my understanding of how law, public policy, education and community advocacy can work together to create lasting systemic changes.

What do you like to do when you are not working? When I'm not working, I really enjoy traveling and exploring new places. I love experiencing different cultures, trying new foods, and learning about the history and uniqueness of different communities. Traveling gives me the opportunity to recharge and appreciate how diverse people are.

What is something you learned just in the last week? Something I learned recently is that sometimes institutions must make adjustments to their regular routines in order to grow and excel. Adaptability is important because our environment, needs and challenges are constantly changing. adjustments to regular routine

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor? John Hanlon.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know? I used to think I wanted a very simple life and even considered leaving school early to sell tomatoes on the street- but life took a very different turn, and I ended up with five degrees (two bachelor's and three master's).

What is your motto or personal mantra? God is able.

Any favorite line from a movie? I will be back.