We are excited to introduce one of our newest employees, Elizabeth Wake! Elizabeth joined NPR Illinois in September 2025. In the role of Sponsorship Account Executive, she develops relationships with area businesses, foundations, and individuals to secure sponsorships and acknowledgement (ad) revenue that supports the public journalism mission of NPR Illinois.

Elizabeth has a Master’s degree in public administration from UIS and a Bachelor’s in international development from Calvin University in Michigan. Before returning to Springfield she traveled the world, studying sustainable agricultural techniques in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Kenya, Thailand, Mexico, and Tanzania. She also taught ESL remotely in China. Elizabeth has a background in business ownership, starting Springfield’s first non-alcoholic bar (The Wakery) in 2022. She is passionate about fundraising and gave a TEDx Talk on the UIS TED stage in 2021, titled “Are You Paying to Perpetuate Poverty?” We’re sure Elizabeth will bring the same energy and passion to her role at NPR Illinois!

What do you like most about your job or what motivates you to wake up and go to work?

I enjoy that my work challenges me and utilizes my Master’s degree. I love that my passions and interests are part of my job.

What drew you to your current position?

I wanted a position that would use my education and be something that interested me. I wanted to both enjoy my work and learn new skills.

What has been your favorite project thus far?

I’m still new, but I’ve really enjoyed recording and editing for spots on the radio.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I want to learn to swing dance.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love to garden and be outside, go to the park with my family and dog, read, and take advantage of all the fun things happening around Springfield.

What is something you learned just in the last week?

I learned how to record and edit radio underwriting spots.

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

I would love to be mentored by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She made so many advancements for women and was a force to be reckoned with.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I have lived most of my adult life in areas without flushing toilets.

What is your motto or personal mantra?

You can be the sweetest peach but not everyone likes peaches. It’s difficult not to take things personally, but I remind myself that just because someone doesn’t like me, or what I’m offering, it doesn’t mean anything negative about me personally. They just don’t happen to like peaches, and that’s okay.

Any favorite line from a movie?

“Don’t dream it, be it.” – Rocky Horror Picture Show