Dana Goodrum
Business Optimization Consultant at Illuminative Strategies, Inc.
B.A. Political Science, 2005
M.P.A. & Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, 2009
Dana Goodrum, a proud UIS alumna, earned her bachelor’s degree in political science in 2005 and her master’s in public administration, along with a graduate certificate in nonprofit management, in 2009.
As a member of the first Capital Scholars Honors Program class, Goodrum immersed herself in campus life. She worked in the UIS Media Studio, served as a Resident Assistant with UIS Housing & Residential Life, and helped found the Blue Crew, a student spirit group.
Today, she is a Business Optimization Consultant at Illuminative Strategies, Inc. There, she helps government agencies improve how they deliver services to the public. She established a career grounded in advocacy, ethics and system-level thinking. She credits her UIS experience with shaping both her professional path and her values as a leader.
Why UIS?
She chose UIS for two main reasons: the academic rigor of the Capital Scholars program and the small, community-focused campus. That close-knit environment became especially important just weeks into her freshman year, when 9/11 occurred. It was her professors and fellow students who helped her process the moment.
“After the initial shock of what had occurred began to process, all the students were gathered in the PAC. We were all huddled together around a small TV, with all of our CAP professors, yes, all of them, and we watched life as we knew it radically change. They helped us process our fears while managing their own. That moment shaped the rest of our collegiate experience. We all became family, leaning on each other in crisis, looking for others’ strengths to offset our weaknesses.”
Professors’ Lasting Impact
Several professors left a lasting impression on Dana, including Dr. Robert Sipe and Dr. Heather Dell. Dr. Sipe challenged his students to think critically and speak confidently. Dr. Dell, whose course What is Power taught students how to take action — literally.
One semester, the class collectively negotiated a non-traditional final exam by applying lessons from the course.
“She told us she had waited her whole career for students to do something like that. I chose to write an essay about student power instead of taking the final.”
Another pivotal moment came during her sophomore year. Dr. Karen Moranski invited her to serve on a statewide leadership council, even though she had been struggling academically.
“She said she saw my potential and wanted me to have an opportunity to experience the leadership she saw dormant within me. THAT changed my entire life.”
*Pictured to the left: John Ringle (previous UIS Housing Director and Dana's first boss as a professional), Dana Goodrum and Carrie Bauer (UIS 2001 Capital Scholar Alumna) at the 2024 Cap Scholar Reunion.
Extracurriculars
Dana Goodrum sought every opportunity to make herself more marketable as a future professional. Her first job on campus was in the UIS Media Studio. She worked alongside fellow Capital Scholar Paul Pianezza, who now produces films in Los Angeles.
In addition to being involved with the statewide leadership council, UIS Blue Crew, SGA and Illinois Peace Academy, Goodrum became a resident assistant her junior year, and a resident director after receiving her bachelor's. These experiences were more than extracurriculars. These experiences helped Goodrum build core leadership, communication and organizational skills. Today, she draws on those same strengths in her role as a business optimization consultant, where she helps government agencies streamline operations and improve service delivery.
“The curriculum and instruction I received during my undergrad and grad work were unparalleled and prepared me in ways I am still connecting even 20 years later. My education and student experiences at UIS prepared me to not only be an effective leader and change agent in my field but also positioned me for limitless success. The network I have of alumni, from the Capitol Scholars to UIS alumni, is unmatched, and those very relationships are still incredibly valuable and foundational to my success today.”
Life Since Graduation
Since graduating, her career has spanned nonprofit leadership, public policy and consulting. She’s worked on projects to expand broadband in rural Illinois, improve equity in state transportation contracts and advise government clients on efficiency and service delivery.
In 2018, she published a multi-award-nominated book that reached readers in over 150 countries. In 2019, she became a licensed foster parent and later founded Fostering Faith, Inc., a nonprofit supporting foster families with resources and advocacy.
A Lifelong Connection to UIS
More than 20 years later, she remains connected to the UIS community. She serves as Vice Chair of the UIS Professional Networking Group, participates in alumni panels and still considers fellow Capital Scholars as family.
“People are always so shocked to hear this, but the 2001 Cap Scholars class is like family to me. Not just a few students, literally the entire inaugural class.”
Her advice to current students?
“Take advantage of every opportunity, event or presentation that even slightly piques your interest. UIS provides an environment to safely explore passions with minimal risk. An opportunity that does not present itself so readily after graduating. Utilize it.”
Know an inspiring UIS alum?
Nominate them for a future feature by contacting Elizabeth West.