Proud Moment for EPEL: Andrea Vargas Earns Statewide Fellowship

Illinois Action for Children recently announced the 2025–26 cohort of the Emerging Leaders Fellowship through the Maria Whelan Leadership Institute. We are proud to share that Andrea Vargas, EPEL’s Community and Family Engagement Coordinator, has been selected as one of this year’s fellows. Andrea’s passion and leadership are making a meaningful impact in our community, and we are honored to have her representing EPEL as she continues to strengthen the early childhood system—one family at a time.

Congratulations to Andrea and all of this year’s fellows!

Vision: Young children and their families in the Greater Elgin Area have equitable opportunities to thrive.



Mission: EPEL engages families, organizations, the early childhood workforce, and healthcare providers dedicated to creating a collaborative community-wide system of support for every young child to succeed in school and life.