We mourn the loss of Maria Whelan, CEO Illinois Action for Children, who passed away on June 10th. Maria was the Founding Executive Director of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning.
Maria’s love for children, families, and communities, as well as her passion for community organizing, activism, and lifting the voices of the unheard helped found the Carole Robertson Center for Learning in 1976, which she fiercely led until 1989.
She was a friend, ally, mentor, thought-partner, masterful storyteller, and tireless advocate for human rights. Maria was magnanimous. We at Carole Robertson Center promise to uphold Maria’s legacy rededicating ourselves to help create a joyful and equitable world for all. She will be missed.
Please watch our dedication below.
