Real Impact stories spotlight the real difference people, programs and partnerships – across the system – make on the state’s economic, social and cultural well-being. For more, meet Jerry.
Melodie Slaughter talks about being a differently abled Black woman with a kind of grace few can muster.
“You have to work through how to move forward and be productive,” she said of the challenges that accompany those intersecting identities. “I have to take whatever privilege and access I do have and do some good for others. I have to make it so the next person will have an easier time.”
Melodie and her brother, Marvin, are University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) graduates who both take advocacy seriously. She completed her undergraduate work in public policy in spring 2023. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science in 2019 and his master of public policy from University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy in 2021.
They’re among the younger Illinois Connection alumni from universities in the University of Illinois System who use their experience and influence to ensure legislative support for the system’s work in societal equity, higher education, economic development, and more. Illinois Connection is a grassroots network – more than 30,000 strong – of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the U of I System. Get involved with Illinois Connection at go.uillinois.edu/JoinIllinoisConnect.
“Leading the Illinois Connection charge is always rewarding and often humbling,” said Marissa Brewer, the system’s director of advocacy. “Rallying supporters to help increase awareness and understanding of the U of I System’s wide-ranging positive impact is good for Illinois residents and communities.
“And who better to strive to effect change than those who know firsthand how much it matters.”
'Systemic-level change'
A chronic skin and muscle condition, juvenile dermatomyositis, brings Melodie pain and extreme fatigue. In addition to helping their young daughter cope with the subtle and not-so-subtle forms of racism that are a reality for many Americans, Melodie’s working parents were forced to battle school accommodation issues.
“She’s helping find solutions so others can avoid the kinds of issues our family had to endure alone,” Marvin said. “We share the perspective of wanting systemic-level change.”
Both Slaughter siblings served on the UIC Student Advocacy Coalition (SAC) and worked as fellows in the government relations portion of the system’s Office of External Relations and Communications.
When duties for both areas converged, Melodie was in her element.
“The most enjoyable aspect was having conversations and making connections with legislators to not only tell them my story, but also share recommendations and solutions,” she said.
Melodie plans to stay connected to and involved with her alma mater after she completes graduate school at the University of Chicago.
Lived experiences
Marvin is a senior research portfolio manager at the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab. He focuses on student retention and other college and career success metrics to provide analytic evidence that supports better policy.
“It’s rewarding to impact change at city hall and in the state legislature,” he said.
His favorite work as a government relations fellow focused on efforts in the U of I System to recruit and retain Black students.
“It gave me the opportunity to think about what works and what doesn’t. And I could include my own lived experience about the kinds of issues that impact Black students’ ability to persist,” he said.
The data, he’s quick to point out, helps get to the root of Black Americans’ very different stories.
“Disaggregating the data that you collect and use shows large distinctions between subgroups that impact their lived experiences in ways we haven’t historically observed. Not all subgroups share the same narrative,” he said.
Marvin admires his sister’s devotion to the hard work of societal change.
“Melodie is a fearless advocate, and she is selfless to her core. She always puts the needs of others before her own. I’m always reminding her not to deplete her own battery,” her brother said. “She is elegant in her ability to navigate spaces and places to make sure her voice is heard.”
The University of Illinois System inviting others to share their stories is just part of what makes us Altogether Extraordinary. To share your story idea, please message lmabry@uillinois.edu.
