Enterprise Zone and Research Assistant

Andrea (“Ande”) previously worked as the Graduate Research Assistant for DCEDC from 2015-2017 while completing her M.S. in Geography at Northern Illinois University. She rejoins the DCEDC team as Research and Enterprise Zone Assistant, resuming her roles as research assistant and data analyst, with the added role of managing and processing Enterprise Zone applications and documentation. She also assists with other DCEDC operations such as events, board meetings, committees, and additional support to the Executive Director, as needed.

Ande was born and raised in rural northwestern Illinois but has been a resident of DeKalb for over 10 years. She completed a B.A. in History Education at Western Illinois University in 2008 and her M.S. in Economic Geography in 2017. Her geography studies focused on economic development, socioecological systems, spatial analysis, GIS, and research design. As Graduate Research Assistant, she completed the 2016 Illinois Basic Economic Development Course, a 32 credit hour nationally-recognized training program for professionals new to the economic development field.

In addition to working with DCEDC, Ande is a part-time Geography Instructor for Kishwaukee College and Rockford University. She has been a licensed educator in the State of Illinois with endorsements in Social Studies and Special Education since 2008. She has previously taught in the Illinois public school system for several years.

She is a mother to two children, Sam and Evelyn. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and trains in mixed martial arts – along with her son. She also competes as an amateur MMA fighter.

E-mail: avandrew@dcedc.org