Naomi Jakobsson

Naomi Jakobsson moved to Urbana in 1971 with her husband and then five children. She and her husband later adopted three more children and welcomed several foster children. She attended Parkland College and the University of Illinois earning her BA in history in 1977 and a Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language in 1979. The University YMCA became a place where she and her family found many community activities to participate in. She even performed in Latzer Hall in a Revels Players production. After years of enjoying the many offerings, she became more involved when she was Development Officer. 

Naomi was a Representative, 103rd District, of the Illinois House of Representatives from 2003 to 2015, including chairperson, Higher Education Committee and Human Services Committee; co-chairperson, Illinois Conference of Women Legislators; and member, Illinois Higher Education Budget and Finance Committee. From 1997 to 2002 Naomi served as Interim executive director, A Woman's Fund, Development officer - University YMCA and Executive director - University YWCA. She was Champaign County recorder from 1984 to 1996 and was a Teaching associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Urbana School District from 1978 to 1984.

Naomi has served as Clerk of session for McKinley Presbyterian Church, Board of Directors - McKinley Foundation, Board of Trustees - University Y, Board of Trustees - University of Illinois, and has volunteered at numerous local organizations. She has received numerous awards from the Champaign County ACLU, Champaign-Urbana MLK Celebration, the Intercultural Friendship Foundation, Champaign County Health Care Consumers, and the Chicago House and Social Service Agency. She was named Mother of the Year by The News-Gazette.