Dana Goodrum

For me, a life of impact was never a question of “if,” but “how.” My career has always been guided by the belief that good government can become great government when people are willing to challenge processes and pursue meaningful change. From supporting economic development initiatives and higher education programs to helping connect Illinois communities through broadband access and championing Disadvantaged Business Enterprise initiatives in transportation, I have worked within the public sector to strengthen it from the inside out. Today, in my role with Illuminative Strategies, I have found my perfect niche — partnering with state agencies to re-engineer processes from the ground up, cut unnecessary red tape, streamline workflows, and ultimately help save taxpayer dollars while improving outcomes for the citizens we serve.
Some of my proudest achievements extend beyond my professional milestones. In 2018, I published my first book, sharing a deeply personal message that has since reached readers in more than 27 countries around the world. Writing and speaking have allowed me to connect with individuals and communities in new ways, reinforcing my commitment to advocacy, leadership, and empowerment. Whether I am presenting at conferences, mentoring professionals, or working alongside public sector teams, I am continually inspired by the opportunity to make a measurable difference in people’s lives.
At home, my most meaningful role is simply being “mom.” As a single mother of six, including the son I fostered from just three days old before finalizing his adoption, I am constantly reminded that true public service begins with love, stability, and showing up for the people who matter most. When I do find downtime, you can often find me with a fishing pole in hand or unwinding with a competitive round of Call of Duty®. I am a lifelong champion for women and families, and I strive every day to prove that it is possible to balance a purpose-driven career with a life grounded in faith, resilience, and connection.

I would encourage young women entering this industry to intentionally connect with and champion one another, make their accomplishments visible, and actively build supportive communities where they can share challenges, exchange solutions, and grow together as they advance in their careers.

I think the landscape in government is drastically changing right now. Where we used to be able to forecast, I think now people pause a lot because nothing's really typical anymore. Programs like DEI are being taken away, and we're in a timeframe where highlighting the successes and even the struggles of women, and what it's like in the workforce, is so important. Making sure that women know that if you don't feel seen in the outside world, you're still seen by other women who are battling right alongside you, or trying to make their impact in the world right along with them. Sometimes we feel like we're isolated in these little worlds, and then once you kind of connect with other women, it's like, oh my gosh, you are also struggling with balancing your home life and your professional life. We don't always get space to talk about all the things that we connect on.

Making an impact has always been at the core of who I am. I've always hoped that I could make an impact in the world, and trying to do that through public service was the most applicable path. I really love the structure of government as it's supposed to be, and I felt like I could have the most impact directly working with state agencies and working with the individuals who need the services that government agencies provide to citizens. I've always been a champion of women, and I think it's so important to be another voice, another woman who's saying, this is who I am, this is where I'm at, and I see you, and I want you to see me too, and let's connect. As long as I'm still making an impact in the community around me, I'm probably gonna still be taking those opportunities however they come.