Nikita Richards – Calahan

Recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives and Congressional Record for her leadership and accomplishments, Nikita Richards–Calahan is the State of Illinois’ Internal/External Communication and Legislative Affairs Officer for the Office of the Governor’s Commission on Equity and Inclusion, working to increase supplier diversity throughout State government. Ms. Richards- Calahan also carries out international foreign affairs duties with the U.S Global Leadership Coalition.

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She is a proud Navy veteran, appointed member of Governor J.B. Pritzker's transition team and Co-Chair on the Illinois Council on Women and Girls serving alongside Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, Vice Chair of Planned Parenthood of Illinois Board, Illinois State University Alumni Association Board of Director, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth Military Service Academy Board of Director and Governor appointed member of the Illinois Veterans Service-Connected Ailments Taskforce.

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She received both her Master of Arts in communication ’15 and Bachelor of Arts in politics & government ’06 from Illinois State University. In 2022, she was inducted into Illinois State University’s College of Arts and Science Hall of Fame.