For two Illinois LGBTQ+ advocates, graduating from the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy this fall marked far more than the end of a yearlong program. It also marked a historic beginning.
Disability rights advocate Alliana Humphreys, founder of Bolingbrook Pride, became the first full-time wheelchair user to complete the academy, and Rebecca Kling, a transgender educator and advocate, became the program’s first out trans woman.
Together, they are expanding who gets seen as a leader in Illinois politics—and who will shape its future.
The Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy prepares and trains Democratic, pro-choice women to run for elected office, seek public appointments and govern effectively at all levels in Illinois.
Kling said the end of the program comes with a new sense of responsibility.
“I feel charged up in some ways,” Kling said. “And getting here has been a full year of learning and relationship-building and work. We’ve been learning about it. Now it’s time to do the work.”
Humphreys said the program mattered because it surrounded her with women in leadership in a way she had rarely experienced.
“I got to meet so many people and build relationships with this cohort that I wouldn’t have made otherwise,” Humphreys said. “I don’t have a lot of relationships with women in my world… so this was incredible to be in spaces with such powerful, strong women who are doing things every day for their communities.”
Humphreys nearly didn’t apply for the program because of the accommodations she would need as a quadriplegic who doesn’t drive and rarely travels. But Institute officials insisted she apply anyway, and promised that the organization would adapt to meet her needs.
“Not often do you have powerful organizations… that actually want that information, and they want to make those changes,” Humphreys said.
She also said the program underscored just how rare disability representation is in public office.
“There aren’t enough people at those decision-making tables who know first-hand what the needs of people like me are,” Humphreys said. “We need to be in the room, making these decisions too.”
Kling said being the first trans woman in the program meant learning—and opening the door wider for those who will follow.
“There were growing pains, and I truly don’t mean that as a criticism,” Kling said. “I think with growth, the only way to learn is to go through it, and I”m really glad that we were in those spaces so it can be easier for the next cohort and the cohort after that.”
Even in a hostile national climate, Kling said the experience renewed her belief in public service.
“I joke that, even in 2025, I am still naively optimistic about the power for government to help people,” she said. “To know that there are what truly seem like good people trying their best to fight in this awful moment… it gave me hope.”
Humphreys said the program clarified why running for office is a responsibility she takes seriously.
“I am so fortunate to have most of those basic needs where I don’t have to think about them… so I feel a duty,” she said. “I have a responsibility to go out in the world because I have what so many don’t.”
Both leaders said they hope their participation helps others who doubt whether they belong in public leadership.
“The more you think this might not be for me, I might not have a place, the more you belong there,” Humphreys said.
Kling said progress comes when many people—not just a few—take on the work.
“It’s not your duty to finish the work, but nor are you allowed to put it down,” she said. “None of us are expected to do everything, but we all are expected to do something.”
Terrie Pickerill, president of the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy, said leaders like Humphreys and Kling are essential to the organization’s mission.
“Our elected officials should reflect the full diversity of the communities they serve. While we’re very proud of the progress women have made in public office, we know there is still a long way to go, especially for women from underrepresented groups, including women of color, women with disabilities and women in the queer community,” Pickerill said.
Pickerill said the academy’s mission centers on preparing a wide range of women from across Illinois for public leadership, and that the program is designed to be intentionally inclusive and accessible so women from underrepresented communities can fully participate.
“Having incredible leaders like Allaina and Rebecca in this year’s class gives us hope, not only for their futures in public service, but for the doors they are opening for women like them.”