A lifelong resident with deep roots in the community, Roderick Sessions moved with his family from Chicago to Pembroke Township in 1960. Roderick continued his education at Prairie View A&M College in Texas before returning home and beginning his career working at General Foods. During his time with General Foods, Roderick took a leave of absence to serve in the United States Navy. While stationed aboard a ship out of Norfolk, Virginia, he completed three deployments to the Mediterranean Sea. Serving as a Personnelman in the ship’s office, Roderick dedicated three years of honorable service to his country. During his time in the Navy, Roderick was also married and after receiving an honorable discharge, returned to Kankakee, purchased a home, and resumed his career at General Foods.

Roderick Sessions has been a resident of the 1st Ward for over 30 years and has built a long and dedicated professional career. He worked for Exide Technology, formerly Gould Battery, for 35 years, beginning as an hourly machine operator and, after more than eight years, transitioning into management. As a Certification Coordinator, Roderick developed training manuals and conducted hands-on employee evaluations before moving into a supervisory role. When the Kankakee plant closed, Roderick relocated to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he completed his career as a supervisor.

Rockerick Sessions’ commitment to service extends beyond his professional life, as he proudly serves as Treasurer of NABVETS #0084 (National Association of Black Veterans), Pembroke Chapter, for over 11 years. He is also passionate about community engagement and has been teaching line dancing in the Kankakee area for more than 15 years. In his personal time, Roderick enjoys making homemade wine.

Roderick expresses that he was honored to be asked to consider serving in this role. He brings a lifetime of experience, dedication, and a deep commitment to the community he has called home for decades.

Paula Robinson is a dedicated community member and lifelong resident of Kankakee, bringing decades of service, leadership, and care to the people around her. Having owned a home in West Kankakee for 38 years, she has deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to its continued growth and well-being.

A retired Physical Therapist Assistant with over 38 years of service at Riverside Medical Center, Paula contributed not only through her clinical work but also by serving on numerous boards and committees. Even in retirement, she remains active on the administrative board and continues her involvement in both healthcare and community initiatives.

Paula’s background reflects a strong commitment to public safety and service. She is a retired volunteer firefighter with the Kankakee Township Fire Department and previously served as an EMT-A, holding state licensures as an EMT-A, Firefighter I and II, and Physical Therapist Assistant. Her training and certifications span firefighting, emergency medical services, and rehabilitation care, reflecting a lifetime devoted to helping others.

In addition to her healthcare and emergency service work, Paula has contributed to community education and safety as a swim instructor and lifeguard with the YMCA, as well as a CPR and lifeguard instructor with the Red Cross. Her passion for teaching and mentoring has positively impacted many individuals throughout the community. Paula holds two associate degrees from Kankakee Community College, one in Accounting and another as a Physical Therapist Assistant, combining both analytical and healthcare expertise in her professional journey.

Her community involvement extends into civic and service organizations. Paula is a former member of the Zonta Club of Kankakee and an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she serves as the financial secretary. She also helps operate a family business, continuing her dedication to service and stewardship.

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Paula enjoys reading, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and concerts, crafting, and gardening. Her life experiences across healthcare, emergency services, and community leadership have shaped her deep appreciation and love for the City of Kankakee and its residents.

Zelma Evans is a lifelong resident of the City of Kankakee, having proudly called the community home for 57 years. Now retired, she continues to remain actively engaged in the community, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of local resources to her role as a Community Advisory Board member.

She previously served as a 911 dispatcher for 31 years with the City and County of Kankakee (KanComm). Through this role, Zelma developed a unique and comprehensive perspective on the community, gaining firsthand knowledge of the many social service agencies and resources available to residents. This experience continues to shape her approach to service, as she works to ensure that citizens are informed, supported, and connected to the help they need.

She holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Governors State University, further strengthening her ability to serve the public with insight and professionalism.

Among her proudest accomplishments are becoming a mother, a grandmother, and retiring from a career she truly loved. Family remains at the center of her life, and she especially cherishes spending time with her two grandsons, finding great joy in watching them grow and become who they are.

Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional career. Zelma volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and contributes her time to various organizations throughout the community, including Kankakee Scholl District 111 and other local initiatives. Volunteering is one of her greatest passions, and she is deeply dedicated to helping others and ensuring that residents have access to the information and resources they need in their daily lives.

Zelma was motivated to join the City of Kankakee Community Advisory Board by a desire to continue serving her community. Drawn to the mission of the board, she views her role as an opportunity to gather valuable information and share it with residents, helping to connect them with the services and support available throughout the City of Kankakee.