Illinois State University will host the second annual Women as Transformational Leaders event on February 24 and 25, with three alumnae, Betsy Adamowski ’86, Rachel Marx ’20, and Elizabeth (Beth) Myers ’99, who will share their experiences as leaders in their respective fields. The two-day event is open to all Illinois State faculty, staff, and students. Registration will be required for some portions and space may be limited.
Betsy Adamowski ’86
Betsy Adamowski, a proud South Sider from Dolton, Illinois, has dedicated her life to libraries and transformational leadership. She earned her B.S. in library science from Illinois State University and her M.L.S. from Northern Illinois University. With a career spanning over three decades, Betsy has served as a business librarian, children’s librarian, and library director, leaving an indelible mark on the Illinois library community.
Her leadership extends beyond individual libraries, as she has held multiple positions within library systems, the Illinois Library Association (ILA), and the Illinois State Library. Adamowski’s contributions to the field have been recognized with the prestigious Illinois Librarian of the Year award. As a co-founder of the Director’s University 1.0 and 2.0 and co-author of the Ready, Set, Advocate toolkit, Adamowski has demonstrated her commitment to nurturing future library leaders and promoting advocacy.
Her tenure as ILA President was marked by a focus on advocacy initiatives, creating tools and programs that have benefited the association for over a decade. Adamowski’s impact on the library profession is rooted in her belief that making people feel valued is paramount. She carries this philosophy from her early days as a children’s librarian to her current role as a library director and leader. Her advice to newcomers in the field emphasizes the importance of involvement, networking, and kindness.
Rachel Marx ’20
Rachel Marx is an artist and animation industry advocate. Her journey started in Normal, Illinois, and has led her to a life in Santa Clarita, California. From a young age, Marx was captivated by Hollywood, the arts, and animation, a love that sparked her interest in beginning her professional path. In 2014, while a freshman in high school, she began taking courses at Illinois State University through Illinois State’s dual-enrollment program. During this time, she not only grew her artistic skills but also played a role in advocating for the introduction of animation and game design courses at the University.
Marx became a full-time student at Illinois State in 2017 and although the University did not offer a degree in animation, she crafted her own custom degree, leveraging the school’s flexibility to create a curriculum between classes in the School of Creative Technologies and the Wonsook Kim School of Art.
After graduating, Marx worked on several independent projects including becoming a coordinator of Ground Zero Animation Expo. In 2022, Rachel was hired into her first role in the animation industry as an asset production assistant on Max and the Midknights at Nickelodeon Animation Studios. The following year, she was promoted to asset production coordinator and is currently working in that role.
In addition to her professional work, Marx enjoys supporting others in the animation industry. She has spoken at two major animation conferences, sharing her expertise on networking for aspiring professionals. She is currently developing a book that delves into these topics, as well as several personal projects she plans to share with the world in the near future.
Outside of the animation industry Marx enjoys creating content with her service dog, Bolt, featuring their adventures in the golden state.
Elizabeth (Beth) Myers ’99
Elizabeth Myers is a distinguished healthcare professional with a diverse background in nursing, patient advocacy, and healthcare management. She earned her BSN from Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing in 1999 and began her career at Rush University Medical Center, where she served for 16 years in various roles.
During her tenure at Rush, Myers held positions including clinical RN, kidney transplant coordinator, and clinical nurse manager. Her leadership skills were recognized when she became the youngest president of the Professional Nursing Staff from 2002 to 2005. Myers’s experience also extends to risk management and performance improvement consulting within the healthcare sector.
In 2015, Myers founded 2×2 Health, an organization dedicated to supporting patients and their families while partnering with medical professionals to navigate the complex healthcare system. Under her leadership, 2×2 Health has expanded its services across Chicagoland and re-engaged nurses who had previously left the workforce. Myers’s vision extends beyond patient care; she aims to empower nurses and other medical professionals, providing them with opportunities for professional growth and work-life balance.
Myers’s commitment to healthcare extends globally, as evidenced by her organization and financing of a healthcare mission to Mexico. She is also dedicated to nurturing future healthcare professionals, having established a scholarship for aspiring nurses. As a frequent speaker at industry conferences, Myers continues to share her expertise and insights with the broader healthcare community.
Event Schedule
February 24, 9-10:30 a.m. – Transformational leadership panel discussion open to all faculty and staff in the Prairie Room, Bone Student Center
This panel discussion features three accomplished women graduates who have made impacts in their fields through their transformative leadership. Learn how their experiences and approaches have driven positive change and progress. Join us to gain insights from these leaders and explore ways to develop your own leadership potential. A reception in the Prairie Room from 10:30-11 a.m. will follow the panel.
Advanced registration is required due to limited seating. Register now.
February 24, 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Transformational leadership panel discussion open to all students in the Prairie Room, Bone Student Center
Discover leadership insights from three accomplished Illinois State University alumni at this dynamic event. Engage in a panel discussion on transformational leadership, followed by an interactive speed dating segment exploring key leadership questions. Conclude with a collaborative exercise identifying traits of exceptional leaders. Join us to gain valuable insights and network with successful Illinois State graduates who are making waves in their fields.
Advanced registration is required due to limited seating. Register now.
February 24, 5-6:30 p.m. – Redbird Connections: Leadership Soirée with Distinguished Alumni in the Prairie Room, Bone Student Center
Join fellow student leaders for an exclusive networking event with three accomplished Illinois State University alumni and university leadership. This engaging session offers a unique opportunity to build your professional network, gain valuable career insights, and receive personalized guidance from successful Redbirds. Enjoy casual conversations over delicious hors d’oeuvres while developing essential leadership skills and forging meaningful connections that can shape your future success.
Advanced registration is required due to limited seating. Register now.
For any questions, or if you need an accommodation to fully participate in these events, please contact Connie Blick, administrative aide in the Office of the Provost at (309) 438-3662 or ctchojn@IllinoisState.edu. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
