Ellen Schmidt is a lifelong Kankakee County resident – with the exception of four years at Northern Illinois University. Go Huskies! Growing up, Ellen’s family lived in Riverview, just a few blocks from Cobb Park. Her first job was a Daily Journal paper route. Her other early jobs were at Hardee’s, the Kankakee Speedway, the Daily Journal collating ads, and at K’s Merchandise. Ellen is a graduate of Bishop McNamara High School (Go Irish!), and of NIU, with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism. After working briefly in Romeoville, Ellen started at Kankakee Community College in the marketing department. She’s been at KCC more than 31 years. Seeing how an education can change people’s lives never gets old. Currently, Ellen works mostly with college publications, ads and the website. In addition to Women in Networking, Ellen also volunteers at the B. Harley Bradley House, assisting with tour scheduling.
Ellen enjoys trying to smoke perfect ribs; watching The Price is Right; listening to Jimmy Buffett or Hawaiian music; reading in a hammock; and spending weekends/vacations with her husband, Eric.
Fun fact – Ellen's favorite Olympic sports are ping pong and synchronized swimming.
