PCC Senior Manager of Government Affairs Danielle Stanley competed in a highly-competitive process and was selected for the 2025 class of the Edgar Fellows Program. She joins 41 public policy leaders from across Illinois to be selected.
Established in 2012, the Edgar Fellows Program is a leadership initiative designed by former Illinois governor Jim Edgar to inspire respectful collaboration in addressing the state’s major challenges. The fellows selected reflect Illinois’ political, racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity, and include elected and appointed officials from all levels of government; leaders of non-profit and labor organizations; and individuals who are influencing public policy in the business world.
“I pursued the Edgar Fellows Program because I’m deeply committed to building a more equitable Illinois. I believe this program creates the kind of space where real, cross-sector collaboration can thrive,” Stanley said. “I’ve spent my career navigating complex policy and legislative issues. I saw this fellowship as a chance to sharpen my leadership, learn from others across the aisle and industries, and be part of a network of changemakers who are serious about solutions, not just politics. The opportunity to pause, reflect, and grow alongside other emerging leaders felt both timely and necessary for the impact I want to have in this state.”
The 2025 class will meet for the first time in August at their Executive Leadership Training Program on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana-Champaign. During their time, the new fellows will engage with exceptional leaders and experienced public policy practitioners who are experts in issues that include restorative justice, Illinois’ electric capacity, immigration, workforce development, philanthropies, Medicaid, and the state budget. More importantly, they will learn from each other and begin building relationships that will last throughout their careers.
Stanley has been with PCC for three years, educating members of the Illinois General Assembly on issues impacting equitable college access and completion, monitoring the political environment and managing relationships with state policymakers, and identifying opportunities to promote state and local policies that improve equity in higher education.
In her role, Stanley leads strategic initiatives to advance equitable funding for public universities in Illinois, including spearheading advocacy efforts for the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act. She also develops long-term legislative strategies to strengthen partnerships with policymakers and stakeholders, and works to expand PCC’s influence by cultivating coalitions and engaging in cross-sector collaboration to drive systemic change in higher education policy.
Learn more about Danielle below:
What are you hoping to gain professionally through the Edgar Fellows Program?
Professionally, I’m hoping to grow as a more strategic and effective leader. I want to strengthen my ability to navigate complex systems, build consensus, and drive policy change that actually improves people’s lives. Being in the room with leaders from different sectors and regions will push me to think differently, sharpen my problem-solving skills, and expand my network in ways that can open new doors for collaboration and impact across Illinois.
What are you hoping to gain personally through this fellowship?
On a personal level, I look forward to building lasting relationships with fellow participants who share a commitment to public service. The program’s focus on mutual understanding and respect across diverse backgrounds resonates with my values. I anticipate that the connections formed during this experience will foster a supportive community dedicated to collaborative leadership and continuous personal growth.
How has your experience with PCC helped with you pursuing this opportunity?
My experience with PCC has been instrumental in preparing me for the Edgar Fellows Program. Through PCC, I have engaged in community initiatives that emphasize collaborative problem-solving and civic engagement. These experiences have honed my skills in navigating complex social issues and working effectively with diverse groups, aligning well with the fellowship’s objectives.
