Embracing community and change

My name is Celinda Doolin, and I’ve worked as a real estate broker with Keller Williams Capital Realty for the past seven years. I’ve had the privilege of helping people navigate one of the most significant decisions of their lives – buying or selling their homes. For me, real estate isn’t just a job; it’s a passion. Each transaction represents a unique story, a new chapter in someone’s life. I love the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, guiding them through what can often be a stressful process.

Witnessing the joy and relief when my clients find the perfect home or successfully sell a cherished property is incredibly rewarding.

My commitment to making a difference, however, extends beyond real estate. I also serve as an organizer and voter engagement coordinator for the Faith Coalition for the Common Good, a non-profit organization that shares my values of community service and social justice. Through my work with the Faith Coalition, I have engaged in various voter initiatives, registering individuals to vote and educating them on the importance of civic duty. I believe voting is not only a right but also a responsibility that allows us to have a voice in shaping our society.

Connecting with community members through these voter engagement initiatives has been deeply fulfilling. I enjoy sharing stories and discussing why voting matters – not only for ourselves but for future generations. Each conversation feels like a step toward building confidence, helping individuals realize that their voices truly count. I’ve seen firsthand how informed and engaged citizens can drive meaningful change, which fills me with hope for the future.

At the heart of everything I do is family. I am a proud mother of two adult daughters, Kyra and Kortnee, who inspire me daily with their dedication to their own goals. I am also blessed with two wonderful bonus sons, Isaiah and Willis, and am a grandmother to two amazing grandchildren, Nova and Oran Jr. My family is my motivation, and they remind me of why I strive to create a better community and a brighter future.

I often reflect on the kind of world we are building for our children and grandchildren. For me, it’s essential to be involved in initiatives that promote positive change, whether through real estate or civic engagement. I want my grandchildren to grow up in a community that values inclusivity, responsibility, and the power of their voices. By instilling these values within my own family, I hope to leave a legacy of active citizenship and community involvement.

In both my professional and personal lives, I aim to embody the principles of service, empathy and engagement. Every day I work to empower those around me, whether I’m helping a family find their dream home or guiding someone through the voting process.

Each effort, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of building a vibrant, thriving community. As I continue my journey as a real estate broker and community organizer, I remain dedicated to my mission: to make a positive impact and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the future of our society. Together, we can build a community that not only supports its current members but also paves the way for generations to come.

To further support the mission of the Faith Coalition, we warmly invite you to join us at our Annual Breakfast Fundraiser from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Westminster Presbyterian Church – 533 S. Walnut St. This event is an opportunity to gather as a community, share in our vision and contribute to initiatives that inspire positive change. We hope to see you there as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive future for all.

Celinda Doolin is the integrated voter engagement coordinator with the Faith Coalition for the Common Good. For additional information, contact Tyshianna Bankhead, executive director, at tyshianna@faithcoalition-il.org.

This article appears in Sheriff’s department hiring under scrutiny.