Jacobie Proctor, says she dreamed of working at the Carver Center, now she is the CEO

PEORIA (Heart of Illinois ABC) -Black History Month includes paying tribute to those who have paved the way and it is also a time to recognize current leaders.

“If I could get into that space, the things I could do,” says Jacobie Proctor, CEO, George Washington Carver Community Center. Her dream imagined is now fulfilled.

Proctor was born on the south end of Peoria, and remembers coming to the Carver Center as a kid, participating in their after school program.

“When you come in here, you see the history on the walls, you know the stories, people come in and talk about Carver....when I was a kid, Carver helped me be this....”

She says the success stories are countless and the centers’ reach endless.

" We have seen basketball players, lawyers, doctors, CEO’s, all kinds of great career choices, great kids stories, great success stories come out of Peoria.”

Proud of the centers’ rich history, she is excited to make some history of her own and leave a legacy for others.

“I want my name to be here for the great CEO’s of the past. I want that when they tell the story of when we turn 100, this October, they get to tell the story of the next 100.”

The Carver Center is known as being a beacon of hope for the community.

“The history when you walk in here is so rich, the stories of the past, I get excited just hearing about it. You get the whole Richard Pryor Feel,” says Proctor.

She says she was a bit skeptical about taking the position but when she walked through the doors, it felt like home.

The Carver Center’s Basketball Program enrollment is now open.

Visit www.thecarvercenter.com

Copyright 2022 Heart of Illinois ABC. All rights reserved.