Lakesia CollinsLakesia Collins

As a former nursing home worker, State Senator Lakesia Collins witnessed the impact of understaffing and heavy workloads, fueling her passion to become a leader in SEIU Healthcare Illinois and help pass groundbreaking nursing home reform legislation. As a single mother of three boys, she understands the importance of safety and stability for children. Senator Collins’ journey has also included personal struggles. As a teen, she experienced homelessness and was forced to couch surf between family and friends. Understanding the hardships that come along with that instability has been a driving force behind Senator Collins’ fierce advocacy for Illinois’ youth in care. She is a former State Representative, appointed to the State Senate in 2023, and has committed her career to fighting for youth, safeguarding reproductive rights as a member of the Dobbs working group, and securing opportunities for the 5th district.