Jessica Fornek
president
Hi! My name is Jessica and I'm the President of Illini 4000 and a rider from the 2022 team. I oversee the Board of Directors & Bike America Team to ensure all of our operations are running smoothy. I also work with our beneficiaries and other clubs to maintain and expand the impact of the fundraising Illini 4000 does
Sam Michalak
vice president
Hi! My name is Sam Michalak, and I was a rider in 2023. I am a junior studying Mechanical Engineering. As Vice President, I am the main point of contact for riders, leading team meetings to help them learn about the logistics of the ride and our organization. I also lead training throughout the year, physically preparing the team for the summer.
Joseph Shepin
Director of Information + Treasurer
Hi everyone, i’m current a junior studying computer science. I was also a member of the 2024 Bike America Team. As Director of Information, I manage and maintain Illini4000’s website presence as well as ensure security with our information across various platforms!
Olivia Ross
Marketing Director
Hi everyone! I’m Olivia Ross, and I’m currently a Junior studying psychology. I rode this summer, and am this year’s marketing director.
Veronica Kozak
director of fundraising
Hey hey! I’m Veronica and I was a rider on the 2022 team. I’m currently a senior studying Psychology as well as Art + Design. As this year’s Director of Fundraising, I am responsible for coordinating team fundraising efforts to raise money for the patient support services and cancer research ILLINI4000 funds.
Sam Rosner
director of logistics
My name is Sam Rosner and I was a rider in 2023. I am a junior double majoring in Physics and Math. My job is to create the route the team takes, help the team find places to stay, and generally organize the technical details of getting the team safely across the country.
Maaike Niekerk
Director of Alumni Relations
Hello! My name is Maaike, and I was a rider on the 2024 team. I'm currently a junior in English with minors in Music and Journalism. As the Director of Alumni Relations, I keep in contact with all of our lovely Illini 4000 alumni and plan our annual summer alumni reunion!
Emma Darbro
Director of DEI
Hey there! My name is Emma Darbro (she/her) and I had the summer of a lifetime biking with the 2024 team! I am a senior studying brain and cognitive sciences with a minor in informatics on the pre-med track. As the Directory of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I focus on fostering a strong sense of community and support amongst riders and help oversee Illini 4000 initiatives that help make this find financially feasible for all riders, including scholarship funds and the gear program, which provides discounted gear for purchase or rent. I am excited to make this summer an accessible, inclusive, and memorable experience for all riders!
Emily Gonzalez
Director of the Portraits Project
Hi! My name is Emily Gonzalez and I was a rider on the 2023 team. I am currently a junior studying Advertising with a minor in Informatics. As The Director of the Portraits Project, I train the team on how to obtain and conduct portraits over their summer ride. I am also in charge of transcribing, editing, and uploading portraits on the website.
Kev Murphy
Social Chair
Hi all, my name is Kev Murphy and I was a rider in 2024. I am currently a senior studying History and Political Science with a minor in Secondary Education. As this year's Social Director, I plan social events and help ensure the 2025 team gets to know each other before the best summer of their lifetime!