About Judy Bowlby
Meet Judy, a dedicated candidate.
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This is my story.
I am a lifelong citizen of our country and a resident of Central Illinois for the majority of my life.
I grew up in the rural central Illinois town of Cerro Gordo, raised by my aunt and uncle on a very small farm. My aunt and uncle were tenant farmers; in other words we did not own the land we farmed. While we were far from any level of financial wealth, our home and my upbringing were exceedingly rich in learning the core values of life: Honesty, fairness, hard work, education, empathy for others, fighting for what is right, standing up for oneself, and respect for all people.
I worked on the farm (walking beans, detasseling corn, and caring for livestock) and other service related work (waitress and cashier) at an early age. I know what it means being raised in a middle class family- you grow up with an expectation to work hard, study hard with the goal of creating a better life for yourself and your family. You are taught to treat others the way you would like to be treated, you are true to others and most of all true to your own values and ethics.
I went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. During my college years I held positions that brought me closer to the farming community both at the local and national level which required addressing the public through conferences, radio, and TV.
Following graduation, I worked in the field of Mental Health as a counselor helping people of all ages with life problems; such as depression, anxiety, abuse, addiction, and various others. While my career path took a turn to another discipline, the experience of being a counselor allowed me to see up close the many difficult decisions life presents.
The remainder of my career was dedicated to the pharmaceutical field, health care systems and dental industry. This stage of my career introduced me to our government’s legislative process, resulting in many of my proudest achievements. Encouraging bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats, significant strides were taken to ease the pain of those who suffered from Mental Illness, Alzheimer’s Disease, Arthritis, and Glaucoma. Of particular note, gains were made in combating Parkinson’s Disease where, through my individual efforts alone, Muhammad Ali’s endorsement was obtained. Bringing both sides of the isle together for a compromise on policy for the good of the public became my hallmark.
In summary, throughout life, my “North Star” leads me in a direction based on truth, honesty, faith in a higher power, a helping heart, and courage to face anyone that does not abide by the same standards. I am not blind to the challenges I will be facing. I will need all the help I can get, in the form of volunteers and donations. “My story” is one of David and Goliath- Hopefully a victory that will be seen as a symbol of the triumph of faith and courage over seemingly insurmountable odds.
I hope I can rely on your support so the people of the 15th district can begin to experience the long awaited services they deserve.
Thank you,
Judy Bowlby
I started working on the farm at an early age..
… and maintained that participation throughout my high school years.
My aunt taught me how to cook, for which I was rewarded at the county fair…
…and to be kind to all of god’s creations.
I represented the Illinois and American Soybean Association in Washington and throughout the United States…
…and abroad to promote increasing markets for our farmers in Illinois and other soybean producing states.
My work in Government Affairs began in Illinois and neighboring states in the early 90’s and span over the next 30 years.
Both of my parents taught me to fight for what was right, no matter the odds, and I will do that for the people of the 15th district.
