Meet our Staff
Andrea Porter - Chief of Staff
Andrea Porter, born and raised as an only child in Chicago, Illinois, faced early adversity when she lost both parents, one to gun violence and one to drug addiction. At the age of two, she was adopted by her paternal grandmother, Gloria Porter, who nurtured Andrea's growing passion for academia. Throughout her youth, Andrea participated in various after-school programs and honor societies, eventually attending Simeon Career Academy, where she majored in Cosmetology. By the age of 18, Andrea had not only earned her high school diploma but also obtained a Cosmetology license.
During her high school years, Andrea began working for her local park district, where she developed an interest in municipal government. This experience led her to become a community organizer with a focus on child care. In 2008, Andrea moved from Chicago to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, where she held management positions in both retail and health care. In Champaign-Urbana, she found a community passionate about social change, which further fueled her desire to make a difference.
In December 2018, Andrea achieved her dream of working as a Legislative Aide for State Representative Carol Ammons’ district office. Here, she was able to pursue her long-standing interests in politics, public policy, and constituent concerns, helping to strengthen the relationship between the constituents of the 103rd district and their State Representative.
Andrea's dedication and hard work led to her being appointed Chief of Staff, where she now oversees the district office, manages the internship program, handles scheduling, the district's budget, supervises the Constituent Services department as well as serving the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. In addition to her role in the 103rd district, Andrea served as an Illinois Ambassador for AALSCC under NBCSL leadership and was elected Secretary for the organization in 2020.
In March 2023, Andrea was appointed Vice Chair of NBLSLC, and in early 2024, she ascended to the role of Chair. Additionally, she serves as a local Advisory Council Board member for loss prevention dollars, appointed by the Department of Human Services. Andrea is committed to bringing equity to local non-profit organizations and churches, continuing her work to create positive change in her community.
If you would like to contact her, please email chief@staterepcarolammons.com.
Anna Barkley - Research Fellow
Anna Barkley is the 2025–2026 Policy & Research Legislative Fellow, coordinated by the Center for Social and Behavioral Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. As a doctoral student in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership, her areas of expertise include access in higher education, with a specific focus on student-centered, asset-based college readiness theory and policy. She applies her experience with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to a range of policy projects, including equitable higher education funding and occupational licensing reform.
This nonpartisan fellowship placement is coordinated by the university, and fellows are not employed by the State or General Assembly.