Raquel Toledo – Chicago, Illinois

For over 20 yrs Raquel has given back to the community by volunteering, counseling & coordinating events making a difference in youth that have been bullied, rejected, mistreated, abused, oppressed & sexually assaulted. She also speaks & facilitates trainings against Domestic Violence and Healthy Relationships. She has traveled across the US, & internationally through mission trips to Guatemala, Panama, Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Venezuela serving as keynote & guest speaker. She’s currently a Section Leader at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL , an Academic Advisor at Morton College for over 11 yrs & has served as an educator in Chicago Public Schools, theological institutes & local churches. She’s held local, district & Regional Board positions in many organizations. Founding A Gift of Value in 2013 allows her to raise awareness about self-worth, respect & self-confidence & to partner with churches & schools to empower 1000’s by nurturing their inner beauty, restoring their heart & transforming their mind. She holds a BA in Education from Northeastern Illinois University. A Masters degree in Human Services & Counseling from DePaul in Chicago. She has a theological diploma from Ebenezer Bible Institute & a second Masters in Intercultural & Urban studies from Moody Theological Seminary in Chicago.