"Bea Bonner is a, "Wow," colleague. She meets challenges, manages projects, and directly shares her perspective. We're so happy to have Bea as part of the NPR Illinois team, on-air and behind the scenes" -Randy Eccles, NPR Illinois General Manager

What does your position entail, what do you like most about your job or what motivates you to wake up and go to work?

I am the Community Voices Editor. Community Voices is a daily talk show that explores everyday people in Springfield and their businesses, hobbies, and talents etc. I also coordinate different audience outreach programs such as our This I Believe Essay Program. I like that my job is different every day. I think knowing that people in our listening area depend on us for news, information, and entertainment motivates me to wake up and work. We are providing an essential service.

What drew you to your current position?

I love that I get to talk to so many people! I am very sassy, curious, and silly. Taking on this role gave me the ability to really learn something new but also bring some of my personality on-air. I am all about enjoying life and I think people get to hear a little bit of that through the show.

What has been your favorite project thus far?

My favorite project has been working on all the different interviews. My favorite interview to date has to be one I did during Halloween about Springfield’s Haunted Dead Walk. It was not a long interview but it definitely had me spooked.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would love to learn how to remodel houses or do interior design. HGTV is my channel!! House Hunters is top tier.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?

My biggest inspirations are Cree Summer and Regina King. They have done a lot of similar things I want to do in life and I think they’d be perfect mentors. Plus, who doesn’t love A Different World or The Boondocks?

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I am into voice acting. One day I hope to create my own cartoon and voice characters. I watch so many cartoons and try to imitate the voices. My latest impression is of the ‘Little Green Men’ from Toy Story.

What is your motto or personal mantra?

You can’t ‘BeBe’ Me. I can’t be you. Be Yourself

Any favorite line from a movie?

"Just because something works doesn't mean it can't be improved." - Shuri, Black Panther