Lynne Slightom, MPA, CFRE, was first introduced to solar cookers through the Department of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Springfield where the chair was doing extensive work in The Gambia. At that time, Lynne had no idea what an amazing and incredibly important role solar cookers would play on the world stage in furthering all 17 of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.
The first part of Ms. Slightom’s career was working with environmental organizations. Then after her experience in the Peace Corps, her focus shifted to social services and humanitarian work. With Solar Cookers International (SCI), Lynne is in a place to make a difference in so many areas! Lynne is honored and thrilled to be a part of SCI’s amazing team and looks forward to making Solar Cookers International a household name.
During the start of the pandemic, Lynne began volunteering with the United Nations as an NGO consultant. She heard story after story of the setbacks COVID was creating, specifically for women and children. The most profound story for her was from a 15-year-old girl. “She said that COVID was keeping her from going to school and if she could not finish school this year, she would have to marry. That statement stunned me, and I found that was unacceptable to me and I was going to find a way to help her and the millions of other children whose lives were being negatively affected in such profound ways,” says Lynne.
“When I met our Director Caitlyn Hughes and 'relearned' how solar cooking was effecting positive change that would not only help that girl, her family, and her community with their health, well-being, and economic status, but also the air quality of her village and climate change, I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” Lynne says.
Lynne holds a Master’s in Public Administration and gained her CFRE (Certified Fundraiser) certification in 2020. She has been involved with many organizations throughout the years. Currently, Lynne serves on the Board of Directors for the African American History Museum in Springfield, IL, the University of Illinois at Springfield College of Public Administration Alumni Board, Springfield Zoological Society in Springfield, IL, and the Illinois Women in Leadership, Scholarship Committee.
Lynne is also a member of the Rotary Club Springfield South, Together Women Rise, and the American Association of University Women. She is an Emergency Disaster Service Volunteer and a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.
Lynne has two boys, Quinn, who is 19, and Zander who is forever 8. She has one dog, three cats, and a Kenyan Sand Boa who allow her family to live with them.