West40's Bellm Among Crain's Chicago Business Notable Leaders
Congratulations to West40 Principal Champion of Experiences Heidi Bellm on being named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ Notable Leaders in Communications! Heidi has helped grow West40’s brand and visibility through creative and innovative approaches. She also leads with care, advocates fiercely for students, and always challenges team members to see things differently while making an impact.
Since joining West40 in 2022 as director of communications, Bellm now leads multiple departments that bring together storytelling, innovation, employability, entrepreneurship, and student-centered programming with the goal of bringing ideas to life and improving the lives of students and educators.
With a background in marketing, Bellm’s work in the public sector shapes statewide education initiatives that allow education leaders and lawmakers to see the impact of programs and funding. Bellm’s leadership has opened career pathways for students who have not always had equal access to experiences and has led to changes in the state’s complex educator licensure testing requirements.
Additionally, Bellm has overseen the development of a student progress app that is being adopted across Illinois.
Bellm lends her communications expertise to statewide education agencies such as the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) and the Illinois Coalition for Educating At-Risk Youth (ICEARY). In these capacities, she continues to shape education to improve outcomes for students who do not have equal access to education.
Check out the full list below (subscription required to view):
