September 09, 2026
SIU’s Simon Institute hosts alumna Shantel Franklin to discuss her career path into politics
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumna Shantel Franklin will return to campus on Wednesday, Sept. 16, for a discussion focused on leadership and her journey from SIU student to a career in public service.
Franklin, a 2016 SIU Carbondale graduate in political science and former Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Alexander Lane intern, will speak beginning at 6 p.m. at the Tedrick Welcome Center. A reception is from 5 to 6 p.m. at the center. Franklin is the Democratic nominee and is running unopposed for Illinois’ 8th District state representative seat in the November 2026 election.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required. The discussion is co-sponsored by the institute and Women in Public Policy and Civic Engagement — the institute’s newest registered student organization.
Linda Baker, interim institute director, said Franklin’s return to campus represents a full-circle for Franklin.
“It is especially meaningful for me to welcome Shantel Franklin back to campus,” Baker said. “As an intern, she brought something more valuable than experience: an insatiable curiosity and an unrelenting work ethic. She didn’t just observe the legislative process — she mastered it. Through sheer dedication, hard work and an unwavering commitment to public service, she proved herself at every turn.
“In January, she will return to those same halls (in Springfield), no longer as a student of the system or a legislative staffer, but as a leader ready to shape public policy,” Baker said. “Her journey from intern to lawmaker is a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose, and she is ready to put that same drive to work for her constituents and the people of Illinois.”
Franklin made history as the first woman and youngest Democratic nominee for state representative in Illinois’ 8th District. Raised on Chicago’s West Side, Franklin experienced homelessness as a child and attended eight different schools. Those experiences helped shape her commitment to public service and her dedication to creating greater opportunities for families and communities.
The eighth district includes parts of the northwest side of Chicago and suburbs including Morton Grove, Niles, Lincolnwood, Skokie and portions of Park Ridge and Glenview.
During Franklin’s time at SIU, she developed a passion for leadership and public service. She served as chief of staff for Undergraduate Student Government, was crowned SIU’s 2014 Homecoming Queen, and was a member of the Zeta Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
In 2016, Franklin was selected as a Lane intern, a paid institute internship that provides SIU students with firsthand experience in public policy, public service and government. Franklin served with the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus under Senate President John Cullerton. Franklin’s internship gave her an opportunity to see state government and the legislative process up close, building on the leadership experiences she developed as a SIU student, Baker said.
Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for Franklin on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu.
More information, a list of the institute’s upcoming events and past speakers and events are available.