Ajoyi Stackhouse served in the United States Navy from 2002 to 2012 and in the United States Navy Reserves from 2012 to 2016. She joined the board in 2022 and has been a community partner since 2015. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication media from Northeastern Illinois University. She has worked with various non-profits throughout Lake County and the Chicagoland area. Today, she is a small business owner and works to provide high value services and technologies to the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, and NATO.

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Ajoyi served tours during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her military awards include the following: Distinguished Military Graduate; GWOT Expeditionary Medal; Navy Good Conduct (3); Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist; Navy Achievement Medal (3); and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

 

Both of her grandfathers are veterans: C.W. Smith (United States Army, World War II) and Benjamin Stackhouse (United States Marine Corps, Korean War).