Erin Vobornik

Initiatives Director

As Initiative Director, Erin Vobornik serves as the Initiatives Director for COABE, where she leads national efforts to mobilize and support the adult education field through advocacy, leadership development, and innovation. Prior to this role, she worked as a professional development specialist at the Illinois Adult Education Professional Development Network and taught ESL at Elgin Community College for 12 years. She also served as a lecturer in applied linguistics at Northern Illinois University, preparing pre- and in-service K-12 teachers for bilingual and ESL endorsements. A passionate advocate for adult learners, Erin was a 2021 COABE State Advocate for Adult Education Fellow (SAAEF) and has co-chaired the program since 2023. She also hosts The COABE Advocast, a national podcast focused on strengthening advocacy across the field. Erin was recognized with the IACEA Presidents’ Award in 2023 for her outstanding advocacy work in Illinois. She believes that collaboration and student voice are essential to raising the visibility and value of adult education nationwide.

From coordinating statewide campaigns to launching national student leadership efforts and delivering tailored training experiences, Erin ensures that each initiative is mission-driven, measurable, and inclusive. Known for her collaborative approach and results-oriented leadership, Erin helps drive innovation and growth while supporting the evolving needs of the field.