State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee Candidates

Candidate: Jemila Burton
ID Center West Manager

On November 16, 2020, Jemila Burton became a Civil Service Customer Service Representative at UI Health and served for at least three years. Jemila holds a civil service position as the ID Center West Manager, which totals four and a half years of service. As a Civil Service employee, Jemila provided the utmost care and worked with cross-functional clinical teams to ensure the patients received excellent customer service and care.

Jemila Burton has actively participated and served as a member of SEIU Local 73 and the African American Caucus (AFRAM), and as a member of the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Asian Americans (CCAA), elected to the Advisory Board starting August 2025. Additionally, she marched to the capital for equal rights and justice. In neighboring states such as Wisconsin and Michigan, hundreds of others, including Jemila, encouraged people to get out and vote.

Furthermore, Jemila participated in a march to help raise the minimum wage for security workers and nurses in Wisconsin, Missouri and Chicago and attended several meetings to shed light on some of the challenges that the Civil Service employees experienced in customer-facing clinical and hospital settings, and administrative roles, as well as concerns of living wages. In August of 2024, Jemila served as the Deputy Chairperson for Local 73 Union Elections. June 28 – 30, 2024, Jemila participated in the Poor People’s March and Rally in Washington, advocating for those facing homelessness and unlivable wages.

In addition, Jemila served as an African American (AFRAM) member for at least four years. During her time, Jemila attended the first African American (AFRAM) conference in April of 2025, assisted with logistics of a book scholarship for High school graduates, co-led and planned the 2024 Bud Billiken Parade, and recruited new members. In 2022, Jemila collaborated with the African American Caucus (AFRAM) to provide winter clothing for people experiencing homelessness and those in need. Jemila holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Ashford University, Forbes School of Business, completed a Mental Health First Aid certificate, and is pursuing a Google Certificate in Project Management.

Jemila’s passion and career goal are to be a resource for the youth and community and to work for an organization that helps people for the greater good and the community. Jemila believes in and values higher education, professional development resource programs, and the well-being of the people. Jemila has a tabby cat named Lolo, enjoys being involved in community efforts and events, traveling, and being outdoors. As a candidate for the Civil Service Advisory Board, Jemila plans to advocate for the well-being of all civil service workers, considering working conditions, wages, injustice, discrimination, and discrepancies, and to open more doors for everyone.

Candidate: Brian Miller
Medical Education Program Specialist

College of Medicine

Brian Miller join UIC as a volunteer in December 2016 and got his first position as an extra-help employee in 2017. Brian is now a Medical Education Program Specialist in the College of Medicine.

From the outset, Brian knew he wanted to build a career at the University, but he did not anticipate developing such a deep admiration for its mission and values. He witnessed the unwavering dedication of staff members working in service to students and patients—often without recognition. These experiences sparked in Brian a commitment to support and elevate the voices of his fellow employees.

Brian believes that the University owes a profound debt of gratitude to its employees. It is the employees’ commitment and sacrifice that upholds the University’s mission and keeps it moving forward. In his former role, Brian was an active member of SEIU Local 73 and served as a Chief Steward. In this capacity, he was a contract captain during the 2020 contract negotiations, was a leader in labor management meetings where he advocated for better working conditions and fair compensation for workers. One of his proudest achievements was winning an arbitration case regarding stolen overtime pay for clerical staff—an effort that underscores his dedication to employee rights. More recently, on May 30, 2025, Brian won an Unfair Labor Practice charge he filed as well.

Brian continues his advocacy through his role on the Staff Advisory Council, where he works to amplify staff concerns and ensure their perspectives are heard. He considers this work both vital and sacred. With a proven record of representation, action, and accountability, Brian is confident he is the right choice to serve on the State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee.

Candidate: Janine A. Sacco, M.Ed.
Medical Education Program Coordinator

College of Medicine, Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)

Thank you for considering my candidacy for the State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee. I currently serve as the Medical Education Program Coordinator at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, where I manage outreach, admissions, and educational programming for the Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD), a dual-degree program that supports over 90 students. My commitment to UIC runs deep—I have proudly served the university for 20 years in various roles and earned a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from the UIC College of Education.

It would be an honor to serve on the State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee. I am fully dedicated to its mission and would bring extensive experience as a long-standing Civil Service employee, along with a strong track record of advocacy—especially on behalf of colleagues represented by SEIU 73. I have had the privilege of serving on several hiring committees, where I contributed to promoting fair and inclusive recruitment practices.

I am passionate about initiatives that support and uplift Civil Service employees at UIC. I currently serve on the Staff Engagement and Wellness (SEW) Committee and the Staff Leadership & Professional Development Subcommittee within the College of Medicine. Outside of my professional responsibilities, I volunteer annually at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and lead a neighborhood trash pickup initiative in Lakeview, where I live and remain actively engaged in the community.