Cope Cumpston

Cope Cumpston found her voice as an activist when she moved to Champaign-Urbana and got heavily involved with a political campaign. With hard work and long hours, it succeeded. She was amazed to find that, unlike Boston or the Bay Area, where she used to live, a smaller community gave her the opportunity to really make a difference.

Cope took that opportunity seriously. As part of the school board, she helped establish a fair election process. She also helped found the Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign, an advocacy group that provides space and tools for bike repair. Now, as a member of the grassroots Champaign County Health Care Consumers, Cope works to empower people to demand affordable, quality health care.

“Our community has so many opportunities, resources and richness. Everybody deserves their fair share.”