Linda Chapa laVia was born and raised in Aurora, Illinois. She graduated from East Aurora high School in 1984 and was the first in her family to complete college, earning her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is in her second term as a member of the Illinois General Assembly.

While in college, Linda honed her leadership skills as a cadet of ROTC, completing basic training in 1988 and serving as a commissioned officer in the US Army until 1993. She continued her service in the National Guard until 1998 and is currently on Inactive Ready Reserve.

As a licensed real estate broker with Chapa Realty and a local business owner, Linda has long sought to promote economic development opportunities in her community. She is active in the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and theTri County Board of Realtors.

Linda's leadership, energy, and passion for service are not confined to her success as a businesswoman. With an eye to improving the quality of life in the entire community, LInda is involved with the YWCA, and serves on the board of directors of the Fox Valley Girl Scouts and Provena Mercy Hospital.

In an effort to give young people an alternative to gangs and crime, Linda takes an active role in Aurora's "Weed and Seed" program and continues to work with her family on God's Gym. She recently secured funds for CeaseFire Aurora, a national based initiative that promotes its message of "Stop the Shooting" through canvassing, public outreach and community coalitions.

Linda brings her work ethic, energy, and passion for community service to the job of State representative. She is working to provide a voice in Springfield for all residents by working toward excellence in education, safer streets and quality health care for families and seniors. She will use her life experience to promote a strong business climate for a strong community.

Linda and her husband Vernon have two daughters, Veronica and Jacqueline. The 83rd District includes all of Aurora and parts of North Aurora and Montgomery.