Maurice A. West II

Maurice A. West II is a proud graduate of Jefferson High School, class of 2003.  After high school he went on to receive his Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL, and Master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.   After completing his education he came back to Rockford and began working at Rock Valley College (RVC) as a Career Counselor for the Dislocated Workers Program.  While at RVC, he received the Booker Washington Community Center’s 25 Black Leaders to Watch Young Leader on the Rise Award in 2012.  In 2013 he ran for Alderman for the City of Rockford, which opened the doors for him to serve this community that he is passionate about. He serves on several boards and organizations including being a board member for the Rockford Park District Foundation and the Rockford Area Arts Council, member of the Education Committee for the Rockford Public School Board and a board member of the Community Action Agency, which addresses poverty through various assistance programs.  He is also an Ordained Minister and the Lead Musician at the West Side Church of God In Christ in Rockford.  In 2014, Rockford Register Star recognized him as one of the 14 to Watch in 2014 for his community activism.  Currently he is the Director of Career Development at Rockford University and Founder of Share the Warmth-Rockford.  He is also an award-winning music composer and founder of TheWESTMelodies.