Bilingual educator Lucilla Davila is committed to our community—even from afar

Davila is a district superintendent in Chicago, but remains committed to building up the next generation in Woodbury, sending financial support and volunteering through WCF every chance she gets.

Lucilla Davila is a bilingual educator who’s passionate about young people. She founded a Spanish immersion school, Alma Flor Ada, in Woodbury and recently took a superintendent position in Chicago. But after getting to know so many families and raising her own in the area, her roots run deep, and she’s more committed to the local community than ever.

Davila has consistently supported the Woodbury Community Foundation (WCF), both with financial gifts and her time and expertise, because she sees it as a once-stop-shop for making a difference locally. She’s currently a WCF board member and outspoken about her favorite local causes, especially education. She’s a regular at Woodbury Days, Woodbury Community Expo, and Fest. And with her professional background, she does everything she can to support the local schools.

“We have one of the most sought-after school districts. I love who our educators are–and their mission and vision for the future. I really believe that when we have strong schools, we have a strong community,” Davila explains. Beyond education, she appreciates the variety of initiatives the foundation supports behind-the-scenes, from practical healthcare projects to One Woodbury—an annual event celebrating diversity in the community—and youth leadership training. No matter someone’s interests, there’s a way to get plugged in through the foundation. 

Davila also supports the foundation outright, both through unrestricted financial gifts to support behind-the-scenes administrative costs and community-wide programming—and to specific projects like Woodbury Cares, which gives local businesses ad exposure in return for a sustaining gift. She also loves being a part of the coat drive that happens each fall, giving residents a practical way to make a difference for families in need.

As the foundation improves its infrastructure for facilitating community involvement—including a new database, expanded giving opportunities, and a planned giving program—Davila is excited that more diverse supporters will be able to give back in ways that make sense for their stage of life and financial situations. 

“The Woodbury Community Foundation is growing, and it’s really bringing a different lens to innovation, taking a different way of looking at things. These are exciting times!” Davila says. “As society evolves, we’re evolving, too. I see the development that’s happened, and I’m glad to see that as we grow as a city, this incredible organization is growing, too. I’m looking forward to continuing to be involved as long as I can. Anytime I can help and support, I’m there!”