About

Judi Onheiber, 2nd Vice President for Membership

Migrating south to Naples, Florida in 2004 I found myself preparing for my first hurricane (Charlie) and the clean-up of the tropical storm in Naples. But I still do not miss the blizzard-like winds, ice, snow, and sub-zero temperatures of the Chicago area.

I have two amazing sons, one in Wheeling, Illinois, one in Portland, Oregon. I am an RN Home Health Consultant

I was born and raised in Wisconsin, attended the University of Wisconsin at Marathon County Campus and graduated from Madison General School of Nursing. I later attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Arts from the University of St. Francis, Joliet Illinois.

Throughout my high school and early college days I campaigned and supported Democratic candidates. I remember attending rallies and events for George McGovern and Eugene McCarthy during turbulent times. Born into a democratic, liberal, socially just family I could do no other but follow in my parent’s footsteps. The assassination of John F. Kennedy left a deep hole and sadness in my parents and many of my favorite teachers. And this stirred a greater belief in the promises of the Democratic party.

College days found me protesting the Vietnam War, marching in Madison, Wisconsin; while experiencing the pain of those I had known who died during that war. The campus unrest, the Kent University tragedy, the lack of support for the returning military, racial injustice, the political climate of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s has shaped me, instilling compassion, love, support for all who experience fear, helpless by their circumstances, disillusioned by their government, impoverished due to lack of education, racial, and sexual inequality.

As a wife and mother, I was involved in my community through PTO, Little League, Peace & Justice committees, the Women’s Shelter, leader of youth groups and retreats for adults and teens.

In 2016 as a 12-year Florida resident it was time to re-activate my silent voice. I experienced the call to be more than just a vote while never speaking up about the issues and challenges we face as members of a greater world. So, I volunteered at the Dem headquarters, registered people to vote, made phone calls, canvassed neighborhoods, and dreamed of the first woman president.

A few nights of anguish and tears (my personal pity-party) later, I received an invitation to a Tamara Paquette party! A life-changing evening as I experienced inclusion with some of the most remarkable people of Collier County. And that my fellow Democrats is how I found myself at the DWC of Naples, at the 2018 Women’s March my voice no longer silent.