Elizabeth Wake is joining NPR Illinois as a sponsorship account executive, effective Sept. 16.
“This position will be getting underwriting for NPR from businesses,” Wake said. “It takes all of my favorite things and combines it with my business experience.”
Wake opened The Wakery in April 2023 as a new concept for downtown, a late night coffeeshop and non-alcoholic bar. It was recognized as the best new business downtown and best new bar in the Illinois Times Best of Springfield readers’ poll later that year. However, the brick-and-mortar location closed Aug. 10, with Wake saying it was not sustainable given the current downtown environment.
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She still provides The Wakery’s drinks on a wholesale basis to other local businesses such The Cat’s Pyjamas, Fluid and The Railyard, as well as for special events.
“I have a couple weddings this fall that I’ll be catering,” Wake said. “There’s also an event at Erin’s Pavilion coming up and I’m collaborating with a downtown business on some fall-themed events. The Wakery will still be around, it’s just more of a passion project at this point.”
Wake recently received her master’s degree in public administration from University of Illinois Springfield.
“Over COVID, I decided to use that time to go back to school and get my degree in something that had always interested me,” she said. “My absolute favorite classes were budget and financial analysis, fundraising and marketing.”
Wake said the new position with NPR will allow her to pursue those interests, and she also believes her experience as a small business owner will be helpful.
“I understand that businesses don’t have a lot to put into sponsorships, but I also understand how to convey the importance of supporting local broadcasting and media,” she said. “This position is a wonderful combination of both my master’s degree and my experience as a business owner.”