Betty Martinez came to Elgin by way of Florida from Colombia. Her studies in Colombia were in psychology, but noticing that so many people requiring help had special education needs, she did her post-graduate work in special education. Now she is a bilingual special education teacher in the Elgin area. Jean Hebeisen is from Chicago, and has lived in various areas around the Midwest. She has worked for an actuarial company, for a small-town newspaper and as a computer programmer. Both women love the Gail Borden Public Library and participate in community initiatives and events such as the Fine Arts Fair.