Legislator luncheon with Rep Terra Costa Howard (for IVCA Investor members only)

At the core of IVCA’s mission is our commitment to advocating for Illinois’ venture capital and private equity community. On July 31, IVCA Executive Director Christie Pruyn and IVCA-PAC Legislative Liaison Dave Stricklin will meet with:

Thursday, July 31, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:15 PM | Gibsons Italia, 233 N Canal, Chicago

With Rep. Terra Costa Howard

These meetings are part of the ongoing work of the IVCA-PAC), which builds relationships with policymakers, educates them on the importance of private capital in Illinois’ economy, and advocates for a policy environment that supports innovation and investment.

Together, we’re working to ensure that Illinois remains a strong and competitive home for private equity and venture capital.

Interested in attending?
This opportunity is open to IVCA Investor Members only. Please contact Kathy Pyne at kpyne@illinoisvc.org to RSVP

Biographies

Illinois State Representative Terra Costa Howard

 (D) 42nd District

• District: Terra Costa Howard was first elected as State Representative in 2018 and was re-elected in 2020 and again in 2022. She represents the 42nd House District in DuPage County, which includes most of Lombard and Glen Ellyn and parts of Lisle, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Villa Park, and Naperville.
• Early life and Education: Terra Costa Howard was born and raised in DuPage County. She earned a B.A. in political science and speech communications at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a law degree at DePaul University, Terra started her legal career as a staff attorney at the DuPage County 18th Judicial Circuit Court. After two years, Terra joined the DuPage County Public Defender’s Office. In 2003, Terra opened her own legal practice. Costa Howard ran for Glen Ellyn School District 41 Board of Education in 2005. She served two terms, including two years as Board President. Terra also served as an adjunct professor and intern supervisor at College of DuPage. Terra worked alongside her husband to start up a software development company based in Glen Ellyn. From 2015 to 2018, she helped to guide development of Glen Ellyn’s businesses, parks, buildings, and streets. She now serves on the Board of Directors of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation. Rep Costa Howard lives in DuPage County with her husband Nick and three daughters.
• Committee assignments: Adoption and Child Welfare (Vice-Chairperson); Appropriations – Health and Human Services; Budget Impact (Sub-Chairperson); Gaming; Health Care Licenses; Human Services (Chairperson); Mental Health and Addiction.