Octavia Wilkerson is a true city girl. Having spent her early childhood years in Chicago’s near west side, she eventually transitioned to suburban Westmont where she received a predominate portion of her education before graduating from George W. Collins High School in Chicago.

Following her father’s dream and advice, she attended the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) for two years and eventually transferred to Columbia College to pursue her real passion: dance.

Since leaving school, Octavia has been grown her career in various positions in personal banking for the past 10 years. Since 2001, she has held various mortgage banking positions with various companies in Chicago.

In 2006, Octavia formally joined the American Street team as lead processor with official training and specialization in HUD financing and auditing.

Octavia has a dear relationship with her two brothers who currently reside in Japan after being honorably discharged from the United States Navy. Additionally, she has learned the priceless trait of hard work from seeing her father successfully own and operate an Ace Hardware store in Chicago.

During her free time, Octavia spends nearly all her free time with her beautiful daughter.