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Cohen Barnes began their career in 1987 as a Mechanized Infantry in the US Army. Cohen attended Basic and Advanced Infantry Training in Harmony Church on Ft. Benning GA, and graduated from Airborne School in 1988. In 1995, they took a position as Technical Support at Microsolutions, providing customer technical support via phone, fax, and email for their Backpack product line. In 1996, they became President/CEO of SundogIT, Inc., the only technology firm in Northern Illinois with over 30 years of experience. In 2004, they became Vice President of DeKalb Fiber Optic, LLC, where they laid 140 miles of fiber around the area connecting municipalities, schools, non-profits, and enterprises. In 2021, they took on the role of Mayor at the City of DeKalb, Illinois.

Cohen Barnes began their education at DeKalb High School from 1984 to 1987. Cohen then attended Kishwaukee College from 1990 to 1992, earning an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in English Language and Literature/Letters. Barnes continued their studies at Northern Illinois University from 1992 to 1995, earning a BA in Literature.