CHICAGO – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Tuesday hosted a celebration to commemorate Women’s History Month and honor the enduring impact of women in shaping history.
The event, held in the Illinois Room at 555 W. Monroe St., was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements and ongoing contributions of women leaders in Illinois. The eight award recipients included a consultant, a food depository CEO, an award-winning teacher, a nonprofit founder, a state senator, a labor leader, a soccer player, and an orchestra executive director.
“We gather today to celebrate individuals who are dedicating their lives to helping others through education, mentorship, and leadership,” Frerichs said. “Illinois boasts a rich legacy of women activists, from those who fought for the right to vote to those who continue to advocate for equality and progress today. Women of all backgrounds have long recognized that true justice and equity cannot be achieved on an uneven playing field. We are grateful to these honorees for making our communities better places to live, work, and raise a family.”
The origins of Women’s History Month go back more than 100 years. In 1911, the U.S. first participated in International Women’s History Day. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring National Women’s History Week. Seven years later, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month.
Treasurer Frerichs honored the following individuals for their outstanding commitment to the community:
Outstanding Service in Business
Bukola Bello
Principal Consultant | VISION M.A.I. Consulting
Outstanding Service in Leadership
Kate Maehr
Executive Director and CEO | Greater Chicago Food Depository
Outstanding Commitment to Community Service
Lynne Chambers
Founder and Executive Director | Legacy Training, Marion
Outstanding Commitment to Education
Dr. Rachael Mahmood
2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year and Educational Consultant | Indian Prairie School District, Aurora
Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official
Hon. Julie Morrison
Illinois State Senator and Majority Caucus Whip | 29th District
Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor
Brandi Bradley
Director of Government Relations | Ullico Inc.
Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship
Christina Kreil
Member, U.S. Women’s National Amputee Soccer Team | Teacher, Richards High School, Oak Lawn
Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities
Jennie Oh Brown
Executive Director | Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
