Women in Power: Honoring Women Leaders and History Makers in Illinois
Happy Women’s History Month! March invites us to celebrate and honor the profound impact women have had in shaping our society throughout history.
This year, Democrats for the Illinois House is highlighting an exceptional group of women in power who are making historic strides for equity and inclusion and opening doors for the next generation.
Minyon Moore
Chairwoman of the 2024 Democratic National Convention
“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and fought fights so you can have a seat at the table. When you are at the table, you are not there for yourself; you are representing those who need a voice and have no idea the table exists.”
Meet DNC Chair Minyon Moore, a Chicago native and one of the nation’s top strategic minds in politics. Moore started her career in politics working for Rev. Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign. She later played pivotal roles in Bill Clinton’s White House, Hillary Clinton’s campaigns, and as CEO of the Democratic National Committee. Now, she’s set to chair the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Camille Lilly
Illinois State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader
“Women have been the essence of our society because we are willing to take up the mantle in compassion and concern for family. We access our talent and network of resources to make a difference in the lives of all Illinoisans.”
Meet Assistant Majority Leader Camille Lilly, lifelong resident of Chicago’s Greater West Side and member of the Illinois House of Representatives since 2010. In 2023, Leader Lilly joined House leadership as Assistant Majority Leader. She has been a prominent voice for our families, fighting for more affordable healthcare, better-funded human services, and more economic growth opportunities for working people.
Delia Ramirez
Illinois’ 3rd District Representative in the 118th United States Congress
“As the first Latina elected to Congress in the Midwest, I take seriously the responsibility of supporting women to lead at all levels of public life. I am honored to join this powerful group of trailblazing women who are making history and breaking barriers in Illinois.”
Meet Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, the daughter of hardworking Guatemalan immigrants and a native of Humboldt Park. She has served as a non-profit leader for 18 years fighting for housing justice, affordable education, and immigration reform. She first served in the Illinois House of Representatives before being elected the FIRST Latina congresswoman in the Midwest in 2022.
Toni Preckwinkle
President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners
“Life is not without challenges. There is a gender bias. We encourage our young men to be risk takers. We encourage our girls to be cautious and nurturing. But if you’re going to be successful in public life, you have to persist and you have to take risks.”
Meet Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the 35th president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the first black woman to hold this office. President Preckwinkle has more than 30 years of experience in public service. In that time, she has been a driving force behind initiatives that solved the county’s budget deficit, expanded affordable healthcare programs, and reformed our criminal justice system.
Stacy Davis Gates
President of the Chicago Teachers Union, Executive Vice President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers
“I have been saying my god is faithful for a long time. And, I am happy to report that she is still faithful.”
Meet Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union and executive vice president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. As a leader in labor, she has used her power to advocate for our teachers and classrooms. Her advocacy led to a historic contract that implemented smaller class sizes, an appointed nurse and social worker at each school, sanctuary for immigrant families, and support for families experiencing homelessness.
Jordan Parker
Founder and Director of the Triveni Institute
“There is a global revolution happening among humans who care deeply about justice and the collective rather than individual profit, and their work is driving a critical transformation within late-stage capitalism.”
Meet Jordan Parker, the founder and director of the Triveni Institute, an environmental nonprofit that brings together activists and artists to educate people about the harms of human-produced waste on our climate. Parker believes that while humans are the cause of widespread pollution, we are also the solution. Each year, the Triveni Institute hosts a “trashion” show, where designers create couture looks from single-use plastics.