Frerichs Recognizes Great Achievements of Community Leaders
CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to highlight the achievements of community leaders during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This year’s theme for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity.” The event, which was held at the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St., honored nine people for their contributions to their communities: an economic development leader, a community center founder, an immigration attorney, a college business professor, a state lawmaker, a labor leader, a high school tennis coach, a hospitality entrepreneur and a groundwater engineer.
“Today, we honor leaders who are educating our youth, helping create jobs and inspiring others,” Frerichs said. “We are grateful for these leaders who continue to give their time, share their talents and use their voices to improve our communities.” Asian Pacific American Heritage Month dates back to 1978, when President Carter signed a joint resolution marking the first 10 days of May as Asian Pacific Heritage Week. In 1990, the celebration was expanded to include the entire month.
Treasurer Frerichs honored the following people for their outstanding commitment to the community:
Outstanding Service in Business Megan Nakano Executive Director | Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois Outstanding Service in Leadership Sher Mohammed Rajput Co-founder, trustee | Indo American Center Outstanding Commitment in Education Lily Kim Adjunct Professor | DePaul University Driehaus College of Business Outstanding Commitment in Community Service
Saadia Siddique Founding member | Siddique Law Group LLC Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official Hon. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz Illinois State Representative | 17th District Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor Roy Chavadiyil Vice President | SEIU Local 73 Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship Sonthana Thongsithavong Head Tennis Coach | Glenwood High School (Chatham) Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities Billy Dec Actor, businessman, attorney Humanitarian Award Thanet Natisri International Team Leader | American Groundwater Solutions (Marion) About the Illinois Treasurer As Illinois State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR'-ikz) is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $52 billion. The portfolio includes $26 billion in state funds, $17 billion in retirement and college savings plans and $9 billion on behalf of local and state governments.
Frerichs’ office protects consumers by safeguarding more than $3.5 billion in unclaimed property, encouraging savings plans for college or trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, assisting people with disabilities to save without losing government benefits, and removing barriers to a secure retirement. The Treasurer’s Office predates Illinois incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 chose to make it an elected office.
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