Frerichs Recognizes Great Achievements of Women in Illinois
CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to highlight the achievements of women in Illinois. This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Women Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” The event, which was held at the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St., honored eight women for their contributions to their communities: a tech sales director, a nonprofit founder, a food pantry director, a school superintendent, a state senator, a labor leader, a spinal cord injury nonprofit founder, and an alderperson.
“Today, we honor women who are educating our youth, feeding the hungry, and inspiring others,” Frerichs said. “As state treasurer, I have promoted national and regional efforts to support corporate board diversity, including persuading companies to appoint more women to their boards.” Women’s History Month traces back more than 100 years. In 1911, the U.S. first participated in International Women’s History Day. In 1980, President Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring National Women’s History Week. Seven years later, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month.
State Treasurer Frerichs honored the following women for their outstanding commitment to the community:
Outstanding Service in Business Sonya Garg Director, American Sales Associate Program | Google, Chicago Outstanding Service in Leadership Dr. Sheila Hill Co-Founder | Think Big Corporation, Rockford
Outstanding Commitment in Education Dr. Blondean Davis Superintendent, School District 162 | CEO Southland College Prep, Richton Park Outstanding Commitment in Community Service Laura Glaza Executive Director | Glen House Food Pantry, Glen Ellyn Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official Hon. Laura Ellman Illinois State Senator | 21st District, Naperville Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor Genie Kastrup President | SEIU Local 1, Chicago Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship Hon. Pat Dowell Alderperson | 3rd Ward, Chicago City Council Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities Reveca Torres Founder, Executive Director | BACKBONES, Prospect Heights About the Illinois Treasurer The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is a powerful economic engine that invests in people to drive prosperity, development and growth throughout the state. As State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR'- iks) is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $55 billion.
The investments help families pay for college and trade school; workers save for a dignified retirement;
and local governments process bill payments more efficiently so they can pass along the savings to taxpayers. The office provides financial institutions money to loan to farmers, small business owners, and qualified individuals at below-market rates because better jobs create stronger communities. The office operates the state’s largest consumer-protection initiative, the unclaimed property I-Cash program, which has returned a record-breaking $1.9 billion since Frerichs was elected.
For more news about the State Treasurer’s Office, please follow Treasurer Frerichs on X (formerly Twitter) at @ILTreasurer, Threads @iltreasurer@threads.net, Instagram at ILTreasurer, LinkedIn and on Facebook at Invested in You – Treasurer Michael Frerichs.
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