Celebrating Diversity and Culture
Nominate a Community Hero for Heritage Month Recognition:
Heritage and History Month Awardee Nominations
The Illinois Treasurer’s Office proudly celebrates Heritage Months throughout the year, spotlighting the individuals who enrich our state’s diverse culture. These celebrations honor the history and contributions of community leaders and individuals who make a lasting impact, fostering inclusivity and understanding. By recognizing these achievements, the Illinois Treasurer’s Office promotes awareness and appreciation for the unique identities that make Illinois a dynamic and thriving state.
Among the many Heritage Months observed are Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Each celebration highlights the diverse heritage and accomplishments of Illinois residents, reinforcing the state’s commitment to equality, unity, and respect for all.
Categories
- Outstanding Service in Business: Awarded to an entrepreneur (or organization) that has successfully followed their dream owning their own business or leading a business entity, shown by example how to overcome adversity, and, through their accomplishments, created greater economic opportunity and provided inspiration to others.
- Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities: Awarded to a person (or organization) who has had significant accomplishments as an artist or in a career related to the arts or humanities and has been an inspiration to others and a source of pride for their community.
- Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official: Awarded to an elected official who has made a significant contribution to their community through their government service.
- Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship: Awarded to a person (or organization) who has had significant achievements as an athlete or in a sports industry career and has been an inspiration to others and a source of pride for their community.
- Outstanding Commitment to Community Service: Awarded to a person (or organization) who has made significant contributions/ made a difference as a community advocate, and given back to the community through volunteerism, making a positive impact, and trying to improve the livelihoods of those whose lives they touched.
- Jesse White Leadership Award: Awarded to a person who has made a difference as a recognized and respected leader in their profession, through their expertise, made significant contributions for the good of their community, and been a dedicated advocate for positive change.
- Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor: Awarded to a person (or organization) that has made significant contributions/made a difference as a labor representative, with a commitment to advocating for the well-being of employees and their families, as well as a safe work environment.
- Outstanding Commitment to Education: Awarded to a person who has made significant contributions/made a difference as a teacher, mentor, or administrator, has provided inspiration to others, and has been a dedicated advocate for opportunity and positive change.
- Outstanding Service in Leadership: Awarded to a person who has made a difference as a recognized and respected leader in their profession, through their expertise, made significant contributions for the good of their community, and been a dedicated advocate for positive change.