Tori Garron: A Lifelong Advocate for Maywood and Its Future (Maywood, IL) — Tori Garron, the current Clerk of the Village of Maywood and a candidate for the position in the upcoming election, is no stranger to public service and community involvement. With over 33 years of connection to Maywood, Garron’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around her.
A Life Rooted in Service
Born and raised in the Proviso Township area before moving to Massachusetts in her teens, Garron returned to Illinois as an adult, bringing with her a wealth of experiences. She spent over 20 years working for United Airlines, where she held various roles in customer service, training, and corporate account management. Her retirement in 2022 came with a renewed focus on serving her community.
“I kind of said a little prayer and told myself if they offer a retirement package for under 55, I’m going to take it and figure life out,” Garron shared. True to her word, she embraced the opportunity and redirected her energy toward her hometown of Maywood.
A Champion for Community and Youth
Garron’s commitment to her community began long before her tenure as clerk. As a foster parent to 19 children over the years and a mother of three biological children, Garron understands the importance of nurturing the next generation. She runs a nonprofit organization, Your Own Urban Reliable Source (YOURS), which provides after-school programs, summer initiatives, and violence prevention services for youth.
Her entrepreneurial spirit also shines through her brick-and-mortar business, D and A Candy Corner and More, which started as a sweet shop in 2016 and has since expanded into a restaurant offering a variety of dishes alongside its original treats. “I have a big passion for the youth,” Garron says, emphasizing her desire to create safe, educational spaces for children while supporting their families.
Stepping into Leadership
Garron was appointed as Maywood’s clerk over a year ago, a role she describes as a “pure delight.” While her official duties include maintaining policies, procedures, and ordinances, she has gone above and beyond to foster connections with residents and business owners.
Through initiatives like block club parties and streamlined business processes, Garron has worked tirelessly to create a more cohesive and accessible community. She’s also championed the modernization of village operations, balancing digital advancements with traditional paper-based systems to cater to both younger and senior residents.
Garron has embraced her role within the current administration, working closely with the trustees, mayor, and village coworkers to address the community’s needs. Despite communication challenges between the current and prior administrations, she has focused on fostering respectful and productive dialogue, driven by her commitment to intentional, collaborative leadership.
A Vision for the Future
As Garron seeks election to retain her role, she has a clear vision for the next four years. Her plans include further digitalization of village services, partnerships with local schools, and enhanced resources for seniors. She also hopes to introduce programs that teach residents about passport applications and travel, drawing from her extensive experience in the airline industry.
Above all, Garron is committed to fostering civic engagement among Maywood’s youth, ensuring that they understand the importance of community involvement and leadership. “Everything I do in this village is on purpose and for purpose,” she says.
A Legacy of Purpose
Tori Garron’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of purposeful leadership. Whether through her work as a foster parent, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or public servant, Garron remains dedicated to creating a brighter future for Maywood and its residents.
As she looks ahead to the election, Garron remains optimistic. “What you put into the universe, you get back,” she says, reflecting her belief in the importance of respect, patience, and kindness in leadership.
With her proven track record of service and her vision for the future, Tori Garron is poised to continue making a meaningful difference in the Village of Maywood.
Tori Garron: A Lifelong Advocate for Maywood and Its Future
