Treasurer Michael Frerichs Honors Eight Illinois Women Leaders for Women’s History Month (Springfield, IL) – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs hosted a special ceremony in Chicago on Thursday to celebrate Women’s History Month and recognize eight women for their exceptional contributions to society, business, education, sports, and the arts.
The event took place in the Illinois Room at 555 W. Monroe St., highlighting the achievements of women leaders who have made a lasting impact across the state. Among the honorees were a Grammy-nominated violinist and educator, the CEOs of Feeding America and Northern Illinois Food Bank, a retired Illinois State Superintendent of Education, a Special Olympics athlete, a senior vice president at Old National Bank, a state lawmaker, and the director of the Workforce Center of Will County.
“We celebrate these eight individuals who are dedicated to helping others through education, mentorship, and service,” Frerichs said. “Through the years, women have made essential contributions to our state, and they are still doing that today. Illinois history is rich with women activists, including those who fought more than 100 years ago for women’s right to vote and those who today continue to work tirelessly toward the goals of equity, equality, and justice.”
The awards recognized the honorees in eight categories:
- Outstanding Service in Business: Nadine Johnson, Senior Vice President and Specialty Banking Relationship Manager, Old National Bank
- Outstanding Service in Leadership: Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO, Feeding America
- Outstanding Commitment to Community Service: Julie Yurko, President and CEO, Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Outstanding Commitment to Education: Dr. Carmen Ayala, Educational Consultant and former Illinois State Superintendent of Education
- Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official: Hon. Diane Blair-Sherlock, Illinois State Representative, 46th District
- Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor: Michelle Stiff, Director, Workforce Center of Will County
- Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship: Mallory Marvin, Athlete and Athlete Leader Spokesperson, Special Olympics Illinois
- Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities: Desirée Ruhstrat, Grammy-nominated violinist, soloist, Lincoln Trio, and adjunct professor of violin at Northwestern University Bienen School of Music
Women’s History Month traces its origins back more than 100 years, with International Women’s History Day first observed in 1911. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed National Women’s History Week, and in 1987, Congress officially designated March as National Women’s History Month.
Frerichs emphasized that the event was not only a celebration of past achievements but also an acknowledgment of women’s ongoing contributions to improving communities, education, and leadership across Illinois.
Treasurer Michael Frerichs Honors Eight Illinois Women Leaders for Women’s History Month
