Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong hosted the Second Annual Phenomenal Woman Awards Event on March 26, 2019 at the Kankakee Public Library.

“I created this event to honor and celebrate the many contributions of women to this community.  Women lead with love and are called to serve because they have a genuine desire to help others and change the world,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong. 

Among the honorees were Amy LaFine, former CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital and a nurse educator; Joanne Ford-Box, former alderwoman of Kankakee’s first ward and a community activist; Natalie Ojeda, Director of Advocacy Services and President of the Kankakee County Hispanic Partnership;

Grace Seggrebruch, Assistant Director for the Kankakee County Juvenile Probation Department and co-chair of the Crescent City Fireball Festival; Reverend Lori Holmes, administrator in the western suburbs and minister at Caldwell Chapel AME Zion Church in Kankakee; Dayna Heitz, Executive Director of the Kankakee Valley Park District and co-chair of the Kankakee Riverfront Implementation Team; and Paulette Crank, retired educator from Shapiro Developmental Center and state treasurer for the Illinois State Branch of the NAACP. 

“I am so thankful to be honored and given my flowers while I am still alive.  I could never pay back all that people have done to help me, but I decided I would do my part by helping others,” said Joanne Ford-Box.  Amy LaFine stated, “my parents raised me to be an engaged citizen.  When my family saw a need, we figured out how we could help.  When presented with an opportunity to help, I encourage everyone to say, yes.”

Approximately 70 community members including family and friends of the honorees and City staff were in attendance.  “As we continue to implement the Kankakee Forward agenda, I will continue to be intentional in uplifting members of our community and highlighting the strengths of our City which include its wonderful residents,” stated Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

For more information, contact Mayor Wells-Armstrong’s office at (815) 933-0500.  Visit us at citykankakee-il.gov.

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Photo Gallery: 2nd Annual Phenomenal Woman Awards Celebration