More than Rich Township Supervisor, including business leaders, elected officials, civic and clergy members, gathered for Cook County’s largest Women’s Appreciation Month celebration on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park. Hosted by Rich Township Supervisor and Democratic Committeeman Calvin Jordan, the event will honor the most prominent women in Illinois and recognize their contributions to government, business, education, and community leadership.
Supervisor Jordan, joined by the Rich Township Board of Trustees, will lead the annual observance, highlighting the role women have played in shaping history and contemporary society.
“The most profound change in American politics today and in the years to come will result from a massive movement of women into the Democratic Party,” Jordan said. “In the past four decades, women’s participation in Congress has increased substantially. Women now make up a quarter of members of Congress, which is more than double the number who served in the 106th Congress of 1999 to 2001.”
This year’s event featured keynote speaker Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, who has been widely recognized for her leadership in public service. The co-chairwomen for the gathering are Cook County Commissioner Lori Carlton-Jordan and Tina Cole-Chambers.
Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin praised Conyears-Ervin’s contributions to women’s leadership, stating, “Treasurer Conyears-Ervin has blazed the trail for so many women who aspire to become elected as mayors, city treasurers, state representatives, and other various elected offices. Her tone, temperament, and humility have ushered her into some of the most powerful board meetings and caucus groups that have led to the upward mobility of women throughout our state and the nation.”
Among the distinguished honorees being recognized at the event are:
• Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill
• Blue Island Park Commissioner Tonya Howard
• Matteson Village Executive Lorie Webster
• Dr. Alana Atchison
• Dr. Takara A. Warren
• Beth McElroy Kirkwood
• Cassaundra Rouse
• Arlene Brown Stevens
• Victoria A. Hill
• Tracy Sullivan
• Dominique Singleton
• Debra Szczecina
• Jennifer A. Braun-Denton
• Eloise N. Houston
• Tawny R. Smith
• Cynthia A. Butler
• Anjenita Davis
• Mayme C. Buckley
• Karen M. Ford
• Glenda Jakes-Love
• Melissa Farmer-Hill
• Francis Thibodeaux-Fox
Illinois State Senator Mike Hastings acknowledged the significance of the celebration, stating, “Chicago City Treasurer Conyears-Ervin and Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill reflect not only the progress that women have made over the past few decades, but it speaks to the firm commitment to diversity and gender equality that the state of Illinois is known for.”
In addition to honoring exceptional women, the event focused on preparing women of all races for the future, particularly in the context of political engagement. Supervisor Jordan addressed attendees on the importance of voter registration, emphasizing the critical role of public policy and electoral participation following the most recent Presidential election.
The kickoff press conference for the Women’s Appreciation Month celebration began prior to the event at the Odyssey Country Club, located at 19110 Ridgeland Avenue, Tinley Park, Illinois.
