CHICAGO (WGN) — The mother of a fallen Chicago police officer, a leader in science and mathematics, a human resources consultant, a fashionista, and a supporter of domestic violence survivors make up the five recipients honored by Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza on Wednesday as part of Women’s History Month.
Calling the recognition an honor, Elizabeth French, mother to slain CPD officer Ella French, has helped to provide a variety of resources for first responders and their families in the wake of tragedy. Her ‘Light the Line‘ initiative offers everything from on-scene support after traumatic incidents to mental health services.
“The day-to-day stressors the officers and their families are facing and being able to another resource for them, being able to try and help them, yes, it absolutely is a passion now,” French told WGN News.
Sitting alongside French was the once homeless Mae Whiteside Williams, now a fearless leader in STEM.
“Most of the streets I’ve built, I’ve either walked on, traveled on, or slept on,” Williams said.
Also honored on Wednesday was Jennifer Guzman, a seasoned HR consultant known for driving growth in the workplace, and Cameroon native Nathalie Loma, a fashionista who built up her brand from scratch. Loma also helped those affected by the recent wildfires by shipping boxes of clothes to California.
“My mother is a self-taught seamstress who instructed me in the power of fashion,” Loma said. “I’m privileged to pass this lesson forward.”
Though she could not attend the ceremony, Rebecca Darr received the fifth award for her work with Chicagoland domestic violence survivors.
Mendoza praised the women for their ongoing efforts while highlighting the importance of the next generation.
“You don’t necessarily do it to be the first,” Mendoza said, “but when you do, you do it not to be the last.”
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