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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING DR. DOROTHY JEAN TILLMAN, TEEN PRODIGY THAT SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS HER DISSERTATION TO EARN DOCTORAL DEGREE FROM ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
WHEREAS, Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman, BDH, was born and raised in Chicago, IL, where she was raised by her mother, Jimalita Tillman, to whom she attributes much of her success too; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tillman's higher education journey began at the age of ten (10) when she enrolled as a freshman at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois, where she majored in Psychology; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tillman completed her Associate's Degree in 2016 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Humanities from Excelsior University in 2018. In 2020, Dr. Tillman achieved, yet, another milestone by earning a Master of Science Degree from Unity College in Unity, Maine, becoming the youngest Environmental and Sustainable Scientist in the country; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tillman is the founder and Chief Executive Office of the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, which launched Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Labs in Chicago and West Capetown, South Africa, in 2020. Additionally, she was bestowed the title and name of Ankobea Ama Akuffo by His Royal Majesty Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the Omanhene of Akuapem, in Ghana. In this role, she serves as an official advisor on STEAM education and programs for youth; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tillman has been recognized with numerous honors, awards and recognitions, including, The Black Women’s Expo - Chicago 2022 Phenomenal Woman Award, Diversity in Action magazine’s 2022 20 Under 20 list of Next Gen STEAM leaders, the 2021 Black Enterprise 40 Under 40 - Tech (and panelist at the 40 Under 40 Virtual Summit), the 2021 WVON 40 Under 40 Gamechangers, the 2019 Young Shining Star Award from the National Association of Black Elected Legislative Women; the 2019 Excelon African American Resource Alliance Achievement Award; and the 2018 Black Girls Rock - Who Rocks Next Award; and
WHEREAS, on Monday, May 6, 2024, Dr. Tillman is set to earn her Doctoral degree and participate in commencement activities at Arizona State University in Phoenix, AZ. Her ultimate goal is to leverage her accomplishments and dedication to STEAM education and mental health advocacy in order to deliver lasting impact both nationally and internationally; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Commissioner Dennis Deer and with the President and Cook County Board of Commissioners, and on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County, do hereby recognize and congratulate Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman on becoming the youngest person to receive her Doctorate degree from Arizona State University in the state of Illinois, Cook County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman in honor auspicious occasion.
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