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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING MARITZA CARVAJAL FOR HER DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY SAFETY WITH THE NORTHWEST CENTER AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT
WHEREAS, Maritza Carvajal serves as the Director of Community Strategy at the Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault; and
WHEREAS, in her role, Maritza ensures hospitals in North & Northwest Cook County are staffed with a sexual assault advocate 24/7 so that no one has to face sexual violence alone; and
WHEREAS, she additionally offers trauma informed training and support to nurses, law enforcement, teachers, students, and the community; and
WHEREAS, Maritza also leads the Center’s Prevention Education program to help stop sexual harm before it even starts in our communities; and
WHEREAS, beyond direct crisis intervention, Maritza also delivers essential trauma-informed education to local institutions, fostering a more supportive and understanding community environment; and
WHEREAS, a tireless leader, Maritza not only oversees the 24/7 crisis hotline, ensuring every call related to sexual harm receives immediate attention, but she also provides crucial support to nursing staff and law enforcement, clarifying complex sexual assault laws and client rights; and
WHEREAS, in 2025 alone, her leadership resulted in the handling of 697 crisis calls, with 375 of those directly leading to vital hospital support for survivors; and
WHEREAS, her dedication to exceptional client care and unwavering staff support are cornerstones of the Center's effective community service; and
WHEREAS, Maritza consistently goes above and beyond, even stepping in to cover shifts during emergencies, and exemplifies unwavering advocacy for survivors of sexual violence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize Maritza Carvajal and thank her for her extraordinary work with the Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault and her dedication to making our communities safer and connected; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and suitable copies be tendered to Maritza Carvajal.
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