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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING LAYLA P. SULEIMAN GONZALEZ, PH.D., J.D., FOR HER CONTINUED DEDICATION TO THE COMMUNITIES OF COOK COUNTY IN HONOR OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
WHEREAS, March is Women's History Month in which we not only highlight the contributions of women in history but also in contemporary society; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Layla P. Suleiman González, Ph.D., J.D., is the Executive Director, Illinois Latino Family Commission and Director, Human Services Program, Loyola University Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Suleiman González, J.D, has been an advocate, policymaker, professor and researcher, advancing access and equity for Latinos and other minority groups for almost 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Suleiman González received her degree in Applied Developmental Psychology at Loyola University of Chicago and her J.D., with a certificate in International Law and Human Rights, from DePaul University and is the proud mother of 8-year old Ismael, who lights up every day of her life; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Suleiman González has dedicated her life to serving others including students, nonprofits, and the community at large, her practice and scholarship focusing on human and civil rights approaches to health and human services; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, Dr. Suleiman González wrote legislation to establish the State of Illinois Latino Family Commission and in 2013 she became its founding Executive Director and in this role, she has been a fierce advocate for Latinos in state government, writing several prices of legislation and promoting equity in state programs, employment, grants and contracts; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Suleiman González previously served as the Federal Court Appointed Monitor for the Burgos Consent Decree which demands fair treatment of Latino families throughout the Illinois Department and Family Services and currently represents the Latino community on numerous Boards, Commissions and Task Forces; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Suleiman González has worked with nonprofits, foundations and government to build capacity and deepen understanding of the Latino community, providing training and technical assistance, to facilitate growth and sustainability, through strategic planning, change management, collaborative facilitation, policy development and evaluation; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Suleiman González served as the Director of Strategic Planning/Chief Results Officer (CRO) for the Illinois Department of Human Services where she led the Budgeting for Results implementation efforts for a 6 billion dollar state agency with over 200 programs; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Suleiman González is the director of the Human Services interdisciplinary undergraduate program at Loyola University Chicago and previously taught in its School of Education, was faculty at DePaul University for ten years where she worked to help students develop their skills and understanding about social inequality, and helping them realize their professional goals; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Suleiman González has received several awards in recognition of her work including the “Distinguished Alumna” award from the DePaul University Latino Law Student Association, “Community Advocate” from Healthcare Alternative Systems, “Community Advocate for Renewal and Empowerment” Award from Rincon Family Services, the Celeste Peña “Beacon of Light” award from the IDCFS Latino Advisory Committee, and the “Si Se Puede: Por Los Niños Award” from the CWLA National Council of Latino Executives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby honors Layla P. Suleiman González, Ph.D., J.D., for her continued dedication to the communities of Cook County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this text be spread upon the proceedings of this Honorable Body and that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented Layla P. Suleiman González, Ph.D., J.D.
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