Illinois Treasurer Honors Eight Women Leaders for Women's History Month

Frerichs celebrates achievements in business, education, arts, and more

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:15pm

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Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs hosted an event in Chicago to commemorate Women's History Month and honor eight women leaders in the state for their contributions in fields like business, education, arts, and community service.

Why it matters

The event highlighted the enduring impact of women leaders in shaping Illinois history and benefiting the state's communities. It recognized the essential contributions women have made over the years, from fighting for women's right to vote to continuing the work toward equity, equality, and justice.

The details

The eight honorees included a senior vice president at Old National Bank, the CEO of Feeding America, the president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank, a retired Illinois State Superintendent of Education, an Illinois state lawmaker, the director of the Workforce Center of Will County, a Special Olympics athlete, and a Grammy-nominated violinist and educator.

  • The event was held on March 14, 2026 in the Illinois Room at 555 W. Monroe St. in Chicago.
  • Women's History Month has been celebrated nationally since 1980, when President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring National Women's History Week.

The players

Michael Frerichs

The Illinois State Treasurer, who hosted the event to commemorate Women's History Month and honor eight women leaders in the state.

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot

The CEO of Feeding America, one of the eight women leaders honored at the event.

Julie Yurko

The president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank, one of the eight women leaders honored at the event.

Dr. Carmen Ayala

A retired Illinois State Superintendent of Education, one of the eight women leaders honored at the event.

Diane Blair-Sherlock

An Illinois State Representative in the 46th District, one of the eight women leaders honored at the event.

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What they’re saying

“We celebrate these eight individuals who are dedicated to helping others through education, mentorship, and service. Through the years, women have made essential contributions to our state, and they are still doing that today. Illinois history is rich with women activists, including those who fought more than 100 years ago for women's right to vote and those who today continue to work tirelessly toward the goals of equity, equality, and justice. Thank you all for making our state and our communities better places to live, work, and raise a family.”

— Michael Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer

The takeaway

This event showcases the continued importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women leaders in Illinois, whose contributions have shaped the state's history and continue to make a positive impact on its communities today.