March 15, 2023 – Dr. Juanita Morris was honored today by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs as part of a celebration to highlight the achievements of women in Illinois.
This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” The event honored eight women for their contributions to their communities: a healthcare leader, an education institute partner, a nonprofit president, an assistant school superintendent, a state representative, a labor field organizer, an Olympic hockey player and development coach, and a motivational speaker.
Dr. Morris was honored for her outstanding service in leadership.
Three years ago, Dr. Morris was selected by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to administer a $2.3-million-dollar grant to develop and activate the “Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute” in Decatur. The 5 Pillars of DCLI are Law Enforcement, Healthcare, Government, Entrepreneurship, and Education. Under DCLI, over 200 students have already participated in paid internships at local businesses, with exposure to careers, behind-the-scenes business, and civic organizations.
DCLI partners with non-profit community organizations to bring programs like “Girls Who Code” and the “Summer Math Academy” to Decatur area youth.
Morris also created a one-of-a-kind six-week “Residential CNA Program” – with a 100% success rate, these students have passed the state of Illinois certification exam and are now in high school, college, or employed in the medical community. Dr. Morris also developed a Certified Medical Interpreter Program designed to facilitate the accurate share of important medical information between patients and physicians.
Women’s History Month traces back more than 100 years. In 1911, the U.S. first participated in International Women’s History Day. In 1980, President Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring National Women’s History Week. Seven years later, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month.
Additional award recipients include:
Outstanding Service in Business
Esther Corpuz
CEO | Alivio Medical Center
Outstanding Commitment in Education
Dr. Lorie Cristofaro
Assistant Superintendent | Lockport Township High School
Outstanding Commitment in Community Service
Maria Ontiveros
President | Mercado on Fifth
Quad Cities
Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official
Hon. Stephanie Kifowit
Illinois State Representative | 84th District
Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor
Tory Woods
Field Representative | LiUNA Laborers’ Local 773
DuQuoin/Perry County/Southern Illinois
Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship
Kendall Coyne Schofield
Captain | U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Team
Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities
Zinyra Ross
Artisan, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker
Global Messenger for Special Olympics
