The Chicago Chapter of the National Organization for Women ( CNOW ) hosted its annual Women Who Dared fundraiser Sept. 24. They honored Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Teatro Luna Theater Group.
Preckwinkle has been active in supporting women issues and family issues in her more than 20 years of public service as an elected official.
"Chicago NOW wanted to recognize not only the work President Preckwinkle has done to support women issues in local government, but we also wanted to highlight President Preckwinkle's efforts and success in getting more women elected to office at all levels of government," said Chicago NOW Board President Cristina Villarreal.
"It is an honor to receive this award. As a history teacher by profession, I know the role that the National Organization for Women has played in shaping modern political history," said Preckwinkle. "As women we must continually renew our commitment to support the educational, cultural, spiritual aspirations of women and recognize how central they are to our lives and the lives of our children."
Chicago NOW also recognized Teatro Luna theater group, the only pan-Latina in the country. "Usually, we recognize a single activist for their work in the community, but we wanted to recognize the very talented women of Teatro Luna who have taken the real stories of underrepresented women to the stage," said Villarreal. "They are giving a voice to those who have not previously had one."
"The women of Teatro Luna are more than honored that a trailblazing organization like CNOW chose to recognize the work we are doing with women in Chicago and beyond," said Teatro Luna Executive Director Alexandra Meda. "Their tireless ambition to make the world a more equitable place for Women is inspiring and at the center of everything we do at Teatro Luna. We are humbled and excited to continue la Lucha ( the fight ) towards our shared goals."
Established in 1967, the Chicago Chapter of the National Organization for Women is an all-volunteer organization sustained solely by contributions from its members and supporters. CNOW focuses on reproductive rights, women's health, ending violence against women, economic equality and lesbian rights.