Each year, our company recognizes and honors exceptional individuals from Cook County who have made significant contributions to their communities through exemplary leadership and community work. These inspiring individuals dedicate themselves to making a positive impact and empowering others.
The selection process for the Community Leadership Awards involves an open nomination period where members of the public can nominate deserving community leaders. By celebrating these community champions, we hope to inspire others to get involved in community leadership and recognize that individual people have the power to make a tremendous difference through service.
State’s Attorney Foxx presents the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community Leadership Awards in observance of AAPI Heritage Month in May. These awards honor outstanding AAPI individuals in Cook County for their:
- Leadership, honor, and integrity
- Community involvement and activism
- Volunteer/pro-bono work
- Youth involvement and mentorship
By highlighting role models, these awards celebrate the many contributions of the AAPI community. Recipients must be Cook County residents who exemplify the award criteria.
The State’s Attorney’s Office is proud to recognize community leaders working to empower the AAPI community and build a more just future for all.
2023 Awardees
- Don V. Villar, Secretary Treasurer, Chicago Federation of Labor
- Honorable Jasmine Villaflor Hernandez, Associate Judge, Cook County Circuit Court
- Karen Chiu, M.D., Co-Founder & Executive Director of Project Vision
The C.F. Stradford Award holds a rich history deeply rooted in the legacy of Cornelius Francis Stradford, a trailblazing figure in the legal arena and a tireless advocate for civil rights. Named in honor of Stradford's enduring impact, this prestigious award is presented annually by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) to individuals who exemplify outstanding commitment, leadership, and influence in their respective fields. Cornelius Francis Stradford's legacy as a pioneering civil rights attorney and co-founder of both the National Bar Association and the Cook County Bar Association serves as the inspiration behind the C.F. Stradford Award. Throughout his illustrious career, Stradford championed the principles of justice, equality, and fairness, leaving an indelible mark on the legal profession and the broader community.
The criteria for selection of the C.F. Stradford Award recipients are rooted in the values and qualities that defined Stradford's own life and work. These include:
- Leadership: Demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities and the ability to inspire positive change within their respective spheres of influence.
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards and displaying unwavering integrity in all endeavors.
- Community Involvement: Actively engaging with and making meaningful contributions to the community through service, advocacy, and outreach efforts.
Recipients of the C.F. Stradford Award are individuals who embody these values and qualities, making significant strides towards advancing justice, equity, and opportunity for all. Their dedication to fostering positive change and empowering others serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Cornelius Francis Stradford. Through the C.F. Stradford Award, the CCSAO continues to honor and celebrate individuals who embody the spirit of leadership, integrity, and community involvement, furthering the legacy of Stradford's commitment to justice and equality.
For further details about the C.F. Stradford Award or inquiries concerning nominations, please reach out to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office's Community Engagement Team at SAOCommunityEngagement@CookCountySAO.org.
The 2024 Honorees
Justice Carl A. Walker, Appellate Court Justice, District 1
Justice Carl A. Walker, a distinguished Appellate Court Justice for District 1, embodies a steadfast commitment to justice and service. With a background in both criminal and civil litigation, Justice Walker has presided over a variety of cases within the Circuit Court of Cook County, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to upholding fairness and equity in the legal system. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and The University of Iowa College of Law, Justice Walker's advocacy for inclusivity earned him the prestigious Human Rights Award during his time in law school. Beyond the courtroom, he is deeply engaged in community service, mentoring youth and advocating for education. With his extensive legal expertise, dedication to service, and commitment to justice, Justice Carl A. Walker exemplifies the values honored by the C.F. Stradford Award, making him a deserving recipient of this esteemed accolade.
Michael A. Wilder, Chair of Littler’s Board of Directors, Core Member of Complex Litigation and Jury Trial Practice Group
Michael A. Wilder is a distinguished legal professional serving as the Chair of Littler’s Board of Directors and a core member of the firm’s Complex Litigation and Jury Trial Practice Group. With a focus on employment law, Michael advises and represents employers in various legal arenas, including state and federal courts, appellate courts, and administrative agencies. He specializes in defending claims arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and other key statutes. As a seasoned litigator, Michael has a track record of success in high-stakes cases, including appellate victories before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Beyond litigation, Michael is actively involved in fostering diversity and inclusion initiatives as a member of Littler’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. Michael’s extensive legal experience, dedication to client advocacy, and commitment to diversity make him a deserving recipient of the C.F. Stradford Award, exemplifying the values of leadership and excellence honored by this prestigious accolade.
Live Free Illinois, Mobilizing Faith Communities for Justice and Transformation
Live Free Illinois is dedicated to mobilizing faith communities to address the urgent crises of public safety and criminal justice in Chicago and throughout Illinois. With a focus on grassroots organizing and community empowerment, Live Free Illinois leverages the power of faith-based institutions to advocate for transformative change. As a state chapter of Live Free USA, the organization works tirelessly to engage congregations in advocating for policies that save lives and address the root causes of violence and injustice. At the core of Live Free Illinois' mission is the belief that faith communities are uniquely positioned to bring about healing and justice in communities. Through initiatives such as block club parties, community gatherings, and strategic night walks, the organization strengthens relationships within faith communities and empowers congregations to combat structural violence. By mobilizing voters, organizing issue-based campaigns, and promoting economic empowerment initiatives, Live Free Illinois amplifies the voices of marginalized communities and fosters a culture of accountability, integrity, and grassroots leadership within faith-based organizations.
For over three decades, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office has proudly commemorated Hispanic Heritage Month with the prestigious El Humanitario Awards. Established in 1991, these awards honor the remarkable contributions of Latinx individuals to the legal profession and the broader Chicagoland community. The selection process reflects our office's commitment to diversity, inclusion and collaboration. Esteemed members of the State's Attorney's Hispanic Advisory Council diligently participate in reviewing candidates and selecting an honoree who genuinely embodies excellence in their profession and service to the Latinx community.
The El Humanitario Awards are a longstanding tradition that celebrates Latinx excellence and serves as a testament to the invaluable perspectives and accomplishments of the Latinx community across various fields. We are honored to continue this tradition of recognition and gratefully acknowledge the Advisory Council for their guidance and insight in the selection process. Their participation ensures the awards genuinely reflect the spirit of humanitarian service.
2023 Honorees
- Honorable David R. Navarro, Circuit Judge
- Carlos Tortolero, Founder and President of the National Museum of Mexican Art
On March 27, 2024, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx will host the 2024 "Honoring a Phenomenal Woman" Awards reception. This event celebrates the extraordinary achievements of women in Cook County who have broken new ground and made history in their respective fields. Join us as we recognize and honor these trailblazing women for their remarkable contributions to law, government, and justice.
- Date: Wednesday, March 27
- Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- Location: Row 24, 2411 S. Michigan Avenue.
This April, in honor of Arab American Heritage Month, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx is proud to announce the launch of the new Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Community Award. This annual award will recognize judges, lawyers, community leaders and more who best represent the values and traditions of Cook County's vibrant Middle Eastern and North African communities. The award is named after the MENA Employee Resource Group at the State's Attorney's Office. This group fosters diversity and inclusion by building bridges between people of Middle Eastern and North African descent, both within the office and externally. By spearheading cultural awareness initiatives and attracting diverse talent, the MENA ERG exemplifies the richness of Middle Eastern and North African cultures.
The MENA Community Award allows us to honor those carrying on this spirit of cultural pride, understanding and service. Recipients will be individuals who strengthen Cook County through their commitment to the MENA community. We look forward to celebrating our first honoree this April and recognizing the many contributions of our diverse MENA communities.
2023 Honorees
- Honorable Rouhy J. Shalabi, Circuit Judge. Municipal Department District 4: Judge Shalabi was elected as an Associate Judge in December 2019. He is currently an Associate Judge for the Fourth Municipal District of the Municipal Department. Judge Rouhy Shalabi received his Juris Doctorate from Northern Illinois in 1981. After graduation, Judge Shalabi spent thirty-five years as a sole practitioner and founder of Rouhy J. Shalabi & Associates. He has litigated numerous civil and criminal trials, recovered millions of dollars in personal injury matters, reached just resolutions in divorce matters, and closed on numerous residential and commercial properties. Judge Shalabi continues to serve his community as the President of two Chicago Local School Councils and speaking to students about trial process and legal system.
- Dr. Rami Nashashibi: Dr. Rami Nashashibi is the founder and Executive Director of the not for profit Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN). Since 1997, Iman continues to organize for social change, cultivate the arts, and operate a holistic health center. Nashashibi’s activism on the South Side of Chicago includes working on socially progressive policies for underserve communities, converting vacant properties to low income housing units, developing re-entry programs, and making healthy food available in low income areas. Through the Inter-City Muslim Action Network, Nashahibi has hosted many cultural events to promote unity in the community such as the Takin' It to The Streets festival in Marquette Park.
June is LGBTIQA+ Pride Month and a time when State's Attorney Kim Foxx recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding LGBTQA+ community groups and leaders, attorneys and judges across Cook County with a Pride Recognition Award. Candidates for the Pride Recognition Awards are considered using the following criteria:
- Leadership, honor, and integrity
- Community involvement and activism
- Volunteer/ Pro-Bono work
- Youth involvement and/or mentorship programs
Each year during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, the State's Attorney's Office honors members of the Cook County community who routinely and without fanfare go above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of crime victims.
Read more about some of the recipients of the Victim Service Award below:
2020
No event in 2020
2019
Char Rivette, Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center
Andrea Reed
Oscar Cano
Dr. Marjorie Fujara
2018
Siu Moy
Assistant Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth and State Senator Kwame Raoul
Thomas, Carolyn, and Sandra Wortham
Annette Nance-Holt
2017
Cynthia Saldana
Commander Darryl Hope
Annette Johnson
Andrew Holmes
Pamela Cook