Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton has became chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA), making her the first Black woman to hold the position.
“It is an honor and a privilege to contribute to the rich, 60-year history of the NLGA as the first Black woman to chair the organization,” Lt. Governor Stratton said in a statement. “I look forward to taking on this role and fulfilling my duties so that we, the proud members of the NLGA, can all serve our residents and make even greater impacts as leaders.”
This milestone comes as the NLGA celebrates 60 years of providing a meeting ground to the nation’s second in command in Chicago, where the organization was founded.
Lt. Governor Stratton also made history as the first Black woman elected to a constitutional office in Illinois. “She began her journey as a college student conducting voter registration drives and promoting education for all as part of a local school council,” as noted in a press release. “She also served in executive leadership roles for government agencies and became state representative for the 5th district. Lt. Governor Stratton stands on the shoulders of the women lawmakers who came before her to pave the way, and she builds on their legacies by committing to bridging gaps and expanding opportunities for all.”
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also shared his excitement over Statton’s new role, saying in a statement:
Congratulations to my dear friend, Lieutenant Governor Stratton, on her historic appointment as chair of the NLGA. She is the kind of leader that pushes us forward—that inspires us to think of creative, equity-centered solutions for our greatest challenges. At every turn, the Lieutenant Governor acts with intention—building coalitions and forging connections. Just as she has done for the great state of Illinois, there is no doubt in my mind that Lieutenant Governor Stratton will bring about immeasurable progress within the NLGA.
Lt. Governor Stratton was elected by a bi-partisan vote of her peers, and service begins immediately and will run through August 2023.
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