RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING MARCH 16, 2023
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the month of March as Women's History Month and honoring Nicole Hayes
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WHEREAS, March is recognized internationally as Women’s History Month as an acknowledgement and demonstration of gratitude for the boundless contributions of women. Women’s History Month in the United States can be traced back to Women’s History Week, which began in Santa Rosa, California in 1978; and
WHEREAS, the weeklong celebration in Santa Rosa instantaneously gained popularity and in February of 1980 President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week; and
WHEREAS, thereafter, Women’s History Month was officially sanctioned in 1987 when the United States Congress passed Public Law 100-9. Since that time, Presidential Proclamations have been issued as an affirmation of the significant accomplishments of women; and
WHEREAS, Nicole Hayes is a prominent westside Chicago native. In her adolescence, she attended St. Malachy School, followed by Lane Tech College Prep High School. For college, Ms. Hayes attended the prestigious Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, after graduation, Ms. Hayes returned home and began her employment with the City of Chicago Bureau of Traffic Services, Abandoned Auto Program (Program) in the Department of Streets and Sanitation. Proficient in her role, she was eventually promoted as supervisor over the Program. Ms. Hayes resigned from the Program after fifteen years of service; and
WHEREAS, in July of 2005, Ms. Hayes was elected as the recording secretary and business agent of the Laborers’ Local 1001 Union, an affiliate of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA). In January of 2013, she was elected as the first African American President of the Laborers’ Local 1001 Union. She retired from her role as president on January 28, 2022; and
WHEREAS, in May of 2012, Ms. Hayes opened Pier 31, the first African American owned restaurant and bar on the lakefront. Fulfilling a long-term dream, Pier 31 creates an inviting atmosphere where kinship is celebrated. Dedicated to a mission of philanthropy, Ms. Hayes routinely welcomes community organizations to utilize her facility space to host charitable events; and
WHEREAS, additionally, Ms. Hayes has served in the following capacities: the vice-president of Jack and Jill America Incorporated, Chicago Chapter; the recording secretary of the LiUNA Women’s Caucus; board member of the Local School Council of Kenwood Academy High School and Murray Language Academy; board member of the Brightstar Community Outreach Corporation; trustee and secretary of the Laborers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund; Cook County Small Business and Supplier Diversity Commission; board member of the Auditorium Theatre; liaison for the United Negro College Fund; and board member of the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Hayes is an accomplished trailblazer that has succeeded in forums generally relegated to men. She is a superb example of what can be attained as a result of hard work and perseverance; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is privileged to have Ms. Hayes as the keynote speaker for the 2023 Women’s History Month networking workshop; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize the month of March as Women's History Month and honor Nicole Hayes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to Nicole Hayes.
Dated: March 16, 2023