Awards
2026
Legislative Champion Award
Supportive Housing Providers Association
SHPA awards the Legislative Champion Award to legislators who have shown a commitment to advancing policies that address the root causes of homelessness, invests in our homelessness response system, and ensures access to safe and stable housing for all Illinoisans.
Monsignor Romero Award
Centro Romero
For supporting the mission of empowering immigrant individuals and their families.
Partner in Recovery Award
Trilogy
The Trilogy Partner in Recovery Award recognizes leaders who advance conversations around mental health, challenge stigma, and champion access to care.
Inspiring Hope Award
Mercy Housing Lakefront
The Inspiring Hope Award is an annual award presented by Mercy Housing Lakefront to honor an individual for overcoming adversity and inspiring hope.
Friend of Agriculture Award
Illinois Farm Bureau
2025
Legislative Champion
Citizen Action/Illinois
100% rating on Citizen Action/Illinois's Legislative Scorecard
Greg Harris Legislative Champion Award
AIDS Foundation
Honoring advocacy for public health and LGBTQ+ rights.
2024
Green Champion
Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)
100% rating on Illinois Environmental Council's Environmental Scorecard
C4 Community Champion
Community Counseling Centers of Chicago
"For your steadfast advocacy for our programs, and standing with C4 as a supporter of behavioral health service delivery."
Thresholds Hero Award
Thresholds
"For outstanding commitment to the Thresholds mission."
LGBTQ+ Leader Award
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs
Visionary Leadership Award
Active Transportation Alliance
Friend of Rogers Park Award
Rogers Park Business Alliance
2023
Green Champion
Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)
100% rating on Illinois Environmental Council's Environmental Scorecard
ACLU of Illinois Legislator Award
ACLU Illinois
"For your sponsorship of HB 1596 that amended various child welfare and juvenile court statutes to reflect more gender inclusive language."
From the Heart Award
Tapestry 360 Health
US Senator Paul Simon Public Service Award
Illinois Hunger Coalition
2022
Green Champion
Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)
100% rating on Illinois Environmental Council's Environmental Scorecard
"In recognition of your public service spanning more than a decade and breaking the glass ceiling as the first LGBTQ/SGL person to serve in the Senate representing the Illinois 7th District."
Farenheit Chicago Honors
Lorde, Rustin & Bates (LRB)
Friend of Agriculture Award
Illinois Farm Bureau
Josephine Oblinger Legislator of the Year Award
Illinois Association of Community Care Program Homecare Providers (IACCPHP)
2021
"to recognize a state legislator who has a record of supporting the issues related to the Community Care Program in Illinois and/or take an important stand on the advocacy of the Seniors in the state of Illinois."