MWRD's Pride Month Celebration

On June 20 at 4:45 p.m., join the MWRD at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie, Chicago, for a special celebration in honor of Pride Month 2024! This event will highlight the importance of diversity and representation, while celebrating the invaluable contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals within our community. This year’s theme, "Pride is Power," underscores the strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Agenda:

• Networking and Refreshments
• Welcome and Opening Remarks
• Discussion on Diversity and Representation
• Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Contributions

Our keynote speaker is Mona Noriega, Chair and Commissioner, Illinois Human Rights Commission, and she will serve as a moderator for our distringuished panel including Channyn Lynne Parker, Chief Executive Officer, Brave Space Alliance and Roberto Sanabria, Executive Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, American Hospital Association.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate together.

Moderator

Mona Noriega, Chair and Commissioner, Illinois Human Rights Commission

Mona Noriega is a distinguished leader and advocate for civil rights and social justice. Appointed to the Commission by Governor Pritzker in June 2021, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Chair and Commissioner.

Previously, Noriega served as the Commissioner and Board Chair of the City of Chicago's Commission on Human Relations, where she spearheaded initiatives to expand civil rights protections. Under her guidance, the City of Chicago's anti-discrimination ordinances were broadened to include credit history and military status as protected categories. Additionally, Noriega played a pivotal role in securing protections for gender non-conforming individuals accessing private public spaces.

Noriega's commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights is evident through her work with Lambda Legal Defense. She helped establish the Midwest Regional Office and served as its Midwest Regional Director, championing the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender individuals, and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Recognized as a seasoned community activist, Noriega was honored as Comptroller Mendoza's 2020 LGBTQ PRIDE Honoree. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

With her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to equality, Mona Noriega continues to make a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities across Illinois.

PANELIST

Channyn Lynn Parker

Channyn Lynne Parker is a dedicated human rights advocate, dynamic public speaker, and community-centric leader serving as the CEO of Brave Space Alliance. With a deep commitment to empowering marginalized communities, Channyn has made a significant impact through her leadership and activism.

Before assuming her role as CEO of Brave Space Alliance, Channyn served as the Director of Strategic Relations for Howard Brown Health Center, where she played a crucial role in fostering partnerships and advancing strategic initiatives to support the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.

In addition to her leadership at Brave Space Alliance, Channyn holds prominent positions as a commissioner for the Commission on Hate Crimes and Discrimination, as well as the Illinois Commission on Poverty Elimination and Economic Security. Through these roles, she continues to advocate for policies and programs that address systemic inequalities and promote economic justice for all.

Channyn's groundbreaking achievements extend beyond her professional roles. As the first openly transgender woman to work in the Cook County Department of Corrections, she has been a trailblazer in advocating for the rights and dignity of transgender individuals within the criminal justice system.

Throughout her career, Channyn has been recognized for her tireless advocacy and leadership. She was honored as an inaugural Trans100 awardee in 2013 and has been invited to speak at prestigious events, including the White House for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy in 2015 and the Chicago Women's March in 2017 and 2018.

Her contributions to healthcare advocacy were acknowledged with the Henrietta Lacks Award from Women in Health in Chicago in 2018. In 2019, she received the prestigious Humanitarian Freedom Award from Equality Illinois, highlighting her exceptional dedication to advancing human rights and equality for all.

Channyn Lynne Parker's unwavering commitment to social justice and her fearless advocacy have earned her widespread admiration and respect. Through her leadership, she continues to inspire positive change and create brave spaces where all individuals are welcomed, affirmed, and empowered.

PANELIST

Roberto Sanabria

Roberto Sanabria is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), currently serving as the Executive Director of DEI at the American Hospital Association (AHA). With a career spanning decades, Roberto has made significant contributions to advancing equity and access in various sectors.

A trailblazer in HIV prevention and care, Roberto co-founded the Vida/SIDA program at The Puerto Rican Cultural Center, a pioneering initiative aimed at preventing and providing care for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. His work with Vida/SIDA underscores his commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and promoting holistic approaches to public health.

Prior to his role at the AHA, Roberto held key leadership positions in academia and government. He served as the director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at Northwestern University in Evanston, where he implemented strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion within the university community. Before that, he served as the director of the Office of University Outreach and Equal Employment at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, where he championed initiatives to promote educational equity and workforce diversity.

Roberto's dedication to public service extends to his role as a special assistant to the director and chief of Latino services for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in Chicago. In this capacity, he worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights and well-being of Latino families and children within the child welfare system.

Roberto holds an Ed.D. in adult education from National-Louis University in Chicago, reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. His academic background enriches his approach to DEI leadership, allowing him to apply evidence-based practices and innovative strategies to promote equity and inclusion in healthcare and beyond.

Through his leadership and advocacy, Roberto Sanabria continues to inspire positive change and drive progress toward a more equitable and inclusive society.