Title
Special recognition honoring Dulce Ortiz for her hard work, dedication and commitment to the Lake County community.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, Dulce Ortiz, a proud immigrant from Mexico City, Mexico, has demonstrated unwavering dedication to her community through years of service, leadership, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, Dulce Ortiz's lifelong commitment to public service and social justice began as a young immigrant, and has since flourished in her work as Executive Director of Mano a Mano, where she works to create opportunities for immigrant families, empowering them to integrate into American life; and
WHEREAS, Dulce Ortiz has strengthened communities through her service on numerous boards and advisory councils, including as Board President of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), member of the Community Trust Committee of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice, and on the Illinois Department of Human Services Social Services Advisory Council; and
WHEREAS, Dulce Ortiz has, through gubernatorial appointments, contributed to the Illinois Commission on Environmental Justice (2020), the Health and Human Services Task Force (2022), and the Hydrogen Economy Task Force (2023); and in April 2021, she became the first Mexican immigrant woman elected to serve as Waukegan Township Trustee; and
WHEREAS, as a leading advocate for underserved and vulnerable populations, Dulce Ortiz has been a driving force behind various impactful initiatives, including serving as Co-Chair of Clean Power Lake County (CPLC), where she has worked to promote environmental justice, clean energy, and the protection of public health in Waukegan and Lake County since 2013; and
WHEREAS, Dulce Ortiz’s impactful work has earned her recognition beyond the local level, including being featured in the Emmy Award-winning documentary series Years of Living Dangerously, highlighting her role in the Clean Power Lake County Campaign as a champion of environmental justice and sustainable energy practices; and
WHEREAS, Dulce Ortiz's dedication to the health and well-being of her community has been exemplified by her leadership role in securing the passage of the Coal Ash Bill in Springfield, a landmark victory that will ensure stronger environmental protections for the communities affected by coal ash pollution; and
WHEREAS, Dulce Ortiz's contributions extend far beyond her professional roles, as she has served on the boards of numerous organizations in the areas of environmental protection, health, and government, working to build a stronger, more equitable future for all; and
WHEREAS, Dulce Ortiz’s work exemplifies the core values of service, compassion, and perseverance, and her passion for creating a brighter, healthier, and more just future is an inspiration to us all.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that Dulce Ortiz, highlighted by Board Member Esiah Campos, is recognized for her outstanding leadership, advocacy, and commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on September 9, 2025.