By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (March 12, 2021) – Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam was honored on Sunday, March 7 at the ninth annual Congressional International Women’s Day Gala. Eidam was named as one of 2021’s Top 20 Global Women of Excellence at an award ceremony sponsored by U.S. Congressman Danny Davis’ Multi-Ethnic Advisory Task Force.
According to a Village press release, the ceremony, which took place in Naperville, IL, recognized women from around the world who have excelled in their respective fields and made a difference in the lives of those around them.
The Village press release stated, “Mayor Eidam was nominated for her work as an ardent advocate of women’s rights, gender parity, and women’s equality.”
During her acceptance speech, Eidam said, “I did not live in my village as a child, but over the last 43 years, it has made me what I am today. I am proud to represent Lansing, and I will continue to work and strive for all that this award represents.”
Eidam was elected in 2017 as Lansing’s first female mayor. Prior to her election as Mayor, she served as a Village Trustee and later the Village Clerk. She was also Lansing’s first female police officer. In August of 2020, Eidam hosted local female leaders at Village Hall for a celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which secured women the right to vote in the United States.
Others awardees present at the ceremony were Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta, Chairman of the Chinatown Chicago Board Mabel Moy, and others. Other women were listed as awardees as well including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, Prime Minister
Sanna Mirella Marin of Finland, and Prime Minister Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern of New
Zealand.
A video of most of the ceremony can be viewed below:
Eidam is running uncontested for reelection as Lansing’s Mayor in the April 6 election.
Reporter’s note: The mayor’s office did not respond to The Lansing Journal’s request for further comment about the award.
Related
- Voter Guide: April 6, 2021 – Village Mayor and Clerk elections (March 7, 2021)
Lansing celebrates 100th anniversary of 19th amendment (August 22, 2020)
