MWRD salutes Pride Month with celebratory event

June 28, 2024

MWRD Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, President Kari K. Steele, Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles' Brandon Strawn and Adrienne Price, and Commissioners Precious Brady-Davis, Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda and Daniel Pogorzelski.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) proudly celebrated Pride Month 2024 with significant events highlighting the importance of diversity, representation, and the invaluable contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals within the community.

On June 6, the MWRD raised the Pride flag at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building and at all seven water reclamation plants, marking the fifth consecutive year of this celebratory event.

MWRD President Kari K. Steele kicked off the ceremony by acknowledging the historical significance of Pride Month and why it matters for the diverse population of 5.19 million people the MWRD serves.

"By recognizing June as Pride Month, we pay tribute to the pivotal June 28, 1969, raid at the Stonewall Inn-a landmark event that spurred the LGBT rights movement," said President Steele. "This historical moment led to the first Pride celebrations, including Chicago's in 1970. At the MWRD, we are committed to equality and opportunity, championing these values all year long in our work to protect our water environment."

Continuing the celebration on June 20, the MWRD hosted another special event at the McGowan Main Office Building. This year's theme, "Pride is Power," underscored the strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. The keynote speaker, Mona Noriega, former chair and commissioner of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, served as moderator for a distinguished panel that included Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Brave Space Alliance, and Roberto Sanabria, executive director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the American Hospital Association.

"'Pride is Power' is about being able to bring our full selves, all our identities and communities into the workplace and to help inform policy. Multiple perspectives are a superpower and offer us multi-layered ways to problem solve," said Noriega.

(On the L): Keynote speaker, Mona Noriega, former chair and commissioner of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, served as moderator for a distinguished panel that included Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Brave Space Alliance, and Roberto Sanabria, executive director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the American Hospital Association.

The June 20 event encapsulated the creativity, strength, and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis who is the first Black, openly trans woman appointed to public office in Cook County history and the first to serve on a water reclamation district in the U.S., introduced Victoria Le Paige for two musical performances. Brandon Strawn and Adrienne Price from Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles also performed, adding to the festive atmosphere.

"Pride is a celebration of our identities, our struggles, and our victories. It is a powerful reminder that we must continue to fight for equality and justice for all," said MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, who will be serving as a grand marshal with her husband Myles Brady-Davis at the Chicago Pride Parade on June 30. "By coming together and standing up for our rights, we honor the legacy of those who paved the way and inspire future generations to live proudly and authentically."

"The MWRD is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all our employees and the communities we serve," said MWRD Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia. "Our Pride Month celebrations remind us that diversity is our strength, and by embracing it, we can achieve greater innovation and success. 'Pride is Power' truly reflects the potential we unlock when everyone is empowered."

The MWRD's commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace is evident in its ongoing efforts to promote diversity and equality. The MWRD expanded employee benefits and healthcare coverage for same-sex couples and approved a policy that promotes opportunities for small business enterprises owned and operated by members of the LGBT community. To learn more about doing business with the MWRD, visit /doing-business/affirmative-action.

Victoria Le Paige performs "I Will Survive" at the MWRD Pride Celebration on June 20.Adrienne Price and Brandon Strawn on the ukulele perform as part of the Chicago-based Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles.