Recently, State Representative and Assistant House Minority Leader Jackie Haas spoke at the Lifestyles of Kankakee County Women in Business Luncheon at the Kankakee Country Club that recognized the 2023 Lifestyles of Kankakee County Women in Business winners.
“It was an honor to speak at this phenomenal event to lift up Kankakee County women leading in business,” said Rep. Haas. “We should celebrate women in business often and help each other grow as leaders. I was glad to share my story and give my advice for women to succeed in the workforce and not fear making mistakes. Each guest left the program with a wonderful favor that included some reminding words of encouragement from me: ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind.’”
The 2023 Women in Business who were recognized included: City of Kankakee Police Department Patrolwoman and Community Liaison Melvina Calvin-Edwards; Top Notch Knots and Pots owner Kim Chellson; Jimmy Jo’s BBQ co-owner Mishelle Denault; Dunlap Vision Practice Administrator Drew Dunlap; Kankakee County Museum Executive Director Veronica Featherston; owner of the Country Table Aleta Lowe; owner and founder of Gayle’s Rescue Gayle Magnuson; Riverside Healthcare VP of Post-Acute Services Rebecca Schiltz; The Flower Shoppe owner Sue Wells, and Economic and Community Development Agency Executive Director Barbi Brewer-Watson.
Rep. Haas serves as the Helen Wheeler Center for Community Mental Health’s first female CEO and has since 2000. In this position, she has pushed to expand healthcare, economic opportunity, and early childhood development in the 79th District. Prior to her work in the General Assembly, she served on the Kankakee County Board from 2018 to 2020. Rep. Haas is also a member of the historic House Republican leadership team under first female Minority Leader Tony McCombie.