Ald. Jeylu B. Gutierrez (14th) carries herself with elegant composure, but beneath her warm presence lies a decisive leader who uses patience and intelligence to guide her ward to success.
The alderwoman smiles easily during her interview but her eyes turn serious when talking about ward business. “People think I’m sweet,” she said. “But I’m tough when it is needed.”
Gutierrez began her journey as a volunteer for Chicago’s 2015 mayoral campaign by knocking on doors. Being a campaign worker sparked her interest in doing more for people while employed at a Chicago Public School in Pilsen.
“I just saw how the government impacted the daily lives of our constituents and how important it is to have someone who really cares for the community and could always have legislation and services for them to better their lives,” Gutierrez said.
She moved from Pilsen to Hernandez Middle School in the 14th Ward and went on to work as district director for Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya (D-7th), part of which is the 14th Ward, gaining even more political experience.
“As district director I was in charge of all activities, outreach, all the resources and events in the community, managing the commissioner’s calendar and working alongside my legislative colleagues to develop good legislation,” she said.
Gutierrez is also a mother of three children and works hard to strike the work-life balance she values.
“As a mom you would always want space for your kids to grow, to have opportunities and programs for their betterment” she said. “I understand the needs and worries of the community. I just wanted to continue to work for kids, youth, seniors … everybody as a whole.”
Aside from her personal drive to succeed, Gutierrez’s inspiration comes from other Latina women, including mothers who worked hard to better their communities.
One of her role models was former Cook County Commissioner Irene C. Hernandez, whom Mayor Richard J. Daley praised. The middle school Gutierrez worked at now bears her name.
Elected in 1974, and re-elected every year up to and including 1990, Hernandez served as an advocate for the underprivileged in government and policy.
“She was a mother of seven kids in a world where only men were commissioners,” she said. “Commissioner Hernandez thrived and did a great job for our community by being in places people never thought a woman could be.”
Gutierrez’s own mother, also a working mom, cared for her and her two siblings while an assistant principal in Mexico.
A college graduate, the alderwoman holds two bachelor’s degrees (from Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey en Guadalajara and Kendall College, Chicago respectively) in international relations and hospitality and business management.
“My mom valued education and it is really important for our family,” she said. “Irene Hernandez and my mother; I learned so much from them. Education is an invitation to a woman to learn as much as she can. It will help shape who you will become in your career, as a Mom and as a public servant.”
Her advice to other Latinas is “don’t stop when people tell you no or if they say you’re not the right person. Break those barriers. You have the ‘no’ already; go for the ‘yes,’ Gutierrez said.
14th Ward Office Manager Cindy Jimenez remains inspired by the energy the alderwoman brings to the table.
“What amazes me are the different hats she wears throughout the day, the month … I mean she is a full-time mom and full-time alderwoman,” Jimenez said., “Being a woman, she encompasses a lot of strength. She proves it every day she’s pushing through. I am a mom of one little one myself and I work full-time here, so seeing her … it’s difficult right?”
Transparency is another big issue for the alderwoman, according to Ward Director Alejandra Izquierdo.
“I grew up in Archer Heights and transparency on new projects was something we were never made aware of; they just kind of happened,” she said. “I think her transparency, letting people know what’s going on in the community goes a long way. I keep that in mind when I do the work that I do. I always make sure we’re putting the constituents first.”
Being an entirely female staff is a source of pride for Izquierdo and Jimenez, they said. It’s the strength and empathy staff bring that makes their office different.
“Women get it done!,” they added. “We see it from different perspectives and aspects, not just let me see you as a number but seeing our residents with compassion and having empathy towards everyone that walks into the office. I think we wear the pants here in this office and we will continue to!”
For Jeylu Gutierrez, her proudest city council moment is being the Vice Chair of the Committee on Workforce, she said.
The alderwoman was very concerned with parents not getting paid time off to take their sick children to a doctor causing them to struggle with paying rent and for groceries. The pandemic highlighted the struggle of workers who had to choose between health and income. Many missed family milestones like graduations due to unpaid leave.
“Last year, when we were able to get those five paid sick and five paid vacation days for workers was really important,” she said. “I was in all those negotiations and fights. I’m proud to say that we’re going to keep standing strong with our community and Chicago’s working families including here in the 14th Ward and that I was part of passing that ordinance.”
Two years into her term, Gutierrez remains committed to ensuring equity for all residents.
“I need to empower my community to know that they deserve quality services despite their immigration status,” she said. “For me it’s really important for everyone to understand they are taxpayers and residents of their community and we will work for them to get the equity and respect they deserve.”
Editor’s Note: This story was one of a series highlighting accomplishments of local women during Women’s History Month in March.