Women leaders stressed the importance of representation, mentorship and opportunity in public service during a Women in Government panel at Moraine Valley Community College, calling on young women to see themselves as future leaders and decision-makers.
The event, Demystifying Public Service in Your Community and Beyond, hosted Monday, Oct. 13, by Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters, was held at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 College Pkwy. in Palos Hills. The free program welcomed men, women and students, middle school age and older, for an afternoon of conversation about leadership, community service and the value of public involvement. Lunch was served to registered attendees.
The panel was moderated by Carla Black, who brought a blended mix of civic leadership, operational expertise and media experience to the discussion. Her commitment to public service began well before her media career, where she previously worked with The Oprah Winfrey Show.
The panel was headlined by keynote speaker Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. She was joined by Milovich-Walters, Evergreen Park Mayor and former Illinois Rep. Kelly Burke, and Worth Township Supervisor Patricia Joan Murphy. Together, they shared their personal journeys in government, reflected on challenges and successes, and stressed the need to encourage more women to take on leadership roles.
Preckwinkle, currently serving her fourth term as president of the Cook County Board, is the first woman ever elected to the position. She oversees the second-largest county in the United States and has prioritized fiscal responsibility, equity, public safety and economic opportunity while modernizing government to be more transparent and accessible.
Throughout her tenure, Preckwinkle has championed progressive policies with lasting impact, reforming the criminal justice system by reducing the use of cash bail, lowering jail populations and promoting alternatives to incarceration. She has also invested in community violence intervention programs and strengthened the Cook County Health and Hospitals System, one of the nation’s largest public health networks, ensuring expanded access to care for all residents, regardless of income or immigration status.
Before leading the County Board, Preckwinkle served 19 years as alderman of Chicago’s 4th Ward, where she advocated for affordable housing, community development and better schools. During her remarks at Moraine Valley, she encouraged women to lead with confidence. “It’s great to be surrounded by so many people who shape and build our community every day,” she said. “It’s really important to have women as elected officials. Take it upon yourself to make the change you want to see.”
“For me, being involved in my community has always been deeply rewarding,” Milovich-Walters said. “It allowed me to show my daughters firsthand that taking action, working hard and staying committed can create real results. At the local level, especially, you can see the difference your efforts make, which is both meaningful and motivating.”
Milovich-Walters’ own journey to leadership began in 2000 when she joined the Palos/Orland Conservation Committee. She went on to serve on the Palos Park Recreation Advisory Board, was appointed as a commissioner in 2007 and was later elected commissioner of Public Works, Water, and Recreation. In 2023, she was elected mayor of Palos Park after 16 years on the Village Council.
Her path to public service was far from traditional. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Dance Performance and Choreography before attending John Marshall Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor.
“Everyone’s path is unique,” she said. “My own journey has taken me from the arts and sciences to law, then to entrepreneurship and public service. Success comes from staying flexible. Things change, and those who can adapt will thrive.”
Milovich-Walters emphasized that encouraging young women to step into government roles is essential for building the future of civic leadership. “There are so many intelligent, capable women in government today who are paving the way for young girls to envision themselves in leadership roles,” she said. “Encouraging female youth to get involved helps them see that they can play an active role in their community and contribute to finding solutions for challenges at every level of government.”
She added, “When your purpose is so driven within you, there’s nothing that can defeat you.” Milovich-Walters emphasized the importance of young women getting involved, saying, “It’s all about balance and finding what you love.”
Burke, who has served as Evergreen Park’s mayor since 2021 after representing the 36th District in the Illinois House of Representatives for 14 years, echoed the importance of having women at the decision-making table.
“The role of government is to help its citizens and provide needed services. It also sets policies that affect all residents,” Burke said. “In order to have a responsive, relevant and efficient government, all voices must be represented and heard. Women need to be at the table to provide expertise and perspective.”
Before becoming mayor, Burke served as a trustee for the Evergreen Park Public Library Board and built her career as both a lawyer and legislator. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in English, she later earned her law degree from John Marshall Law School.
For Burke, women’s continued involvement in government is essential to maintaining progress. “Women continue to make strides in education, in the workplace, in sports, in politics and in society,” she said. “Government has played a big role in creating opportunities for women and girls and bringing society along in its acceptance of expanded roles for women in all sectors. That work needs to continue and women are important to continue to push for full access.”
Both mayors offered advice to young women considering careers in public service. Burke encouraged them to start small. “Get involved in the community, whether it’s in a volunteer role or an elected role,” she said. “There’s plenty of opportunity to share your talents with your community. Don’t be hesitant to put yourself forward for a leadership role — have confidence in yourself.”
Burke added, “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”
Milovich-Walters left attendees with a message about perseverance. “Sometimes the road doesn’t look the way you expected, but if you stay focused on your goals, you’ll find your way,” she said.
Murphy, who grew up in Crestwood and now serves as both Worth Township supervisor and Democratic committeeperson, spoke about the value of carrying forward a family legacy of public service. The daughter of the late Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy, a trailblazer who became the first woman elected to every office she ever held, including Cook County commissioner of the 6th District, Trish Murphy said she was inspired from an early age to serve her community.
A graduate of Boston University with a degree in marketing, Murphy built a career in business before turning to public service. She has served on the Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees and as president of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, advocating for students and community colleges across the state. As Worth Township supervisor, she has led initiatives to expand senior services, revitalize the township food pantry and create new community spaces, including a park for local residents.
“I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by people who believed in helping others,” Murphy said. “Public service is about listening, showing up and working together to make our communities stronger.”
“This is what it’s all about, being here and being involved,” she added.
“I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to share my experiences and to be part of this important conversation,” Milovich-Walters said. “I’m grateful to Moraine Valley Community College for providing us with this wonderful space, and to Mayor Kelly Burke for co-hosting the event with me. A special thank you as well to our keynote speaker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and to Worth Township Supervisor Patricia Joan Murphy for joining us and lending their voices to today’s program.”
Organizers said they hope the panel sparked new interest in civic engagement among students and community members and encouraged tomorrow’s leaders to take their place in government.