Her first elected office was serving on the local school council for Kenwood Academy on Chicago’s South Side. After representing the 5th District in the Illinois House of Representatives for two years, Juliana Stratton became the 48th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois in 2019. During her career, whether starting a mediation firm, working for several governmental agencies, or serving the state, her goal has always been to bring communities together. She shares with Jeanne why fearless authenticity is her mantra, how she focuses on the gifts she was given to make changes for the people of Illinois, why being the first Black female lieutenant governor has not been the most challenging thing she’s ever done, and the three questions she asks herself to stay grounded.

About IL Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton:

As Illinois’ Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton leads the Justice, Equity, and Opportunity Initiative, chairs the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, the Military Economic Development Council and the Illinois River Coordinating Council. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the National Lieutenant Governors Association as the Treasurer. She is a lifelong advocate for youth and creating safe spaces for young people, working as a restorative justice practitioner and trained peace circle keeper. She was born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and DePaul University’s College of Law. She lives in the Bronzeville community with her husband and four daughters.

Twitter: @LtGovStratton
Facebook: Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton
Website: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/ltg/Pages/default.aspx