Toni Preckwinkle
Cook County Board of Commissioners
Chicago, IL USA
"Show up. Be somebody that people can count on."
Career Roadmap
Toni's work combines: Politics, Government, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
If you want to work in politics, I suggest getting started by working on a political campaign. I started my career in politics by working on the political campaign for a city council candidate when I was 16 years old. There are a variety of different things you can do to contribute to a campaign, so you're bound to find a role that matches your interests and personality. Another way to get involved in politics is to find an internship in an elected official's office.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
History, General
University of Chicago
Graduate Degree
Teaching
University of Chicago
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to become a teacher.
2.
I discovered another interest in politics when I was 16 years old—I worked on the campaign for Katie McWatt, the first Black woman to run for city council in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I grew up.
3.
I moved to Chicago, Illinois, for college, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of Chicago.
4.
After college, I taught high school history and continued to be very involved in politics in the Hyde Park-Kenwood neighborhood in Chicago.
5.
I spent many years working for other great people in politics before I was elected into office myself as alderman of Chicago’s 4th Ward—this was after two prior unsuccessful campaigns.
6.
After five terms as an alderman in the Chicago City Council, I was elected as the first female president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 2010—I’ve held the office ever since!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I'm not cut out for this high-level school. Maybe I should just go to school back home instead.
How I responded:
I didn't have to work hard to get good grades in high school. When I went away to college, it was entirely different. I was a terrible student. I got Ds and Fs during my first quarter. I considered going to the university back home instead. However, I decided to put in the effort to try and succeed in Chicago. It took me a few years to get the hang of being a good student, but I did it! You have to give yourself time and grace to adjust to your environment and learn the skills to succeed.