Local residents honored with statewide award
The Illinois Jaycees selected Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica, Illinois state Rep. Nabeela Syed and Gabi Vargas of Palatine as honorees of its Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois awards program.
The Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) program annually recognizes young people throughout Illinois who excel in their chosen fields, endeavors and show a great commitment to their respective communities. Sanoica, 32 and Syed, 24, are being recognized in the category for political, legal, and/or governmental affairs. Vargas, 37, is being recognized in the category for humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership.
Lara Sanoica was elected as the youngest and first female mayor of the city of Rolling Meadows in 2023. Under her leadership, Rolling Meadows has been aggressive in attracting new restaurants and retailers to the city. Rolling Meadows developed strategic plans for the future that correspond to almost every city commission and address issues such as land use planning, financial position, business development and community sustainability. Prior to being elected Mayor, Sanoica served four years as Ward 7 alderman on the City Council. Professionally, she is a talented manager of an investigations team tasked with identifying and prosecuting trade practice violations all over the world on the largest financial derivatives exchange, CME Group Inc. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
“I am grateful to the Illinois Jaycees for this opportunity to show all young people in Illinois that local government welcomes their involvement,” said Sanoica. “I hope that my generation and the next generation can see that they can volunteer on a committee or run for office at any age, that their voices matter, and that their communities will never be as vibrant without their unique contributions.”
Nabeela Syed became one of the youngest people and one of the only Muslims to ever serve in the Illinois General Assembly when she took office in 2023. She represents the 51st District which includes Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Kildeer, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. She serves on the following legislative committees: Appropriations-Health & Human Services; Child Care Access & Early Childhood; Cities & Villages; Economic Opportunity & Equity; and Prescription Drug Affordability. Since taking office, she has been a primary sponsor to over 30 bills with six being voted into legislation. Syed graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.S. in business administration and B.A.in political science.
Gabi Vargas is founder of Poiema Studio, a safe space for art, self-expression, community support, crisis support and community mental well-being in Elgin. In 2022, she also founded the National Hispanic Suicide Prevention Network, a nonprofit organization to serve all in suicide prevention with an increased focus on marginalized communities. NHSPN focuses on community awareness, education, and support. Gabi is a certified suicide loss grief support specialist, empowering fellow suicide loss survivors to find hope; a bilingual Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor and a Bilingual NARCAN instructor.
“The Illinois Jaycees is proud to honor young active citizens for their accomplishments and contributions to their communities. I am confident our TOYP honorees will inspire young people throughout the state.” said Andi Whalen, 93rd president of the Illinois Jaycees.
The Illinois Jaycees will recognize this year’s honorees at an awards banquet on April 27, at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria. The event is supported by friends and employers of the honorees, local Jaycee organizations, Illinois businesses including INB and the Illinois Jaycees Charitable Foundation. Additional information can be found at illinoisjaycees.com/toyp-2024.
INB is a privately held national bank and is a proud supporter of the Illinois Jaycees TOYP program. Founded in 1999, in Springfield, the bank offers both personal and commercial banking products and wealth services in Central Illinois. The bank provides commercial banking services in Missouri and Florida. The Illinois Jaycees and its local chapters mission is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change. Members enhance a variety of skills as they work together to plan and run civic and individual development activities in their community. People between 21 to 40 are invited to learn more about becoming a member by visiting illinoisjaycees.com or palatinejaycees.org.