League of Women Voters of Wheaton looks at history of Fair Housing in DuPage County

The League of Women Voters of Wheaton and the Robert McCormick House at Cantigny Park are inviting the community to a virtual presentation on Fair Housing in DuPage County. It will be presented by Hope Fair Housing Center Executive Director Evelyn Sanguinetti and Director of Outreach Rachel Watson.

The program, "The Past, Present, and HOPEful Future of Fair Housing in DuPage," will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11.

This event will be a free virtual event due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines. Please register at wheatonlwvil.org.

This program is a part of the League's ongoing "Civic Awareness Series." It will be recorded and shared on their website and Facebook following the event, as well.

Sanguinetti is a wife, working mother of three, and an attorney by trade. Sanguinetti attended the John Marshall Law School where she developed an understanding and passion for the law and for Illinois. While in law school, Sanguinetti joined the JMLS Fair Housing Legal Clinic and served as President of the Fair Housing Association. She soon joined Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan's office as an Assistant Attorney General where she fought to protect the people of the state of Illinois. Sanguinetti subsequently served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at John Marshall Law School and a Wheaton City Councilwoman. In 2014, Sanguinetti served as not only the first Latina lieutenant governor of the state but of the entire country. In her four years in office, Sanguinetti has focused on helping to improve the lives of all Illinoisans through the delivery of more efficient government, providing health care access to all regions of the state, quality educational opportunities to all residents regardless of income or location, and economic opportunity to small businesses throughout the state. From humble beginnings in Hialeah, Florida, to become the nation's first Latina lieutenant governor, Sanguinetti has never forgotten where she came from or lost the desire to excel in whatever role comes her way.

Watson joined HOPE in September 2019. A recent graduate from Knox College, she has a background in nonprofit and social rights work. Prior to joining HOPE, she worked at the New York City branch of the National Organization for Women where she helped organize informational campaigns and protests in support of women and immigrant's rights.

As HOPE's Director of Outreach, Watson is responsible for giving presentations to community groups, nonprofits, landlords, and local government officials across the state to educate and inform them about fair housing rights and responsibilities. In addition to providing trainings, Watson also helps organize HOPE special events, is responsible for all public informational material, and oversees the Retrofit Funds Distribution Program.

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