March is Women’s History Month and Comptroller Susana Mendoza took time to honor five women from Illinois. They include Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, Shelby County Economic Development Director Brenda Elder, Jan Williams who founded the James Project for Foster Parents and Illinois College Woman’s Basketball Coach Karrie Redeker. Redeker was honored to be recognized and knows that woman’s athletics weren’t always the norm.
“Title IX started in 1972. I wasn’t one of those first’s in there, but I was definitely the beneficiary of people who had laid the groundwork for me. That is one thing I try to do with our team, constantly telling them to bet on yourself. That is probably the best advice I have for them. I appreciate the people that have invested into me and just excited to continue doing that.”
Olympic Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner- Kersee was also honored but was unable to attend.
***Courtesy of farmweeknow.com***