Hispanic Heritage Spotlight 2024: Estefany Bonilla

JOLIET, IL – October 2, 2024. We are proud to celebrate Estefany Bonilla, Joliet Township’s newly sworn-in Township Clerk. Estefany officially took on her new role during the Board Meeting on September 10, 2024.

Born in California and raised in Joliet, Estefany has made our community her lifelong home. A graduate of Joliet Township High Schools and the Art Institute of Chicago, she brings creativity, leadership, and a strong commitment to service to everything she does.

Estefany first joined us as Deputy Clerk in 2023, where she excelled in preparing bids, organizing agendas, and coordinating town hall meetings. She also served as a FOIA officer, notary, and deputy registrar, while even assisting with webpage management.

Bonilla said, “As a Latina in local government, I carry the strength of my heritage and the hope of my community that every step forward isn’t just for me, but for those who come next. Together, we rise by lifting each other.”
When she’s not serving our community, you can find her reading the latest best-sellers or spending time with her family and beloved dog, Susuki.
Join us in celebrating Estefany and her incredible journey!

Former Deputy Clerk Estefany Bonilla Sworn in as Joliet Township Clerk

Estefany Bonilla, who previously served as Joliet Township Government’s Deputy Clerk, was officially sworn in as the new Township Clerk during the Board Meeting on September 10, 2024. This position became available following Alicia Morales’s transition from Joliet Township Clerk to Joliet Township Supervisor on July 16, 2024. When the Clerk role was vacated, community members were invited to apply, and Estefany Bonilla was then selected by Supervisor Morales and the Township Trustees after interviewing several candidates. 

Estefany was first sworn in as Deputy Clerk in the fall of 2023. In this role, she was instrumental in preparing bids, organizing board meeting agendas and minutes, coordinating the annual town hall meeting, and serving as a FOIA officer, notary and deputy registrar. She also took on additional duties by assisting with webpage management. Her extensive skill set and experience in these areas has well-prepared her for her new role as Township Clerk. 

Supervisor Alicia Morales stated, “Estefany’s dedication and technical skills have already made a significant impact on our township’s operations. I am excited to see how she will continue to enhance our records management and voter registration processes in her new role.” 

A lifelong Joliet resident, Estefany was born in California but moved to Joliet as a young child, making it her home. She is a proud graduate of Joliet Township High Schools, where she was actively involved in JROTC for all four years. Estefany credits the program for instilling her with self-discipline, leadership skills, and a commitment to community service. “The JROTC program changed my life for the better,” she shared. “Special thanks to Colonel White for instilling these values in me.” 

Estefany earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts, with honors, from the Art Institute of Chicago in 2018. Since then, she has worked as a freelance graphic designer, supporting small businesses and nonprofit organizations with brand-building and content creation. Her work reflects her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate effectively. 

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the community where I grew up and continue to call home,” Estefany said. “I will work diligently to preserve the township’s history and ensure the accuracy of our records for the future.” 

Outside of her clerk duties, Estefany enjoys reading best-sellers and spending time with her family, including her nephews, nieces, and her dog, Susuki. She invites the community to greet her at upcoming board meetings, community events, or at the Joliet Township Government office. 

For any questions or concerns regarding township records, please contact contact@joliettownship.net or call 815-726-4781.  

Alicia Morales Appointed as First Latina Supervisor of Joliet Township Government

Alicia Morales, Joliet Township Government Supervisor, holding flowers, standing between the American flag and the Joliet Township flag

Joliet, IL – July 16, 2024 – The Joliet Township Board of Trustees is proud to announce the appointment of Alicia Morales as the first Latina Supervisor of Joliet Township Government, effective July 16, 2024. Alicia Morales brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to her new role, marking a historic milestone in our community’s governance. 

Morales is a lifelong resident of Joliet and Will County, deeply rooted in our community’s fabric. She holds a degree from Joliet Junior College and an MBA from the University of St. Francis. Morales’s commitment to education and community service is evident through her career as a licensed bilingual teacher and her current role as Vice Chairwoman of the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees. 

In addition to her contributions in education, Alicia Morales is an accomplished entrepreneur, having founded her own Allstate Insurance agency in 2020, where she assists clients in protecting their investments. 

Alicia Morales had been serving as Joliet Township Government Clerk since 2021. During her tenure as Clerk of Joliet Township, Joliet Township Government has expanded through numerous initiatives that have significantly enhanced our community. Key accomplishments include: 

  • Expansion of programs and services 
  • Community Violence Intervention (CVI) initiatives 
  • CVI Council 
  • CVI Services: Victim Advocacy, Case Management & Outreach 
  • CVI Behavioral Health and wrap-around services 
  • Transportation Department that offers rides to senior residents, residents with disabilities, and for partner agency clients. 
  • VITA tax preparation helping low-income residents and senior residents with free income tax preparation services. 
  • Summer internship program since 2022 
  • Availability of free notary services more than doubled 
  • Ensured Senior Tax Levy funds distributed to diverse senior clubs  
  • Acquisition of Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center (formerly Peter Claver Center) in 2022 
  • Acquisition of Forest Park Community Center in 2024 

These were accomplished through additional funding awarded through state and federal grants over the last two years totaling $3,783,190, not through increasing taxes on local taxpayers. 

Morales said, “I am excited to continue the work that this administration has started. The foundation of all our programs has been established. I’m ready to see them through with our team to fruition in serving our Township residents.”  

With Alicia Morales transitioning to the role of Supervisor, the position of Joliet Township Clerk is now vacant. We invite all interested and qualified individuals to apply for this important role. Application details and forms can be found on our website https://www.joliettownship.net/public-info/board-vacancy/. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 2, 2024.