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.  

Joliet, Illinois – February 29, 2024 – Joliet Township Government proudly announces the approval of an intergovernmental agreement between the Township government and the City of Joliet, marking a significant stride forward in the Joliet African American Context Study. This momentous decision was unanimously supported by the Joliet Township Government Board, comprised of Supervisor Angel Contreras and Trustees Tanya Arias, Cesar Escutia, Ray Slattery, and Antione Edwards, during their meeting on February 13, 2024. 

The City of Joliet has received a $21,000 grant for a historic context study focused on African American heritage. The grant will be administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through an intergovernmental agreement between the Township government and City. 

Under the approved intergovernmental agreement, Joliet Township Government and the City of Joliet will each contribute an additional $20,000 to the project, complementing the grant funds. These funds will be exclusively dedicated to covering project expenses. 

The objectives of the project are comprehensive, aiming to accurately document Black history, confront past racial injustices through historical narratives, identify and preserve historically significant properties related to the Black community, dispel misinformation regarding the Black experience, and safeguard Black voices for future generations. 

A steering committee will be formed, with Joliet Township Government appointing a Township resident, to actively participate in the project’s decision-making processes. 

Additionally, the project will feature public education events, hosted at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, to disseminate findings derived from the context study.  

The grant agreement with IDNR is slated to expire upon the final project report and deliverables’ approval, or by January 31, 2026, unless otherwise extended. 

This collaborative endeavor underscores the commitment of both Joliet Township Government and the City of Joliet to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of African Americans in the region, paving the way for a more inclusive and enlightened community.