Team Updates – Joliet Township

Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Ivan Diaz

This Hispanic Heritage Month 2024, we take a moment to acknowledge Ivan Diaz, whose role as Finance Director at Joliet Township exemplifies the important contributions of Hispanic professionals in our community. He graduated from Lewis University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a minor in Finance. After graduating in 2018, Ivan began his career as an accountant, gaining valuable experience in auditing, bookkeeping, and taxation—skills that are essential in his role at the township. Outside of work, Ivan is a passionate sports fan, cheering on his favorite Chicago teams: the Bears and the Bulls.

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Este Mes de la Herencia Hispana, queremos reconocer a Ivan Diaz, quien como Director de Finanzas en el Municipio de Joliet representa el valioso impacto de los hispanos en nuestra comunidad. Ivan Diaz es el Director de Finanzas en el Municipio de Joliet. Se graduó de la Universidad de Lewis con una licenciatura en Contabilidad y una especialización en Finanzas. Después de graduarse en 2018, Ivan comenzó su carrera como contador, donde adquirió experiencia valiosa en auditoría, contabilidad y tributación, habilidades esenciales para su rol en el municipio. Fuera del trabajo, Ivan es un apasionado fanático de los deportes y apoya a sus equipos favoritos de Chicago: los Bears y los Bulls.

Hispanic Heritage Spotlight 2024: Fatima Silva

JOLIET, IL – September 20, 2024. As we continue our Hispanic Heritage Spotlight series, we are celebrating Fatima Silva for Hispanic Heritage Month and her impact at Joliet Township Givernment.

Fatima A. Silva works as a Commercial Deputy for the Joliet Township Assessor’s Office. Prior to this role, Fatima began her assessing career in 2016 with the DuPage Township Assessor’s Office in Bolingbrook, where she served as a part-time bilingual English/Spanish Residential Clerk and Property Tax Exemption Specialist.

Her commitment to serving and communicating with taxpayers in their own language led her to earn the Certified Illinois Assessing Officer (CIAO) Certificate. Over the course of eight years at DuPage Township, Fatima gained significant experience, which contributed to her progression to Commercial Deputy.

Her goal is to develop fair and equitable assessments for commercial and industrial properties and serve the residents of Joliet Township. Outside of work, Fatima enjoys spending time with her family and three dogs.

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!

Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Florinda Garcia

Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month as we shine the spotlight on Florinda Garcia.

Florinda Garcia has been a dedicated Data Clerk at the Joliet Township Government Assessor’s Office for 28 years.

Her responsibilities include entering permit information, preparing official correspondence, and providing interpretation services. Florinda is a proud graduate of Joliet Central High School. Outside of work, she loves spending quality time with her three children and ten grandchildren.

When reflecting on Hispanic Heritage Month, Florinda says, “Me siento muy orgullosa de ser mexicana, de mis raíces y de la comunidad hispana. Que todos le echemos ganas y salgamos adelante.”

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Celebra el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con nosotros y conoce a Florinda Garcia

Florinda Garcia se ha dedicado a trabajar como Asistente de Datos en la Oficina del Tasador del Municipio de Joliet por 28 años.

Sus responsabilidades incluyen ingresar información de permisos, preparar correspondencia oficial y brindar servicios de interpretación. Florinda se graduó de Joliet Central High School. Fuera del trabajo, disfruta pasar tiempo con sus tres hijos y diez nietos.

Al reflexionar sobre el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, Florinda dice: “Me siento muy orgullosa de ser mexicana, de mis raíces y de la comunidad hispana. Que todos le echemos ganas y salgamos adelante.”

Hispanic Heritage Spotlight 2024: Haydee Martinez-Rosales

JOLIET, IL – Sept. 19, 2024. As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 Spotlight, we are featuring Haydee Martinez-Rosales, QMHP, Bilingual Trauma Licensed Therapist.

Haydee earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Northern Illinois University in 2015. After graduation, she moved to Mexico, where she got married. Upon returning to the U.S., Haydee pursued a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lewis University, graduating in 2022. She is currently working as a bilingual, trauma-informed therapist and is in the process of obtaining her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

As a proud Mexican-American, Haydee attributes her success to the sacrifices made by her immigrant parents, who worked hard to provide her with educational opportunities. She feels fortunate to have their never-ending support, which has played a big role in her career. Haydee is passionate about advocacy and education to reduce mental health stigma and improve access to services for underserved communities.

When she isn’t working, her two boys keep her on her toes. Haydee enjoys Netflix series and watching movies with her family.

Movie Night at the Field

Free Movie Night at the Slammer's

Blankets and pillows were laid out with some snacks to be had….

Joliet Township hosted a Free Movie Night at the Slammer’s Stadium this past Sunday evening. All families were welcomed to enjoy the movie Spider-Man No Way Home.

Thank you to the families that came out and enjoyed a nice cool evening at the park.