Lori Elaine Lightfoot

Taking a look at her career-driven personality, Lori is known to have taken up several professional roles that have helped shape the dynamic woman leader she is today. Her mother, Ann Lightfoot, was her driving force to excel in life without letting her race, gender, or status get in the way. Being a law graduate, Lori worked as an attorney at Mayer Brown and later as an external counsel for the Bank of America. She was also the finalist for the position of U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

And finally, on 10 May 2018, Lori Lightfoot announced her mayoral candidacy for the 2019 elections. Before announcing her candidacy for the Mayor of Chicago, Lori was the President of the Chicago Police Board, where she led a 9-member civilian body. The board made important decisions regarding disciplinary matters involving allegations of police misconduct. She was sworn in on 20 May 2019 by Magistrate Judge Susan E. Cox.

She is the first LGBTQ mayor and the first black female mayor of Chicago. Lori was also the first openly lesbian candidate in the history of Chicago mayoral elections. At present, Lori and her spouse, Amy Eshleman, live on the near northwest side with their 10-year-old daughter Vivian Lightfoot.

Throughout her journey, Lori’s recognition has had her awarded as The American Constitution Society Chicago chapter’s Legal Legends, BPI’s Champion of the Public Interest, the Common Cause Illinois Champion of Justice, and featured on The Financial Times Top 10 Innovative Lawyers in 2016.