Name: Trisha M Calabrese
Position for which you are a candidate: Dundee Township Trustee
Why are you seeking this position?
I have lived in Carpentersville since 2006. My husband I have enjoyed raising our children in the Dundee Township community. As a lifelong volunteer, I am committed to giving back to my community. I became involved in the School District in 2012 where I served on the School District 300 Board of Education Legislative Committee. As my children entered elementary school, I served as the Liberty Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization President. In 2018, I partnered with a might team of local mom’s and the Dundee Township to launch the Dundee Township Community Cares Closet, which now serves hundreds of families.
As a mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, friend, and public health professional, I have always been a social justice and community advocate supporting efforts to ensure a bright future for all. The effects of the pandemic and social unrest proved we have a long road ahead. I am running to be part of change. I understand the importance of strong local leadership and am humbled for the opportunity to blend my professional and personal experience to bring a fresh perspective to the Dundee Township.
What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
I earned a master’s degree in public health and have spent the last 20 years working to ensure that all children receive access to high quality, safe, timely, effective, and health care. I have been in a leadership position at a national non-for-profit organization for several years. In this role, I build and lead diverse, multidisciplinary, high-performing, and accountable teams that have developed innovative programs that address some of the most crucial challenges in pediatric health care, including environmental health, COVID-19, and access to health care.
As a professional and a working mom, I am skilled at building relationships, partnerships, and networking to identify solutions to achieve common goals.
What will be your highest priorities if elected?
Identifying Resources to Support Our Community: I believe in supporting the residents of the Dundee Township. Programs such as the 708 Board, general and emergency assistance programs, food pantry, clothing closet, and Ride in Kane are essential to supporting the families we serve. As a public health professional, I have a proven record of successfully developing and managing multi-million dollar budgets as well as writing federal and foundational grants to support the needs facing communities. As Dundee Township Trustee, I will leverage that experience to ensure that our residents have ongoing and stable access to the services needed.
Leading on Climate Change: I believe Dundee Township is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. One of the greatest challenges we face is the changing climate and its impacts on our children, our health, and our infrastructure. As a public health professional, I see the impacts of climate change and see how communities play an important role. As Dundee Township Trustee, I will support the Open Space program as well as advocate to develop and implement a plan that puts Dundee Township on the forefront of leading on climate change efforts for a sustainable future.
Engaging the Community and Increasing Transparency: I believe that community engagement is critical. As Dundee Township Trustee, I will work hard to ensure that all residents and perspectives of our community are heard and engaged in local government.
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