2025 Cougar Servant Leadership Awards

 

The Cougar Servant Leadership Awards are presented to leaders with tremendous dedication, exceptional service, and outstanding leadership that have helped transform Chicago and Illinois. The categories recognized are Education Equity, Public Service, and Alumni Achievement. 

 

Celebrating Robin Steans – Recipient of the Cougar Servant Leader Award for Education Equity

The Chicago State Foundation is proud to honor Robin Steans with the Cougar Servant Leader Award for Education Equity.

For more than 30 years, Robin has dedicated her career to improving outcomes and opportunities for schoolchildren. As President of Advance Illinois, she leads efforts to strengthen public education statewide so that every student is prepared to succeed in college, career, and civic life.

Her passion for education runs deep. Robin has taught in public high schools across Boston, San Francisco, and Chicago, and has held leadership roles with the Small Schools Coalition and Leadership for Quality Education. Beyond the classroom, she has shaped policy, strengthened institutions, and co-founded organizations that continue to make an impact.

Robin’s service extends across the community. She is a Trustee of the University of Chicago Medical Center, co-founder and past Board Chair of the Celiac Disease Center at the University of Chicago, and Director of North Lawndale College Preparatory Charter High School. She has also served on multiple Chicago Public Schools Local School Councils.

Through her leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to equity, Robin embodies the very spirit of the Cougar Servant Leader Award.

 

Honoring Toni Preckwinkle – Recipient of the Cougar Servant Leader Award for Public Service

The Chicago State Foundation is proud to recognize Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, with the Cougar Servant Leader Award for Public Service.

Since 2010, President Preckwinkle has served as the 35th President of the Cook County Board, making history as the first Black woman elected to the office. A dedicated and effective public servant, she has transformed County government with her focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and improved services for residents.

Throughout her tenure, she has leveraged more than three decades of political leadership to restore credibility to County government—eliminating nearly $3 billion in budget deficits, contributing nearly $2 billion in supplemental pension payments, and significantly reducing unfunded liabilities. She has also championed reforms to reimagine the criminal justice system, emphasizing treatment for mental health, substance use, and addiction as illnesses rather than crimes.

Her career began in the classroom as a history teacher, followed by service as an economic development coordinator for the City of Chicago and executive director of the Chicago Jobs Council. A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, President Preckwinkle came to Chicago to attend the University of Chicago, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Through her leadership, vision, and lifelong commitment to public service, President Preckwinkle exemplifies the values of the Cougar Servant Leader Award.

 

Celebrating Cougar Servant Leader Award Honoree: Jose Muñoz

The Chicago State Foundation is proud to recognize Jose M. Muñoz with the Cougar Servant Leader Award for Alumni Achievement.

A proud CSU graduate, Jose currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of La Casa Norte, a leading Chicago nonprofit that provides housing, healing, and support to more than 24,000 youth and families experiencing homelessness each year. A mission-driven leader, Jose brings both lived experience and deep expertise to his work, advancing dignity, opportunity, and community transformation.

In addition to leading La Casa Norte, Jose was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness, co-chairs the Illinois Latino Agenda, and serves on the Board of Directors for NHS Chicago. He is also a former Chicago Park District Commissioner.

Jose embodies the spirit of Cougar leadership and achievement. Please join us in celebrating his impact, service, and commitment to our community.