How To Get Involved In Your Community with Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza
Susana Mendoza will share her personal journey into public service, highlighting what first inspired her to take action and how that path led to a meaningful career in civic leadership. Drawing from her experience in government, she will offer practical, nonpartisan guidance for everyday citizens—especially women—who want to engage more deeply in their communities. From attending local meetings to running for office, Mendoza will emphasize that everyone has the power to show up, stay informed, and make a lasting impact where they live.
Susana Mendoza first won the office of Illinois Comptroller in December 2016 after a special election was held due to the death of her good friend, former Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.
She is the proud daughter of immigrant parents and is the first Hispanic person independently elected to a statewide office in Illinois.
Although the Comptroller is charged with paying the state's bills as they arrive, the 2015-2017 budget impasse forced the office to prioritize which bills would be paid first. During this period, Mendoza was a vocal advocate for stability, comprehensive budget solutions and transparent financial reporting.
She has remained a steady voice for nursing homes, hospice centers, schools and the state's most vulnerable citizens.
As of earlier this year, Comptroller Mendoza has eliminated the state’s bill backlog – which rose to a record high of nearly $17 billion in 2017 under the previous governor.
As the state’s Chief Fiscal and Accountability Officer, she successfully strategized and advocated for the state’s six credit upgrades earned since last July, the first upgrades in two decades. She also brought down the bill payment cycle from a high of 210-working days in 2017 to an average of about 15 business days today.
Prior to holding statewide office, Mendoza was the first woman elected Chicago city clerk. She championed a huge technology overhaul, shifting more than 1.3 million Chicago city vehicle sticker customers from an inefficient and archaic seasonal sales program to year-round sales.
Prior to serving as city clerk, Mendoza served six terms between 2001 and 2011 in the Illinois House of Representatives.
Starting as the youngest member of the 92nd Illinois General Assembly, she quickly earned a reputation as a tenacious and effective legislator who embraced a bipartisan approach to governing. She was routinely recognized for her leadership in the areas of social services, education, law enforcement, job creation and animal welfare.
Ticket prices increase $10 if reservation is received after Friday, September 5, 2025.
Agenda
11:30am - 11:45am Open Networking
11:45am - 12:35pm Speaker Presentation
12:35pm - 1:15pm Lunch & Table Networking
Menu
Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Corn Succotash, Scallion Beurre Blanc, Charbroil Broccolini (Gluten-free)
Vegetarian Option: Sweet Corn Ravioli, Pickled Corn, Arugula & Grilled Corn Salad
Dessert: S'more with Smoked Chocolate Sauce (nut-free)
These Entrees do not contain Pork, Nuts or Shellfish
This menu does contain Dairy
