It has been practically a year since Tiffany Henyard became the first black mayor of Chicagoland township. Henyard is also the youngest and first female to sit in the mayoral seat.
The population of the town is 93% African American and majority women.
As a resident of the town, she attended and graduated from Thornridge high school. She showed leadership at her school by developing a small-scale baked goods operation that sold cookies and cakes to students on campus.
Growing up in the town she was always aware of the changes the town needed.
After graduation she attended Robert Morris College where she majored in business administration.
Although, she majored in business administration, she knew the real changes to the town would come through politics.
She began mentoring under Frank Zuccarelli, who was also democratic power player in Illinois up until his death in January.
“He was an incredible mentor and really taught me enough about politics that led to a spark that’s carried me throughout my career,” Henyard shared with Essence.
“What I valued most about his guidance is that he boiled politics down to one thing: caring about people.”
“I got into politics when I started working for Pat Quinn’s campaign,” Henyard said, referring to her time supporting the former governor of Illinois with his employment initiative ‘Put Illinois to Work’ in 2011. Shortly after, she was elected as the town’s trustee, a position similar to that of a city council member.
This eventually led her on the path to running for mayor in 2020, a position she was a bit shocked to have actually clenched, but one she knew she was ready for. Not only did she edge out the competition, but Henyard also won by a landslide with 82% of the vote–clearly indicative of the residents’ desire for change. In April Tiffany Henyard became the first black mayor of Chicagoland Township.
“What I love about my position is I get the opportunity to show people their worth,” she shared. “Previously, for eight years I’d been advocating for what the residents truly deserve, which is sound leadership. As Mayor, I’m able to now put my vision in play from the major legislative moves to the smallest. I’m able to bring it to life. I’m able to say, ‘you guys are suffering in the cold because you can’t afford to properly insulate your home. Here’s grant money for windows and a roof. Here’s money to help you get back on your feet with your water bill. I implement those initiatives because I understand what it’s like.”
Supervisor of Thornton Township, became her next political gain.
Therefore, in addition to her obligations to the citizens of Dolton. Henyard will oversee 170 full- and part-time township employees and an annual budget of about $35 according to the Illinois comptroller.
“This is all about generational change for me,” she said. “For any Black girl that wants to get into politics and make a huge impact for your people, you can do it. Don’t ever give up because anything is possible.”
