zoning board community representatives
*note - with new maps come new boundaries. Although we lost Chinatown, West Loop, South Loop, and Little Italy the new 25th Ward consolidates the whole of Pilsen and now adds parts of Little Village. Our office consolidated our Zoning Advisory Board membership to the new ward boundaries Pilsen, Universtity Village/Commons, and Little Village.
Victoria Romero
Pilsen & areas of McKinley Park
Victoria Romero, the youngest of seven children, was born and raised in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood to Mexican-American parents. She credits her family with instilling in her the values of commitment, dedication and community involvement.
While growing up in Pilsen, Victoria was exposed to community activism at a very early age. It was the valuable lessons she learned from area leaders that led her toward a path of community service.
Victoria received her Bachelor’s Degree in Latin American Studies from DePaul University. While at DePaul, Victoria noticed a lack of support and services for Latino students. In an effort to fill that void, she co-founded the student organization, DALE (DePaul Alliance for Latino Enrichment).
After completing her studies, Victoria chose to serve her community by responding to the critical public health issue of HIV/AIDS/STDs. She has made this her life’s work as she currently serves as a Public Health Administrator at the Chicago Department of Public Health. In this role, Victoria provides technical assistance to community-based agencies that do the frontline work of HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Victoria thoroughly enjoys being a facilitator of HIV/AIDS services to her community, that otherwise might not have access to or knowledge of the programs that are available through the health department.
Victoria is now a homeowner in Pilsen. She is committed to keeping her neighborhood’s Mexican cultural identity alive. Part of that effort has been as a past Board Member of the Pilsen Alliance, a community-organizing agency that advocates for the rights of residents regarding accessible public transportation, quality education, affordable housing and issues of gentrification.
Adam Ballard
Pilsen
Adam Ballard develops policy priorities and campaigns in housing, transportation, and related planning issues, with a focus on people who are disabled and/or age 50+. He advocates for needed legislation and regulations, acts as a thought leader on integrating accessibility for the aging community, works with AARP volunteers on community events, and manages relationships with elected officials and public agencies. Adam earned a B.A. from Lincoln Christian University.
Martha Herrera
Pilsen
Robert DeBonnett
University Village/Commons