Congratulate Our 2024 Recognition Recipients at A Time to Shine

Champions for Children

Presented to leaders or organizations that, through a commitment to early care and education, have created the promise of a brighter future for children throughout Illinois
 

Representative Mary Beth Canty

Since she was elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 2022, State Representative Mary Beth Canty (54^th district) has championed key issues that affect children and families, specifically within early childhood services and public education. During her first term, she helped pass legislation expanding access to full-day kindergarten for Illinois students.

More recently, she was instrumental in the passage of SB1, which will streamline services for families, providers, and educators within a new Department of Early Childhood.

Additionally, Rep. Canty successfully advocated for a robust child tax credit to reduce rates of child poverty and assist working families. She has advanced other policies to promote equity, including requiring employers to post salary ranges in job listings; increasing food access with grants to independent grocery stores operating in food deserts; and supporting the development of family recovery plans for pregnant women managing substance abuse.

Unsung Heroes

Presented to individuals who make substantive, yet often unrecognized contributions to improving the lives of children and families
 

Phyllis Glink

Executive Director, Irving Harris Foundation

During her more than two decades with the Irving Harris Foundation, Phyllis Glink has developed and implemented grantmaking and leadership strategies in early childhood development; infant and early childhood mental health; reproductive health and justice; Jewish values; and social justice.

As CEO, she works closely with the Foundation’s team and partners in the nonprofit, advocacy, philanthropy, and government communities to leverage shared investments and maximize the impact of Foundation grants.

A long-serving member of the State’s Childcare Advisory Board, she holds many auxiliary leadership roles, including co-chair of the Governor’s Early Learning Council, chair of the BUILD Advisory Board, and co-chair of the Early Relational Health committee at the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative.

Notably, Phyllis served on the transition teams for Governor JB Pritzker, Governor Bruce Rauner, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and President Barack Obama.

She has been recognized for her leadership over the years by many organizations including the Anti-Defamation League, Health Connect One, Personal PAC, and UNICEF. Previously, Phyllis worked for the Chicago Community Trust in grantmaking and program development focused on education and women and girls’ issues.

Gail Nelson

Program Officer, Steans Family Foundation

Gail has worked for decades to elevate program and policy solutions for families. During 30+ years at the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, she oversaw its growth into a comprehensive family service agency serving 1200 children and youth from birth to college. IAFC was a partner in advocacy throughout — CRCL provided administrative and organizing support to IAFC in its early years, and Gail served on the IAFC Board for 23 years.

Gail joined the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development in 2013 as the QRIS Policy Director, bringing expertise in public funding and program standards, and deep respect for the importance of family, staff and provider voice in service delivery.

Gail joined the Steans Family Foundation in 2017 as Director of Early Childhood Initiatives in North Chicago, working with schools, child care providers, home visiting programs and others to support kindergarten readiness.

Gail attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, and earned her M.A. at the Crown School of Social Work, University of Chicago. Gail is grateful for the wisdom and expertise of countless parents, youth, mentors, colleagues, advocates and rabble-rousers who fueled her commitment to community service.