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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE WORK OF MARITZA ROCHA WITH THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE NATURE CENTER
WHEREAS, born and raised in Chicago, IL, Maritza Rocha’s upbringing was influenced by her mother, a hard-working immigrant from Michoacán, México; and
WHEREAS, growing up as a first-generation American in a close-knit, large family, Maritza learned early on the value of connection commitment; and
WHEREAS, Maritza’s studies concentrated on cultural and land preservation, health disparities, and the importance of green spaces within communities of color; and
WHEREAS, one of Maritza's most significant career achievements was her role as the first Latina Nature Center Director of the Little Red Schoolhouse in the Forest Preserves of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Maritza oversaw 500 acres of enclosed forest lands and managed all operational needs in the interpretive nature center; and
WHEREAS, Maritza has also introduced culturally, spiritually, and nature-based curricula to a diverse audience, actively participated in various committees, and assisted in placing the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center as the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place; and
WHEREAS, Maritza holds numerous certifications in conservation and eco-conservation and is also specialized in youth development, community engagement, and outreach; and
WHEREAS, Maritza has also launched after-school apprenticeship programs for under-resourced youth, providing pathways to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields; and
WHEREAS, Maritza is Joven Noble and Escalera Certified, a Latinos Outdoor Chicago Chapter Leader, worked at Mujeres Latinas en Accion and on the Board of Directors for the Environmentalists of Color Networks; and
WHEREAS, Maritza is a leader in the Latinx communities who has also played a crucial role in developing informative curricula for Latinx youth, nurturing the next generation of leaders.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President and Members of the Forest Preserve District, on behalf of the Cook County residents and employees of the Forest Preserves, congratulate Maritza Rocha on all her work done with the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to Maritza Rocha.