Since October 25,1973, the Zonta Club of Joliet has been dedicated to empowering women and girls through service and advocacy, both locally and globally.
A half-century ago, twenty-five women, all professionals in the Joliet area gathered to form a local club, sponsored by the Zonta Club of Kankakee, under the umbrella of Zonta International. These women were comprised of executives, lawyers, librarians, business owners, mental health professionals, and writers. They came together for a common purpose to advance the status of women and girls locally and internationally. Zonta International accepted their application for a club, called Zonta Club of the Joliet Area, and included women from Joliet, Plainfield, Lockport, and Crest Hill.
The club continues to thrive, making an impact in the local community. Today, the Zonta Club of the Joliet Area shares the same vision as those visionary women who first decided that the community needed the club to be a place where women can make a positive impact. The club continues its success by providing scholarships locally and through Zonta International by providing projects that better the circumstances of women and girls globally, through education, community projects, and initiatives that impact the health of women and girls. Last year alone, the Zonta Club of Joliet gave over $30,000 to local and international agencies which includes $15,000 to the Joliet Area Endowed Scholarships at Joliet Junior College.
The Club is fortunate to have two of their founding members, Carmela Castagna and Dr. Patricia Miller, as active club members, still serving 50 years later still providing their wisdom and still inspiring the members of the club as it continues its important work in the area.
“The Zonta Club of the Joliet Area is truly on the Move” says President Bonnie Winfrey. “We empower women and girls and expand their access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and safe living conditions. We are active in our communities, and we have expanded our outreach globally through our podcast entitled ‘Zonta on the Move’ where we address challenging issues plaguing women and girls by bringing solutions directly to our listeners. To celebrate 50 years is truly an honor for our club! We are more determined than ever to push our mission into high gear and make this world an even better and safer place to live.”
Our special musical guest for our 50th Anniversary Celebration is Brandye Phillips who will render a special tribute to the late Tina Turner who fought against domestic violence and gave the voiceless a voice.
The Mistress of ceremony for the evening is this year’s Joliet Chamber of Commerce and Industry Athena winner and past awardee of the Zonta Club of Joliet’s Woman of Distinction award, Denise Winfrey.
For more information, see the attached info on the Tina Turner Experience as well as the invite for the 50th anniversary celebration and of course, visit jolietzonta.org.
