DONNA MILLER ANNOUNCES 2023 UNSUNG HEROINES AWARD WINNER FOR THE 6TH DISTRICT

 

DONNA MILLER ANNOUNCES 2023 UNSUNG HEROINES AWARD WINNER FOR THE 6TH DISTRICT 

Pastor Brenda K. Mitchell recognized for her advocacy against gun violence and support for survivors 

COOK COUNTY, Ill. -- Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller announced Pastor Brenda K. Mitchell as the recipient of the 2023 Unsung Heroines Award for the 6th District. The Peggy A. Montes Unsung Heroines Award is an annual award given out during Women’s History Month to one woman from each of the seventeen County districts and one woman countywide whose contributions are vital to the community, but often overlooked. Individuals across the 6th District recognized numerous qualified individuals in their nominations, and Commissioner Miller selected Brenda for her dedication to and unwavering advocacy for victims of gun violence. 

“After the unthinkable happened to her own family, Pastor Brenda K. Mitchell turned towards her community to raise awareness for victims and work to ensure that no one else has to feel the immense pain of losing a loved one to gun violence,” said Commissioner Donna Miller. “From testifying in Congress on the impact of gun violence, to providing guidance and support in healing from trauma of all kinds, Pastor Brenda is an inspiration to me and the entire 6th District. She truly embodies the spirit of these awards, and I am proud to recognize her for her work to make the world a safer place to live.” 

Pastor Brenda K. Mitchell is an ordained minister, Senior Fellow with Everytown Survivor Network; Interfaith Outreach Leader for Moms Demand Action in south suburban Chicago, and a member of the advocacy organization Purpose Over Pain. She lost her son, Kenneth, as well as her brother to gun violence, and has devoted her life to advocating for common sense gun legislation through a variety of organizations and advocacy groups. She testified to Congress in 2019 and has spoken regularly about the impact gun violence has on communities and how survivors need support. She is a MSBR-Compassion Certified Grief Support Specialist in Trauma and Complicated Grief; received an MBA from Olivet Nazarene University, and BA from Trinity International University.  

“It’s an honor to be recognized with the Unsung Heroine Award and to be among so many impactful women making a difference all throughout the County,” said Pastor Brenda K. Mitchell. “The work I do for survivors is not for recognition, and it is rewarding enough to be able to show up every day for those who are hurting in my community to help them heal and process their grief and trauma. I thank Commissioner Miller for her leadership in the 6th District and for this honor.”   

 The Peggy A. Montes Unsung Heroines Award is named after Peggy A. Montes, who served as the Chairperson of the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues. She created the Unsung Heroines Award, which was then renamed in her honor in 2010. The awards were given out at a reception with all Cook County Commissioners and recipients. 

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