Nationwide — Precious Brady-Davis was recently sworn in as commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). She is making history as the first Black transgender woman elected in Cook County and also the first known Black trans woman in the country to serve on a water reclamation district.
“Eighteen months ago, when Gov. JB Pritzker appointed me to serve, I knew this was the beginning of a full democratic process,” Brady-Davis said after being sworn in, according to the Windy City Times. “Now, after completing an election cycle and winning a two-year term, I will be forever grateful to Gov. Pritzker for the opportunity he bestowed upon me”
Brady-Davis was one of four commissioners sworn in at the event. Marcelino Garcia, Kari Steele, and Sharon Waller also joined the board for full six-year terms.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias described Brady-Davis as a “trailblazer” who has fought for environmental, social, and economic justice.
“It weighs extra heavy on me, especially given the political climate, but I believe that when people see themselves reflected in the arc of history, they say, ‘I can be that too,'” Brady-Davis said. “And while being trans is one part of me, it is not all of me. I feel like I’m debunking stereotypes, and I hope that my representation shows that trans people are valuable members of society.”
Brady-Davis brings experience in social justice, environmental advocacy, and nonprofit leadership to the role. She works as Chief Strategy Officer at the Center on Halsted, an LGBTQ+ community center, and previously worked as a communications director for the Sierra Club.
Looking ahead, Brady-Davis is focused on addressing the MWRD’s challenges, including aging infrastructure, climate change, and water protection.