Chicago's Lakefront and Protecting the People's Parks

Published: April 13, 2021

Skim Juanita Irizzarys work history and words jump out to paint a vivid picture of the woman who punctuates passion and purpose with action: long term care reform, basic human needs officer, Christian Community Development, Latinos United . . .

Its no surprise that she draws inspiration from the Scripture that instructs readers to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

Irizzary works from a deep sense of calling to serve her neighbor. Lately that service has centered on green space in Chicago. The Humboldt Park native is executive director of Friends of the Parks.

This year, she drew national attention with her successful campaign to keep a museum planned by Star Wars creator George Lucas off waterfront property in downtown Chicago and preserve the lakefront for all citizens.

Although she operates in mostly secular work environments, she feels the certainty of Gods calling in her work.

Growing up, Irizarry watched her parents provide food to needy friends, pour time and love into neighborhood kids and visit prisons and hospitals. Irizarry herself took on the task of tutoring and coaching other students. Our lives were ministry, she recalls, though we would not have attached the words social action to it at the time.

Undergrad years at GC brought reflection on cross-cultural relationships when Irizarry served as president of a cross-cultural student group and tutored peers from other countries. Upon returning to Chicago after graduation, she hosted Urban Plunge activities for Christian college groups around the Midwest. This familiarized her with local organizations engaged in affordable housing efforts, economic development, health clinics, racial reconciliation and more.

It was during that time that I had what I call my big aha moment, where I found the language to more fully articulate the stirrings of my soul and a way to more fully integrate my faith and my concern for social justice, she says.

Irizarry doesnt see her work as an extraordinary act, but as the natural outworking of an open heart responding to God. In the family that I grew up in, it was a no-brainer that the reason for living is to follow ones calling in Christ, whatever that may be.

This article originally appeared in the fall 2016 issue of The RECORD.

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