Political Quotes

“since 1987, we have recognized March as Women's History Month. It is an opportunity to honor the women who have served our Nation throughout our history. This March, I want to commend one woman who has devoted her life to serving my home State of Illinois: Colleen Callahan. After nearly 4 years of service, Colleen recently stepped down from her role as the first-ever female director for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Throughout her tenure, Colleen was a dedicated steward of our State's natural wonders, all while navigating a once-in-a-century pandemic. While this was an historic challenge, it was far from the first she has faced in her career. Time and again, Colleen has stood up in the face of adversity and persevered. Colleen has a record of breaking down barriers. As a young woman living on a family farm near Milford, IL, she took a keen interest in agriculture, which, back then, was something of a boy's club. But that didn't stop her from pursuing her childhood passion. She participated in livestock shows and even achieved the title of Youngest Exhibitor of a Grand Champion at the International Livestock Exhibition in Chicago at just 9 years old. Despite her talent and success, Colleen was unable to join the Future Farmers of America, not because of merit, but because women were not yet eligible for consideration. But she pressed on.…”