Lori challenged the political status quo in Chicago and proved that with heart and perseverance anything is possible. She is the first African American female and openly gay Mayor of Chicago, making Chicago the largest city in history to have an openly LGBTQ mayor and the largest city to be led by a woman. That in and of itself should inspire our community. More than that, she brings diversity and innovative leadership to the Mayor’s Office and the City of Chicago. An experienced manager, advocate and reform expert, Chicago's newest mayor, is working to create opportunity for every Chicagoan—regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status, or neighborhood.