SOUTH HOLLAND, IL—South Suburban College (SSC) president, Lynette D. Stokes, Ed.D., is being selected as one of five honorees for the 2019 Ignitor Award from the Professional Women’s Network (PWN). The Ignitor Award identifies individuals who overcame obstacles to climb to extraordinary heights while lighting the way for other women to follow. PWN will be promoting Dr. Stokes as an honoree throughout the month of July leading up to the event being held on Tuesday, July 30th at Glenwoodie Golf Club.

This year marks PWN’s 5th Annual Summer Soiree. In 2014, then President Barbara Karstrom introduced an event that would give PWN the opportunity to celebrate its membership and honor women who have demonstrated proudly overcoming tremendous challenges.

“We continue to honor some amazing women such as Dr. Stokes, who overcame private battles that did not hinder their drive to continue to excel and inspire,” said Doranita Tyler, PWN President who introduced the theme “Ignite Your Why” to inspire members to strive passionately to excel in their purpose. “We are excited to recognize four individuals and one nonprofit organization with the 2019 Ignitor Award.”

Dr. Stokes is the first African American female president in SSC’s 91-year history. Having worked in public service for nearly 24 years, she has served as an advocate of youth in the child welfare system, taught elementary and community college education, and worked for equal rights organizations. Dr. Stokes earned her Doctorate from Roosevelt University where she received the Outstanding Dissertation of the Year Award. She was also honored with the Kathy Osterman Award for Outstanding Public Service Supervision, 2014 Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence Award, the 2018 ICBCHE Trailblazer Award and 2019 Egretha Award.

The mission of Professional Women’s Network is to help women develop their careers, enhance their businesses and mentor the next generation of women business leaders through educational programs, resource sharing and networking opportunities.