Elected as the alderman of Chicago’s 16th Ward at just 30 years old in 2019, Stephanie Coleman made history as the youngest African American woman to join the Chicago City Council. As a lifelong resident of Englewood and the daughter of retired Alderman Shirley A. Coleman and Pastor David Coleman, her upbringing instilled in her a commitment to education, hard work and service.
“Through her service, Alderman Coleman continues to be committed to making a difference and changing lives, and she firmly sees the vital need for mentors and idols in the community,” said her staff. “Stephanie wants to inspire the future leaders of tomorrow by showing them that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything in life to make a difference in the community.”
Coleman attended Emmanuel Christian School and Chicago Military Academy – Bronzeville, later earning a bachelor’s in business administration from Robert Morris University and a master’s in nonprofit management from Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies.
Her tenure with the City of Chicago is marked by initiatives prioritizing sustainability, affordable housing and economic development. Key among these efforts is the Englewood Nature Trail, a green space initiative that repurposes an abandoned rail line to foster environmental sustainability, promote health and connect neighborhoods.
Coleman has spearheaded projects in housing that create hundreds of affordable and mixed-income units, ensuring longtime residents can remain in the community while attracting new families. Economic revitalization has also been a hallmark of her leadership, exemplified by the Argo-Eco District, a hub for green infrastructure and sustainable businesses that create local jobs and support community-based economic growth.
Her accomplishments extend to infrastructure improvements, such as modernized transportation, enhanced parks and youth engagement programs. She has reinvigorated local spaces like Lindblom Park through collaborative advisory councils, fostering community pride and inclusivity.
“I focus on staying deeply connected to the purpose behind my passion—knowing that each effort I make contributes to the growth and improvement of our community,” said Coleman.
Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Chicago Defender’s women of excellence award and recognition from the Illinois Women’s Institute of Leadership Training Academy.
Looking forward, Coleman envisions the 16th Ward as a model for community-driven development, with thriving businesses, improved housing and robust community engagement.
“By investing in forward-looking training, technology access, and career support systems, we can position the 16th Ward as a leader in preparing residents for the jobs of tomorrow, ensuring that our community not only keeps pace with the evolving workforce but actively contributes to and benefits from this growth,” she said.