Precious Brady-Davis has been sworn in as commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), marking a historic milestone as the first Black transgender woman elected in Cook County.
Additionally, Brady-Davis is believed to be the first Black trans woman in the nation to serve on a water reclamation district.
Brady-Davis initially joined the MWRD in 2023 through an appointment by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to fill a vacancy. After securing her position through a successful election, she is set to serve an additional two years.
“Eighteen months ago, when Gov. JB Pritzker appointed me to serve, I knew this was the beginning of a full democratic process,” Brady-Davis said after her swearing-in ceremony, as reported by Windy City Times. “Now, after completing an election cycle and winning a two-year term, I will be forever grateful to Gov. Pritzker for the opportunity he bestowed upon me.”
Joining Brady-Davis in the swearing-in ceremony were commissioners Marcelino Garcia, Kari Steele, and Sharon Waller, who will serve full six-year terms.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who officiated the ceremony, praised Brady-Davis as a “trailblazer” committed to environmental, social, and economic justice.
Reflecting on her historic achievement, Brady-Davis acknowledged the weight of her role amid today’s political climate:
“It weighs extra heavy on me, especially given the political climate, but I believe that when people see themselves reflected in the arc of history, they say, ‘I can be that too.’ And while being trans is one part of me, it is not all of me. I feel like I’m debunking stereotypes, and I hope that my representation shows that trans people are valuable members of society.”
A seasoned advocate, Brady-Davis brings a wealth of experience in social justice, environmental activism, and nonprofit leadership.
She currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer at the Center on Halsted, an LGBTQ+ community center, and previously held the role of communications director for the Sierra Club.
In her new term, Brady-Davis aims to tackle critical challenges at the MWRD, including aging infrastructure, climate change, and water protection, ensuring that her historic appointment leads to meaningful change.
