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Carmen Morales

Class of 1977

Carmen Morales attended Joliet Junior College from 1975-77 earning her Associates Degree in Accounting.

Carmen's journey began in Mexico City, where she was born. She came to Joliet at a young age. Carmen attended St. Francis Academy, Joliet Junior College and Lewis University where she gained a degree in accounting. She has been employed at NICOR Gas for 26 years and has served as Director of Community Relations since 1997. Carmen and her husband John also own and operate The Great American Bagel on Essington Road in Joliet. She is a member of CWW and is a former member of the Chamber Board of Directors (having served six years).

Her volunteer leadership roles include serving on the Salvation Army Capital Campaign, Joliet Public Library Board, Grundy County Economic Development Council Board, Will County Center for Economic Development Board Member, Vice President of the Christian Youth Center, Silver Cross Community Trustee, Board Member of Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, member of the President's Council of Lewis University and University of St. Francis Advisory and Diversity Council, a member of the United Way of Will County Allocation Committee.

Dedication to community leadership has earned her many awards including the Girl Scouts of Trailways Council "Women of Strength" award; Lewis University Alumni Achievement Award for Civic Leadership; the 1999 United Way of Will County Roger Osman Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service and the Black and Hispanic Achievers Award sponsored by the Chicago Tribune and Metropolitan Chicago YMCA. Carmen is also the 2004 Athena recipient. The Athena Award is presented annually to area leaders who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their profession, their community and to the advancement of women.

"As a graduate of Joliet Junior College, I am pleased and honored to have started my college experience at the best community college in the state. Remembering the English I spoke at that time and being my second language, it was difficult for me to keep up. Nevertheless, the support services of the Learning Center and the caring people like Mrs. Miller, made all the difference. We must take responsibility and advantage of the many services provided during our educational experience. It truly makes a difference."