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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indivisible Illinois Endorses Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth for 48th Ward Alderperson

Indivisible Illinois, a progressive, grassroots organization with chapters around the state, is proud to endorse Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth in her bid to represent the 48th ward on the Chicago City Council.

Leni is the embodiment of all that the progressive movement represents. Her entire life has been devoted to improving the lives of ordinary people like herself through political change and social reform. As a lifelong resident of Chicago and the child of immigrants, she knows the hard work and determination it takes to live and thrive in Chicago, through her own lived experience.

Leni is a long-time small-business owner in Andersonville. With her business experience, she is well-placed to represent other small-business owners in the 48th ward when they have needs or issues with the city.
Leni was born and raised in Chicago and attended Chicago public schools, as have her children. She was recently active in organizing parents of Jones College Prep High School to fight against harassment and discrimination at the school. She is now eager to pursue reform of the entire public school system.
As a member of two targeted communities (Asian-American and LGBTQ+), she knows intimately the problems and fear of violence faced by minority communities. She is committed to working with all groups to prevent discrimination and ensure safety, regardless of ethnic or religious origin.
In 2017, she co-founded Indivisible Illinois to promote progressive policies throughout the state. The organization now has chapters from the Wisconsin border to the southern tip of the state, including Andersonville’s Indivisible IL9. She is also the co-founder of the Indivisible Illinois Racism, Equity, and Inclusion team.
A big believer in motivating people to vote, Leni founded ILVOTE, a non-partisan voter registration organization certified by the Illinois State Board of Elections. ILVOTE actively engages with everyone from high school students to seniors to ensure that every eligible citizen registers and turns out to vote. The group, which started with two chapters in Chicago and Cook County, now has several chapters throughout the state.

Says Scott Cross, Indivisible Illinois co-founder and co-leader, “Leni is an inspiring and amazing person to work with. She’s the kind of person who enjoys helping people and changing things for the better. I know she will work tirelessly for the residents of the 48th ward because she loves this community. For all these reasons, there is no doubt in our minds that the only choice for 48th ward alderperson is Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth.”

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Terry Maher

Terry Maher's journalism career spans four decades. After several years covering East Central Illinois for Crain's Chicago Business, her career shifted to writing, editing, and producing newsletters, annual reports, and exhibit catalogs for many departments and colleges at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Most recently, she was the press secretary and newsletter writer/editor for Bend the Arc Jewish Action Champaign-Urbana. Terry has also had a long career as a professional bassoonist. She is currently a member of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, on whose union orchestra committee she serves, and Heartland Festival Orchestra (Peoria). She lives in Champaign-Urbana.

**PRESS RELEASE**

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indivisible Illinois Endorses Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth for 48th Ward Alderperson

Indivisible Illinois, a progressive, grassroots organization with chapters around the state, is proud to endorse Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth in her bid to represent the 48th ward on the Chicago City Council.

Leni is a long-time small-business owner in Andersonville. With her business experience, she is well-placed to represent other small-business owners in the 48th ward when they have needs or issues with the city.

As a member of two targeted communities (Asian-American and LGBTQ+), she knows intimately the problems and fear of violence faced by minority communities. She is committed to working with all groups to prevent discrimination and ensure safety, regardless of ethnic or religious origin.

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PRESS RELEASE