Senator Lakesia Collins ** represents **Illinois Senate District 5, a Chicago native born in 1985. A single mother of three boys, she experienced homelessness as a teen, which drives her advocacy for youth in care, seniors, working families, education, public safety, affordable housing, and mental health. She focuses on development without displacement in her district. Notable achievements include spearheading 2010 nursing home staffing reform legislation, serving as Fight for $15 spokesperson, receiving the 2019 Florence Criley Award from the Chicago Coalition of Labor Women, Lawndale Christian Development Corporation award , Champion of North Lawndale , and ACLU Champion of the Year .

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Proviso East High School; attended Illinois Chicago School of Labor.
• Political Experience: Certified Nursing Assistant in nursing homes; labor organizer and executive board member for SEIU Healthcare Illinois ; founded Future Fighters for worker rights. Elected to Illinois House District 9 , where she chaired the Illinois House Black Caucus; appointed to Illinois Senate District 5 in 2023 and serves as a full-time legislator.