In a special meeting Monday, Chicago's City Council unanimously voted to approve Nicole Lee as the new alderman for Chicago's 11th Ward, making her the ward's first Asian American alderperson.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot first announced Lee as her pick to replace former Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson last week.
Lee, who currently serves as director of social impact and community engagement for United Airlines, is also the first woman to serve as alderman of the 11th ward, which includes neighborhoods like Bridgeport, Chinatown and more.
“The 11th Ward is a diverse community of hard-working people who embody the grit, love, and neighborhood pride that make Chicago a great city,” Lee said in a statement. “It’s a tremendous honor to receive this appointment to serve my fellow residents of the 11th Ward.”
Lee is a graduate of Indiana University and has a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago.
Lightfoot said Lee "is the right choice" to represent the ward in City Council.
“Nicole Lee has spent her life expanding and amplifying 11th ward issues and voices,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “Her dedication to empowering communities and building coalitions is evident in her career and in her involvement in a variety of community organizations."
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Lightfoot said last month that the city was beginning the process to fill Thompson's vacancy. She said the city was planning for an "open and transparent process to fill the vacancy with a qualified public servant that represents the values of the residents of the 11th Ward and the City of Chicago."
Thompson was found guilty last month of lying to federal regulators and cheating on his tax returns for five years.
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