Rita Ali

Rita Ali is an American politician, educator, and community leader serving as the 47th Mayor of Peoria, the first woman and first African American to hold the office. A member of the Democratic Party, she assumed office on May 4, 2021, after a career spanning decades in workforce development, higher education administration, and civic engagement within Central Illinois. Her administration focuses on economic revitalization, public safety, and equity initiatives for the city of Peoria, Illinois.

Early life and education

Rita Ali was born and raised in the South End neighborhood of Peoria, Illinois, where her family had deep roots in the local community. She attended Peoria Public Schools, graduating from Manual High School before pursuing higher education at Bradley University. At Bradley, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, laying the foundation for her future work in community and economic development. She later obtained a Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois Springfield, further enhancing her skills in leadership and social services.

Career

Before entering politics, Ali built an extensive career focused on workforce training and educational access. She served as the Vice President of Diversity, International, and Adult Student Services at Illinois Central College, where she developed programs to support non-traditional students and foster inclusive learning environments. Her professional work also included leadership roles at the Tri-County Urban League and directorship of the Dream Center Peoria, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth mentorship and family support. She served on numerous boards, including the Peoria Housing Authority and the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, advocating for job creation and skills development across the region.

Political career

Ali's political career began with her election to the Peoria City Council as an At-large councilwoman in 2017, where she chaired the Innovation Team and served on committees for Economic Development and Public Safety. In the 2021 Peoria mayoral election, she defeated incumbent Jim Ardis, making history as the city's first female and first African American mayor. As mayor, she has launched initiatives like the Peoria Innovation Alliance to attract technology startups and has worked closely with Caterpillar Inc., the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, and OSF HealthCare to stabilize the local economy. She also serves on the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and has been active in addressing issues of gun violence through community-based intervention programs.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Ali has received numerous accolades for her community service and leadership. She was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service Award from the Peoria NAACP and the Athena Leadership Award from the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. Her work in education was recognized by Bradley University with a Distinguished Alumni Award, and she has been featured by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for her contributions to workforce development. In 2022, she was named one of the "Women of Influence" by the Peoria Journal Star.

Personal life

Rita Ali is married to John Ali, and the couple has two adult children. She is an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Peoria and has long been involved with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the USA, reflecting her commitment to youth development. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and has participated in community beautification projects with Keep Peoria Beautiful. Her family has been recognized for their philanthropic support of local institutions like the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Peoria Public Library.

Category:1958 births Category:American women in politics Category:Mayors of Peoria, Illinois Category:Bradley University alumni Category:University of Illinois Springfield alumni Category:Living people