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We See You Employee Recognition Program

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¿ì²¥ÊÓÆµ Employee Appreciation graphic with the words "WE SEE YOU" made from smaller photos of employees.

 

The ¿ì²¥ÊÓÆµ We See You Employee Recognition Program is designed to foster a culture of belonging by appreciating and acknowledging the contributions of our valued colleagues at the park district. The We See You slogan supports the idea that Workplace Encouragement Creates Unity, or #WECU. This initiative is employee-driven and spearheaded by the Employee Relations Sub-Committee of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team.

Winners are selected in the Fall and Spring in each of the following categories:

  • Customer Service
    Consistently delivers exceptional service to internal or external customers.  They ensure customer satisfaction by addressing needs promptly, providing helpful guidance, and fostering positive relationships.
  • Innovation
    Demonstrates creativity, problem-solving skills, and willingness to challenge conventional methods.  Their innovative contributions lead to improved processes, products or services fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Leadership
    Inspires and guides their team to achieve excellence.  They demonstrate integrity, vision and the ability to motivate and empower others, driving the organization towards its goals.
  • Team Player
    Demonstrates exceptional collaboration and support, contributing to a positive team dynamic and helps colleagues achieve common goals.
  • Unsung Hero
    Goes above and beyond their role, demonstrating dedication, reliability and a commitment to excellence.

Spring 2025 Winners

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Customer Service

Constance McNeil, Human Resources Technician @ HQ

"Constance always has great customer service.  She is very knowledgeable and loves what she does and it shows!  She is very informative, always providing useful information when it comes to my questions on benefits."  

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Innovation

Patricia Perez, Arts and Craft Instructor @ Eugene Field

"Patricia Perez is a remarkable individual known for her incredible creativity and deep commitment to philanthropy. Her artistic talents shine through in every project she undertakes, inspiring those around her. Beyond her creative pursuits, Patricia dedicates much of her time to uplifting her community, tirelessly working on initiatives that support those in need. Her genuine love for helping others is evident in her compassionate approach, making a lasting impact on countless lives. Patricia embodies the spirit of generosity and innovation, reminding us all of the power of kindness and creativity."

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Leadership

Liz Trench, (M) Physical Instructor @ Hale Park

"Liz is a professional that has mastered her craft and beyond.  It was on full display at her Gym Showcase called the Greatest Hits.  Her love for her patrons, families and community was not only visible as she lived out and made the ¿ì²¥ÊÓÆµs mission come alive, but was felt throughout by all in attendance.  Liz's leadership and commitment to mastering her craft made this experience come alive and she does this daily and consistently at Hale Park."

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Woman smiles holding a "We See You" award certificate.

Team Player

Araceli Vazquez - (M) Physical Instructor @ Park 596

"Araceli is an exceptional Team Player. Since she has moved to Park 596 as an Physical Instructor, she has shown interest in learning ASL and quickly joined the class. Since then, Araceli volunteered her time in creating and making 4 different Holiday Craft samples for all of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing children." 

Unsung Hero(s) 

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Dylan Smith, Program and Event Coordinator @ South Shore Cultural Center

"Dylan is a great collaborator and very resourceful. Dylan is a jack of all trades - creatively, programmatically, and logistically thoughtful. He holds many talents and really cares about providing top-notch arts and cultural programs for the South Shore community. While organizing last Summer's day camp, he also made time to check in with all the youth and staff every day, starting with an emotional grounding moment. Dylan always brings a bright energy and outlook to the South Shore Cultural Center."

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Laura Greinke, Human Resource Manager @ HQ

"Laura Greinke is the engine behind our summer success. She is responsible for hiring all of our seasonal staff—a task that is absolutely critical to the smooth running of every Culture, Arts, and Nature (CAN) summer program. Year after year, Laura goes above and beyond to ensure that the onboarding process is efficient, thoughtful, and well-organized. Her behind-the-scenes dedication often goes unseen, but without her, these programs simply wouldn’t be possible. Laura truly is an unsung hero, and it’s time she got the recognition she deserves."

    • Customer Service: Jennifer Puttin, Special Project Assistant, Finance Department
    • Innovation: Sonica Ruiz, Program Specialist – Garfield Park
    • Leadership: Stacey Anti, North Region Director, Warren Park
    • Team Player: Robert Quinones, Supervisor, Calumet Park
    • Unsung Hero: Chris Wiesyk, Attendant, Shabbona Park