This week's episode of Fearless, Inspired and Free shares a conversation with a strong woman leader in the non-profit/public service space. A story of resilience, persistence and insistence upon her voice being heard from as early as six years old growing up in the foster care system, to becoming the lawyer she always wanted to be; serving communities in an equitable manner. You don't want to miss this conversation! 

"Advocate, empowering, dedicated, kind, effective"...all words used by her peers to describe their experiences of engagement with her. But don’t take our word for it…tune in and listen for yourself today.

Lanetta Haynes Turner is renowned as the longest-serving Chief of Staff for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (in Chicago, IL) where she plays a pivotal role in steering the administration's agenda through policy development, program implementation, budget management, and executive functions.

Before her tenure as Chief of Staff, Lanetta served as Deputy Chief of Staff, focusing on shaping the President's policy initiatives and pioneering the creation of the office's inaugural comprehensive strategic plan, with a particular emphasis on advancing racial equity. Additionally, she served as the Executive Director of the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, dedicated to driving criminal and juvenile justice reform in alignment with the President's vision.

Lanetta's dedication to advocating for youth stems from her personal experiences within the Illinois foster care system during her childhood. With over two decades of legal, nonprofit, and public sector experience, she exemplifies a steadfast commitment to public service and improving the lives of society's most vulnerable.

Educated at Northwestern University, Lanetta holds a degree in Education and Social Policy, complemented by a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law. She commenced her career as an attorney with the City of Chicago before transitioning to the nonprofit sector as an attorney with Life Span Center for Legal Services and Advocacy. Notably, she served as the Executive Director of CASA of Cook County for five years and as the inaugural Executive Director for Cook County Justice for Children.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to public service, Lanetta was honored in 2023 with the prestigious Excellence in Public Service Award, by The Civic Federation, underscoring her impact and leadership within the public sector. She has also participated as a Civic Leadership Academy Fellow at the University of Chicago and was a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow.

In past years, Lanetta has been recipient of the Athena International Young Nonprofit Professional and was named one of the "100 Women to Watch" by Today's Chicago Women Magazine.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Lanetta remains actively engaged in professional associations, including memberships with the Black Women's Lawyer's Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, reflecting her commitment to fostering community and advancing the interests of underrepresented groups, women and children. You can find Lanetta on LinkedIn.