The longest serving member of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners was honored with two awards earlier this month, celebrating her noteworthy contributions to both local communities and the broader Chicago area.

MWRD Commissioner and former President Mariyana Spyropoulos received the "Amazing Women of Rich Township" accolade from Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan and the Rich Township Board of Trustees.  This award honors women who make a difference in the south suburbs and was presented with over 200 business leaders, elected officials and civic leaders gathered in celebration of Women’s History Month. The event took place at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park on March 7. 

Further highlighting her outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to empowerment and advocacy, Commissioner Spyropoulos was also presented with the "Women Making History" award by Dr. Annetta Wilson, president, Chicago Midwest Section Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) at the Columbus Park Refectory on March 21. Founded in 1935, NCNW is comprised of 330 campus and community-based sections and 33 national women’s organizations that enlighten, inspire, and connect more than 2,000,000 women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities.

"I am truly honored to be in the company of all of these amazing women making history," said Commissioner Spyropoulos. “I will work hard to be worthy of such recognition."

Commissioner Spyropoulos was first elected to the MWRD Board of Commissioners in 2010 and re-elected in 2016 and 2022. Her leadership roles within the MWRD include serving as Chairman of Finance from 2013 to 2015 and as President of the Board from 2015 to 2019. Currently, she chairs the Judiciary Committee and the Pension, Human Resources, and Civil Service Committee, in addition to her role as Trustee for the MWRD Retirement Fund. Throughout her illustrious career, Commissioner Spyropoulos has been the recipient of numerous awards, reflecting her unwavering commitment to public service and community betterment.