Dr. Mildred C. Harris, Founder & CEO of God First Ministries, Hosts Prestigious Celebration in Chicago 

Kari K. Steele, President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners, received a Leadership Award from Dr. Mildred C. Harris, founder & CEO of God First Ministries, during the God First Ministries Chicago Community Breakfast on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Dr. Harris said that President Steele was selected for her extraordinary leadership skills, achievements, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence in all endeavors. The honor also reflects the hard work and determination that President Steele has exhibited during her tenure as President of the MWRD. 

“Your significant contributions have made a positive impact in your field of expertise and have also served to inspire those around you,” said Dr. Harris. “Thank you for sharing your gift and talents and living life on purpose.” 

Other guests and honorees included faith-based and business leaders, elected officials, and community leaders from across the region. God First Church and Ministries is a not-for-profit community-based organization founded by Dr. Mildred C. Harris and incorporated in the State of Illinois. The ministry began with only a handful of women located in the Chicagoland area who traveled weekly to different locations to pray for the needs of others.

“I feel immensely blessed and humbled to have been recognized at the God First Ministries,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "It was truly a privilege to be surrounded by such inspiring individuals dedicated to serving our community.” 

It was a special occasion for acknowledging those who are committed to serving and uplifting communities. Forty honorees were acknowledged for their leadership and unwavering contributions to the communities they serve. It is always an uplifting occasion when women who lead can gather and share their wisdom with others to further their missions of change and improvements for the communities they serve.