Meet Toni Brooks

Born and raised in Chicago, Toni Brooks is a community-driven leader, U.S. Army National Guard veteran, and nonprofit founder dedicated to building a safer, stronger, and more inclusive city. As the first woman in her family to join the U.S. Armed Forces, she has built her life around service, whether in uniform, in the corporate sector, or at home caring for her aging parents, including her mother after a stroke. Toni also serves on the board of the public safety nonprofit Rescue 8, where she works to advance violence prevention, safety in homes, neighborhood stability, career readiness and placement in First Responding + Public Safety, inducing trust between communities and institutions.

Toni is a proud graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she earned two Bachelor of Science degrees: Business Management (with dual specializations in Management Information Systems and Entrepreneurship), and Marketing. She later returned to SIUC to complete her MBA with dual specializations in Finance and Business Analytics, equipping her with the financial, analytical, and strategic expertise needed to lead a diverse city with responsibility and innovation.

Her professional career in business development centered on helping organizations strengthen profitability while expanding their commitment to serve the communities that welcomed them. Toni went on to found the Toni Brooks Foundation, a nonprofit that supports female veterans, domestic violence survivors, foster youth & young adults, and senior citizens transitioning to independence. Her work has impacted thousands of lives and reflects her belief that every resident deserves safety, dignity, and opportunity.

As a candidate for Chicago, Toni brings a vision grounded in transparency, accountability, equity, and authentic community empowerment. She understands the challenges families face because she has lived them – right on Chicago soil. Toni is running to ensure every neighborhood has the resources, respect, and opportunity it deserves.