Working Mom. Urban Planner. Community advocate.
Meet Josina.
Josina Morita is an urban planner, community advocate, working mother, and Cook County Commissioner for the 13th District. She is committed to making Cook County more equitable.
Daughter of civil rights activists, working mother of two children, and current Cook County Commissioner for the 13th District, Josina Morita is running for re-election to continue serving Cook County, making it a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive community.
As an urban planner and nonprofit leader, Josina is dedicated to addressing inequities and advancing sustainable solutions. For over 20 years, she has fought for racial justice and authored Illinois’ first-ever legislative report card in racial equity.
Inspired by pioneering women leaders like Judge Sandra Otaka and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. Josina made history herself as the first Asian American woman to serve on the Cook County Board. She brought more than $25 million to the district—maintaining a balanced budget with no new taxes—and Cook County earned three credit upgrades in three years.
Josina is the founding chair of the Asian American Caucus and the country’s first Mamas Caucus. She sits on the National Blue Ribbon Commission for On-Site Non-Potable Water Systems and the bi-national Great Lakes Commission as well.
Josina holds a BA in Sociology and International Race Relations from Pitzer College and a Master’s in Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Awards and Recognition
Josina has been locally and nationally recognized for her work in human rights, racial equity, and water justice:
2007—Named one of the top 35 leaders under 35 fighting racism and poverty in Chicago by the Community Renewal Society.
2013—Received the Emerging Leader Award from the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform and the Breaking Barriers Award from the Chicago Foundation for Women.
2016—Named one of 50 Young Asian American Stars in Politics by Asian Fortune magazine.
2017—Received the Spirit of the River Award.
2018—Recognized as a National Water Hero by WaterNow.
2019—Named number 22 of the 40 People Who Made a Difference in the Last 40 Years by Friends of the Chicago River.
2023—Honor Roll Award from the North Branch Restoration Project
2023—Phenomenal Woman Award from Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx
2023—Legislator of the Year Award from the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois
2024—Received a Friend of the Cook County Farm Bureau Award