Meet Justice Joy V. Cunningham: A 2024 Women of Excellence Honoree

Judge Joy Virginia Cunningham is a trailblazer, breaking barriers as the first African-American woman from Cook County to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Cunningham will be recognized at the 17th Annual Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Awards and Ceremony as one of 50 honorees. “The Chicago Defender is a part of history. It is not only part of African-American history, but I would venture to say that it is part of American history because of the stature of the publication,” she said. To be named a Women of Excellence honoree of such an important publication means a lot to me. It’s a great honor, and it’s humbling.” In an exclusive interview, Justice Cunningham, who recently secured a full 10-year term on the state’s Supreme Court, shared her thoughts on this prestigious recognition and reflected on her impactful career. A distinguished educational and professional background marks Cunningham’s journey to the state’s highest court. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the City University of New York and her law degree from John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Before her judicial career, she held key positions, including Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for the Northwestern Memorial...