The 2021 Social Justice Impact Hero recipient, social activism runs in Tanya Lozano’s blood. Her uncle was Chicago-based activist Rudy Lozano and her mother, Emma Lozano is also a well-known community activist in Chicago. In 2014, Tanya poured her passion for sports and physical fitness into founding the non-profit organization, Healthy Hood Chicago. The organization, which is based in Pilsen, uses wellness education to combat the life expectancy gap for underprivileged Chicagoans. In April 2020, Tanya pivoted her organization to help vulnerable communities in Chicago, lacking resources during the pandemic. Through the We Got Us initiative, Tanya joined forces with community groups to provide food and masks to thousands of families. We Got Us has expanded its services to include a neighborhood pantry, hot meal delivery, wellness checks and COVID-19 testing sites on the city’s South and West Sides. Tanya’s dedication to community service hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2020, she was named Chicagoan of the Year by Chicago Magazine among other recognitions.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the American Red Cross of Illinois is proud to honor neighbors and leaders like Tanya who are shaping a better future for our communities. The organization celebrates the everyday heroes in our communities and honors their acts of great bravery, dedication, and service through their annual Heroes Breakfast event. The event also serves as a way for the organization to highlight partnerships with corporations like BMO Harris Bank that make the lifesaving mission possible. The Red Cross is prepared to respond to more than 60,000 disasters nationwide because of the support of donors like BMO Harris Bank.
BMO Harris Bank believes everyone has an opportunity to act as change makers and role models, which is why it is honored to sponsor the Social Justice Hero Award. BMO Harris Bank’s purpose is to Boldly Grow the Good in Business and Life. Its values of integrity, empathy, diversity and responsibility align with the Red Cross of Illinois’ important work and it is proud to be a partner in impact. BMO Harris Bank has community initiatives ranged from combatting racial injustice to supporting the global effort to address climate change. Its commitment to growing the good – for an inclusive society, for a thriving economy, for a sustainable future – underpins everything it does.” Learn more about the 2021 Red Cross Heroes and nominate a Hero in your life here.
