Commission on Human Rights Meetings & Commissioners

Human Rights Commissioners

The Cook County Commission on Human Rights is an eleven-member board appointed by the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, subject to the advice and consent of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Human Rights Commissioners must be residents of Cook County and may not be employed by Cook County government during their term. Human Rights Commissioners serve a renewable three-year term without financial compensation.

Appointees to the Cook County Commission of Human Rights have a strong commitment to, and involvement in, issues related to civil rights and/or fair compensation for labor. They are committed to making Cook County a better place to live and work.

• Jack Block
• Charles Isaacs
• Michael Lapinski
• Gia Orr, Vice Chair
• Hedy Ratner
• Pushkar Sharma
• Amber Smock
• Sufyan Sohel, Chair
• Rev. Richard L. Tolliver
• Shobhana Verma

Message from our Chair

Thank you for visiting the Commission’s webpage. As Chair of the Commission on Human Rights, I am continually reminded that this work rarely moves in sudden strides. It moves in steady, deliberate steps.

Each step is rooted in the belief that dignity is not a privilege granted by power, but a promise owed to all.

 I have been humbled by the resilience of the communities we serve and inspired by the quiet acts of courage that shape our collective future. From workers demanding fair treatment to neighbors standing up against hate, each story reminds us why this work matters.

I extend my deepest gratitude to President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Board of Commissioners for their unwavering support, and to the Commission staff whose tireless dedication protects the rights of those who live and work in Cook County.

It is an honor to serve alongside Vice Chair Gia Orr and my fellow Commissioners. And to the people of Cook County, thank you for your trust, your truth, and your continued belief in justice. You are the heart of our mission.

In solidarity,

Sufyan Sohel

Chair, Cook County Commission on Human Rights

Meetings of the Commission

Regular meetings of the Cook County Commission on Human Rights are held on the second Thursday of every other month (unless designated otherwise). The meetings are held at 10:00 a.m. at 69 W. Washington Street, 22^nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60602.

2026 MEETING SCHEDULE

Meetings of the Commission are open to the public and include time for members of the public to provide the Commission with written and/or oral comments. If you need any other assistance to attend, please contact the Commission at least 72 hours prior to the date of the scheduled meeting at 312.603.1100.

Next Meeting

Public Meeting Notice | January 29, 2026

Meeting Agenda | January 29, 2026

Click here to join the meeting

Click here to submit a notice of public statement

Previous Meeting

Public Notice | November 13, 2025

Meeting Agenda | November 13, 2025