Illinois State Representative Yolonda Morris reflects on 26 years as a nursing assistant and how those experiences shaped her leadership philosophy, advocacy work, and commitment to serving her community with humility and purpose.
Her Story
About Yolonda
State Representative Yolonda Morris serves Illinois’ 9th House District. Appointed to the Illinois General Assembly in September 2023, she brings decades of healthcare experience and a strong commitment to advocacy, leadership, and improving the lives of others.
A graduate of John Marshall High School, Morris began her journey in healthcare through the school’s Health Occupations program, earning her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She went on to dedicate 26 years to the healthcare profession, including eight years as a traveling CNA and 18 years in skilled nursing. Her firsthand experience caring for patients and advocating for healthcare workers helped shape her commitment to public service and her understanding of the challenges facing working families.
Her passion for advocacy extended beyond patient care. As a member of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Morris was elected union steward with the support of approximately 75 percent of her coworkers. In this role, she represented frontline workers advocated for fair treatment, wages and workplace protections.
Since joining the Illinois House of Representatives, Morris has championed and helped pass legislation advancing women’s healthcare, workers’ rights, accessibility, government accountability, and community development. Among her most notable achievements is the Illinois Menopause Equity and Care Act (House Bill 5284), landmark legislation expanding menopause awareness, access to medically necessary treatment, insurance coverage, and workplace protections.
Her legislative accomplishments also include expanding opportunities for certified nurse-midwives to provide home-birth services, strengthening oversight within Illinois’ human services system, and advancing protections for working families. She has also advocated for insurance coverage for medically necessary wigs for individuals experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment and other medical conditions.
As a member of the Illinois House Mental Health and Addiction Committee, Morris continues to advocate for stronger healthcare systems and resources for vulnerable populations.
She attributes her success to faith, hard work, perseverance, and a strong sense of purpose. Guided by integrity and a commitment to service, Morris remains dedicated to empowering women, uplifting communities, and creating meaningful change.
Her journey from the front lines of healthcare to the Illinois General Assembly reflects her belief that true leadership is measured by the difference one makes in the lives of others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yolonda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, dedication, faith, and perseverance. I have never allowed challenges to discourage me from pursuing my purpose. Throughout my journey, I have remained guided by my PIN: Purpose, Integrity, and Nobility. These principles have shaped my leadership, strengthened my commitment to serving others, and continue to guide me in everything I do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Lead with humility
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to get to know your elected officials. Get involved, volunteer, and ask questions. Learn who represents you and make sure their values align with yours.
Exercise your voice, and never be afraid to speak up. When you walk into those rooms, remember that the people sitting at those tables are human, just like you. You belong in those spaces, too.
And always remember, you owe yourself two things: to read and to ask questions. Knowledge gives you confidence, and your voice gives you power. Never underestimate either one.”
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in public service today is making sure the voices of everyday people are heard and that their needs are reflected in the decisions we make. Too many families are still struggling with access to affordable healthcare, economic stability, and the resources they need to thrive.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my personal life and public service are integrity, compassion, accountability, and respect.
I believe in treating people with dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances. My years working in healthcare taught me the importance of listening, showing compassion, and standing up for those who may not always have a voice. also value family, faith, and staying grounded in who I am. No matter what title I hold, I never want to lose sight of where I came from or the people I serve.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Yolonda
What 26 Years as a Nursing Assistant Taught Me About Leadership
How a Certified Nursing Assistant's 26-Year Career Shaped My Leadership Philosophy in the Illinois House
What 26 Years as a Nursing Assistant Taught Me About Leadership
By Illinois State Representative Yolonda Morris, 9th District
Before I ever voted on a bill in Springfield, my coworkers voted for me to represent them.
I was a certified nursing assistant when my coworkers elected me as their union steward. They trusted me to take their concerns to management. I learned that people remember whether you come back with an answer, especially after a difficult conversation.
I got my start in the Health Occupations program at John Marshall High School on Chicago's West Side, where I earned my CNA certification. I spent 26 years in healthcare, eight as a traveling CNA and 18 in skilled nursing. Part of my job was advocating for residents. I brought their concerns to the care team so their wishes could guide decisions about their care.
What I Saw at Home and on the Nursing Floor
I remember riding in the car with my mother when she asked me to roll down the window. She was having a hot flash. Years later, when I started having hot flashes myself, I thought back to that ride and understood what she had been feeling.
On the nursing floor, I worked alongside women who managed menopause symptoms while caring for others. I knew what it was like to show up for a shift after a sleepless night, with people already counting on me. Even among coworkers who knew each other well, menopause rarely came up.
Those experiences helped shape my work in the Illinois House. I championed the Illinois Menopause Equity and Care Act because a woman should be able to talk openly with her healthcare provider about her symptoms and understand her treatment options. She should also be able to ask for a reasonable accommodation at work without fear of discrimination.
The Experience You Bring into the Room Matters
When people ask me how to get involved in public service, my advice is simple: start with something you care about. Learn who makes the decisions, get involved in your community, attend meetings, and never be afraid to ask questions. Your voice and your experiences matter.
Having spent 26 years working in healthcare as a certified nursing assistant, I understand that the people closest to an issue often have the greatest insight into what needs to change. A policy may look good on paper, but those working on the front lines understand how it affects people in their everyday lives. Their perspectives deserve to be heard when decisions are being made.
One of the most valuable lessons I was taught was to always lead with humility. I carry that lesson into my work as a state legislator. Leadership requires listening, understanding different perspectives, and recognizing how our decisions affect the people we serve.
My journey in advocacy began long before I entered the Illinois General Assembly. When my coworkers placed their trust in me to represent them as a union steward, I understood the responsibility that came with their confidence. That same sense of responsibility guides me today as I represent the residents of Illinois' 9th District.
I believe meaningful leadership is not about the position you hold, but the responsibility you accept and the difference you make. Every experience, every challenge, and every opportunity to serve has reinforced my commitment to leading with purpose, integrity, and humility.
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