6/14/17 – Illinois Senate Honors Nia Odeoti-Hassan for decades of service

After over three decades of serving the State of Illinois, Nia Odeoti-Hassan, affectionately called Sister Nia by the Muslim community of Illinois, is retiring. She started as an intern during her sabbatical from college, and thought that her time there would end upon the completion of the internship. Her stay lasted 36 years thereafter, and she became a big asset to Senators. To show their appreciation for Nia, various Senators on the floor spoke out to share memories they had together, and thanked her for the help she provided throughout the years. Multiple Senators, including Senator Jacqueline Collins, thanked Nia for introducing her to the large Muslim community of Illinois, a community she did not have much exposure to previously. Senate President John J. Cullerton, who Nia worked directly with as the Policy Analyst for the Senate Public Health Committee and the Senate Environment Committee, thanked her for introducing the Senate Page Program in partnership with CIOGC during Illinois Muslim Action Day (IMAD). Through this program, high school and university students got a chance to shadow a State Senator during IMAD to see how the legislative process works. On behalf of the Muslim community of Illinois, CIOGC would like to thank Nia for her contributions and congratulate her on her retirement.