Joliet Township names Bonilla as new clerk

Joliet Township — Estefany Bonilla is the new clerk for Joliet Township after being sworn in at the township board’s Tuesday meeting.

Bonilla is a lifelong Joliet Township resident who previously served as deputy clerk for the township starting in fall 2023. She applied for the clerk role after previous Clerk Alicia Morales became the township supervisor July 16 after Angel Contreras resigned from the supervisor position.

Contreras pleaded guilty in July to aggravated driving under the influence and aggravated driving with a revoked license.

Bonilla was selected by Morales and the township trustees from a pool of several candidates.

According to a statement from the township announcing her appointment, Bonilla was “instrumental in preparing bids; organizing board meeting agendas and minutes; coordinating the annual town hall meeting; and serving as a [Freedom of Information Act] officer, notary and deputy registrar” in her role as deputy clerk. “She also took on additional duties by assisting with webpage management,” the township said.

“Estefany’s dedication and technical skills have already made a significant impact on our township’s operations,” Morales said in the release. “I am excited to see how she will continue to enhance our records management and voter registration process in her new role.”

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the community where I grew up and continue to call home,” Bonilla said in the release. “I will work diligently to preserve the township’s history and ensure the accuracy of our records for the future.”

Bonilla moved to the Joliet area with her family as a young child and graduated from Joliet Township High Schools, where she was a member of the JROTC program.

“The JROTC program changed my life for the better,” Bonilla said in the township statement. “Special thanks to Col. White for instilling the values of self-discipline, leadership and community service in me.”

After high school, Bonilla attended the Art Institute of Chicago, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with honors in 2018 and began working as a graphic designer.