biography

 Aja Kearney, a Chicago native, is a lifelong southside resident, wife and mother.  She is a 2001 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  She is also a 2006 graduate of the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership (IWIL).  While in high school, Aja spent many evenings and weekends tagging along with her mother, an assistant to the late Alderman Lorraine Dixon, attending meetings, community events and just hanging around the office.  It was in those moments that her love for being a servant for the community grew and her insight into the political process was born.

After returning home from college, Aja re-connected with  the community after being asked to hold the position of treasurer for the 8th Ward Young Democrats.  As a young democrat, Aja learned about the importance of grassroots organizing through the leadership of the late Committeeman John H. Stroger, Jr.  On weekends, Aja and other young democrats would visit residents in the community to disseminate pertinent information about community events and become a listening ear for their concerns and service requests.  Aja went on to become City Vice-Chairman for the Cook County Young Democrats.  She was then elected as Chairman.  As Chairman, Aja held community service events, fundraising activities and monthly meetings throughout Cook County allowing other young people from various communities to engage in the political process.  Aja also began working to strengthen the relationship between the young democrats and the Democratic Party.  She built relationships with Democratic Committeemen, such as former 6th ward Alderman Freddrenna M. Lyle, fostering a relationship between current elected officials and future leaders.  Aja was also elected as Minority Vice-Chair for the Young Democrats of America Minority Caucus which afforded her the opportunity to travel around the country in support of the Democratic agenda.  Locally, Aja moved on to be the Vice-President of the 8th Ward Young Democrats.  

Aja has worked in various governmental positions. She was an intern with the City of Chicago during her high school years.  After college, she returned to Chicago and began working for Cook County Government.  Aja worked in several departments over her almost ten-year career including the Office of the Cook County Board President.  After leaving county government, Aja took some time to raise her daughter and start a small business.  Aja has owned several small businesses over the years.  After looking to rejoin the workforce, she was led to a position at Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church as an assistant to the Church Administrator.  Under the direction of Pastor Rev. Dr. Leon D. Finney, Jr., a grassroots organizer in the Woodlawn community, Aja continued her journey of community service through church and community activities.  Aja has worked for the state government, most recently holding the position of District Director for State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr. - 33rd legislative district.  In 2022, Aja worked as the Southside Field Coordinator for the Alexi Giannoulias Campaign for Illinois Secretary of State.

Trustworthy, committed and steadfast, Aja is poised and ready to serve.