The Marion Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its mission, members and community at its 102nd annual awards celebration on Friday, January 20, 2023, at The Pavilion in Marion. The program will feature presentations by the Chamber, elected officials, and 2022 award winners.

One of the awards that will be given during the event is the Young Professional Leader Award. The Young Professional Leader Award is given to an individual who demonstrates excellence and initiative in their business or profession and is under the age of 40. This award is sponsored by SIU Credit Union.

Members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce were asked to submit nominations from October-November for the award. This year, the Chamber opened up the selection of the winner to its membership through voting that began in November and officially ended December 1.

The 2022 Young Professional Leader Award finalists are:

·       Jamie Gibbs

·       Laura Charirez

·       Cierra Johnson

Jamie Gibbs

Gibbs serves as a section manager of human resources at Aisin Electronics Illinois, a company she’s been with for more than a decade. During her time at Aisin Electronics Illinois, she has been responsible for implementing company policies, recruiting and hiring, salary and benefit administration, team member relationships, and training. She is actively engaged with team member activities, including the employee of the month program, rock/paper/scissors competitions, and manager cookouts.

Prior to Aisin Electronics Illinois, Gibbs worked as a staffing personnel, during which she was recognized as a top recruiter.

Gibbs has made a big impact within the local communities, including participating in Toys for Tots, Lutheran Social Service’s donations to children in foster care, and many other charitable events and causes. Gibbs has also participated in numerous food and blood drives.

Laura Chairez

Chairez, was born of immigrant parents looking for the American dream. Chairez moved around in the Midwest working her way up in the restaurant business until she eventually opened her own restaurant. Her restaurant won a Best Mexican Restaurant in Southern Illinois distinction for two years in a row. 

Chairez has blazed a trail for women who may be considering opening up their own Mexican restaurant.

She prides herself in using fresh, local fruits to make her famous "paletas," in order to promote local farms and build relationships with local farmers.

Chairez's love for her culture and the people of southern Illinois is evident as she shares her country's recipes, music, and art with everyone she meets. 

One of Laura's favorite moments is making children smile. She has read to children at a local elementary and at a summer reading program. Additionally, she has opened her restaurant's kitchen to educate area students on the process of making popsicles, supported local girls scouts, and has carved out time out of her schedule to go on a mission trip to Panama to help women and children in need this past year. 

Laura is married and has a beautiful blended family that includes countless plants. When she is not running her business and getting involved in the community when possible, her and her husband, a life coach for students with learning disabilities, like to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. 

"I feel honored to know that there are people who are seeing the work and sacrifice I make for my business and the people around me, knowing that I simply do it from my heart,” Chairez said.

Cierra Johnson

Johnson is a local gal who grew up in Chicago. She is a wife, mother, philanthropist and the founder and CEO of the emerging nonprofit Fighting Cancer Today.

In 2019, Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer and was “in a very dark place.”

“Through questioning many things, I began to look for answers and support to navigate the parts of the cancer journey that people don’t talk about, the parts that people don’t see. With support, I could move forward in igniting a special kind of change in the place I call home, Southern Illinois. I have experienced firsthand the lemons life can throw at us all, and I am committed to using my experience to give others hope and support while battling cancer. While I am still battling cancer, I will not lose hope and will continue looking for opportunities to encourage others to do the same.”

Johnson said that giving up was never an option.

“In our lifetime, we will face many challenges, have proud moments, and face even more overwhelming tests. Some people make excuses, while others accept them with humility, defy the odds, and thirst for the next challenge. This is what I have relentlessly strived to do,” she said.

Her strong willpower and sense of self has helped her throughout her journey.

“While I’ve possessed many changing titles over the years, I by no means allow these titles to define who I am. What defines me is my faith, my prayers, my hard work, how I treat others, and my determination. These things have always been a part of my core values, allowing me to be at this stage in my journey. These core values were instilled in me early on, which were crucial in the birth of Fighting Cancer Today, along with my battle with breast cancer,” she said.

“While I have many accomplishments, at the top of that list is undoubtedly that I’m created in the image of our Creator and that I’m still alive to reflect his love to my family, friends, and strangers. When you hear the name Cierra Johnson, I want you to remember that I’m a city girl that genuinely cares about people, and I’m here to make a difference for years to come.”