Silvana Tabares
Biography:
Silvana Tabares grew up on the South West side of Chicago. Raised by a single-mother, Silvana attended Lourdes High School and later Richard J. Daley College and Columbia University, where she studied Journalism. Being the first in her family to attend college, Silvana went on to work in journalism, first in public radio and later, as the editor of the Extra Community Newspaper. Working in journalism gave her a unique perspective of the issues facing Chicago, which is what motivated her to run for State Representative in 2011. Silvana won that election and served as State Representative of the 21st District from 2012 to 2018. While in that position, Silvana helped to pass legislation to bring more resources to local public schools, to support first responders, and to fight against higher taxes on middle-class families. When Alderman Michael Zalewski announced his retirement earlier this year, Silvana was one of four applicants for the appointment to fill his vacated seat. Selected by a panel of community representatives, Silvana took office as the new Alderman of the 23rd Ward in July. Silvana’s priorities are protecting home values, attracting new businesses to the ward, supporting local schools, and fighting the spread of gangs and violence into our neighborhoods. Silvana lives in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood with her husband Sean and her son Michael.