Inspirational Woman Award

The Inspirational Woman Award evolved from “The Glass Ceiling Buster Award.” A great thanks to the hard work and distinguished service of many of the women who have come before us. Today, women lawyers can take pride in the fact that the glass ceiling has not been merely cracked by a few, but shattered by many.

2025 Inspirational Woman of the Year: Cecilia (“Cee Cee”) Najera

Cecilia (“Cee Cee”) Najera was born in Chicago and raised in Wheaton, Illinois where her loving parents planted their roots after immigrating from the Philippines. Cee Cee received her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and earned her law degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Serving marginalized populations has always been her passion. She was hired as a Staff Attorney with DuPage Legal Aid in 2001, where she was mentored by Brenda Carroll in the practice of law and compassion. She served as DuPage Legal Aid’s Director from 2015 to 2024. She also served as a New Lawyer Director on the DCBA Board from 2004 to 2010. In 2024, Cee Cee transitioned to the courthouse and became the Arbitration Administrator in DuPage County and has recently been promoted to the position of Sr. Assistant Court Administrator in the Jury Commission. She and her retired Sherriff’s Deputy husband, Phil Kramer, live in Wheaton with their son, J. J. Thanks to J.J. she is an avid youth hockey fan and learning the game of lacrosse. Thanks to Phil, the laundry gets done and she enjoys watching him play guitar with his band, Pawnshop, every now and again.

Past Winners