Felipe "Phil" Ayala
Linda Zabors
Felipe Ayala was the Director and co-founder of El Centro De La Causa, a social services agency serving the Pilsen neighborhood. El Centro housed and spawned several other community organizations including those for women, education, and athletics. He encouraged kids to stay in school and give back to the community.
Felipe served in Vietnam and trained as an Army Ranger. He also served as a Deputy Sheriff for Cook County, as a Member of the US Commission on Civil Rights, as a Commissioner for the Cook County Hospitals. He was influential in Illinois legislation to change the height requirement for law enforcement so more women and minorities would qualify. He was invited to attend a conference of Latino leaders at the White House by President Jimmy Carter in 1979.
Veteran: Army, Vietnam
Honorary Felipe “Phil” Ayala WAY
West 17th Street between South Halsted Street and South Union Avenue
Approved: February 2023
Ward: 25
Alderman: Byron Sigcho-Lopez
Neighborhood: Pilsen
Source
2023627
https://outlet.historicimages.com/products/rsb60831
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/philip-ayala-obituary?id=36273058