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MEDIA & RECOGNITION

Judge Ieshia Gray is a judicial leader, restorative justice innovator, and community-centered speaker committed to building safer communities through leadership development, accountability, opportunity, and lasting change.

Her work has been recognized by courts, media outlets, and leadership institutions for advancing restorative justice, youth intervention, conflict resolution, and second-chance pathways. Through her leadership of the Sauk Village Restorative Justice Community Court, Judge Gray is helping redefine how communities respond to harm—shifting the focus from punishment to prevention, restoration, and real accountability.

FEATURED IN THE NEWS

Judge Ieshia Gray’s work has been featured in leading media outlets and publications highlighting the expansion of restorative justice, innovation in community courts, and new approaches to public safety.

Chicago Tribune – Coverage of Cook County expanding restorative justice courts into the south suburbs, including the launch of the Sauk Village Restorative Justice Community Court
👉 https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/07/15/cook-county-extends-restorative-justice-courts-to-the-souths-suburbs/

Law360 – National legal coverage highlighting Cook County’s expansion of restorative justice courts and system innovation
👉 https://www.law360.com/access-to-justice/articles/1858070/cook-county-to-double-restorative-justice-courts

ABC7 Chicago – Coverage of the opening of the first suburban restorative justice court in Sauk Village
👉 https://abc7chicago.com/post/1st-suburban-cook-county-restorative-justice-court-opens/15061793/

CBS News Chicago – Reporting on the expansion of restorative justice programs and Judge Gray’s leadership
👉 https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/restorative-justice-court-sauk-village/

MSN – National coverage of the Sauk Village Restorative Justice Community Court launch
👉 https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/1st-suburban-cook-county-restorative-justice-court-opens-in-sauk-village-following-chicago-s-lead/ar-BB1q2nGr

Taylor Media – Feature on the opening of the Sauk Village Restorative Justice Community Court and community impact
👉 https://mytaylormedia.com/2024/08/judge-ieshia-gray-cook-county-chief-judge-timothy-evans-open-restorative-justice-court-in-sauk-village/

OFFICIAL COURT & INSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION

Judge Gray’s work is also recognized through official court publications and institutional leadership platforms:

Circuit Court of Cook County – Official judicial profile
👉 https://www.cookcountycourtil.gov/judge/gray-ieshia-e

Sauk Village Restorative Justice Community Court
👉 https://www.cookcountycourtil.gov/location/sauk-village-restorative-justice-community-court

Official Announcement – First Suburban Restorative Justice Community Court
👉 https://www.cookcountycourtil.gov/news/circuit-court-cook-county-open-first-restorative-justice-community-court-suburbs

First Graduation Class – Sauk Village RJCC
👉 https://www.cookcountycourtil.gov/news/sauk-village-restorative-justice-community-court-celebrates-its-first-graduation-class

Inaugural College Tour – Sauk Village RJCC
👉 https://www.cookcountycourtil.gov/news/sauk-village-restorative-justice-community-court-hosts-inaugural-college-tour-expanding

Chicago Defender – Profile highlighting leadership and community impact
👉 https://chicagodefender.com/woe-member/honorable-ieshia-e-gray/

Erikson Institute – 2025 Executive Fellows Cohort
👉 https://www.erikson.edu/academics/professional-development/policy-executive-leadership-programs/executive-fellows/2025-executive-fellows/

JUDICIAL & PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP

Restorative Justice Community Courts Division – Circuit Court of Cook County
👉 https://www.cookcountycourtil.gov/division/restorative-justice-community-courts

LinkedIn – Judge Ieshia Gray
👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/judgeieshiagray

Judge Ieshia Gray’s work continues to gain recognition as a model for how courts can lead with accountability, innovation, and community partnership.

Through her leadership, speaking, and public engagement, she is helping shape the future of justice—one that is focused not only on responding to harm, but preventing it.

For speaking invitations, media inquiries, or partnership opportunities, please visit the Contact page.