Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias Speaks at Morning Ex

Parker’s Politics Club invited Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to the Morning Ex stage for a conversation about his role in the Illinois government, the current issues the state is facing and the potential future of his political career. 

After sophomores Neel Malhotra and Noah Silverman provided a brief introduction about Secretary Giannoulias, from his time as a Latin student to his stint playing professional basketball in Greece, students asked a series of questions related to his job. Giannoulias explained that Illinois has the largest Secretary of State office in the nation and is responsible for myriad divisions, such as driver’s licenses, libraries, business licenses and organ donor database.

When students asked for advice about pursuing public service, Giannoulias said, “You have to have grit, believe in yourself and learn from people who do it well.” His experience learning from others began with working for former President Barack Obama’s senatorial campaign. Shortly after, Giannoulias ran for and became Illinois Treasurer, the youngest state treasurer in the nation at just 30 years old. 

Giannoulias then spoke about navigating today’s political divide, gerrymandering across the nation and addressing ICE’s presence —the last of which hits close to home, as he is the son of two immigrants. Students asked about his future ambitions, to which the Secretary said, “We’ve worked hard on raising money and traveling around. I care about this city and the state, and if I can play a role in fighting these battles, I’m happy to play a role.”

The audience asked more questions ranging from the Secretary’s thoughts on the Illinois Senator race, difficult political conversations the requirements to play Division I basketball. 

Parker is grateful to Secretary Giannoulias for taking the time to share the ways he serves the state and the qualities one needs to be a committed civil servant. The Parker Politics Club continues to welcome engaging speakers who are living the reality of being engaged citizens in the democracy that the school hopes to instill in students.

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