League of Women Voters Lake Forest Lake Bluff Area Honors Happie Datt

The League of Women Voters of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Area (LWVLFLB) established the Carrie Chapman Catt Local Leadership Award in 2013. The Award is named in honor of the 1920 founder of the League of Women Voters. Carrie Chapman Catt was a prominent leader in the fight for women’s suffrage. With her great leadership and organizational skills, she pressured Congress to pass the 19th Amendment. The Award recognizes a League member who has shown outstanding leadership and considerable action in promoting the League of Women Voters Lake Forest/Lake Bluff mission. This year’s recipient is a great example of a member who has given her time freely to serve on many committees and to share her knowledge and experience in many areas. The first recipient of the award was Phyllis Albrecht, a past president and the first woman to serve as President of the Village of Lake Bluff. The recipients who followed were: Carol Russ, LWVLFLB's current president, Jane Partridge, Mary Mathews, Cindy Morehead, Alice Sievert, Ann Hamlin, Ann Grant, Diane Lloyd, Linda Bartmes, and Melanie Rummel. On December 15, 2024, at their annual holiday luncheon, the LWVLFLB added another name to the list - Happie Datt.

Happie joined the League in 1999 and became Vice President of Program in 2004. She was elected to be President in 2005 and served until 2007. During that time, LWVLFLB was chosen as a sponsor for a Congressional initiative, the Open World Program. Groups of young Russian civic leaders visited communities all over the country to learn about American lifestyles and culture. Happie used her international knowledge and organizational skills to lead the local organization through this opportunity. Happie returned to the Board in 2011 as Vice President of Program. At a public presentation in August 2012, Happie shared her experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Macedonia. In 2013, Happie escorted a group of League members on a field trip to see the exhibit “Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts” at the Field Museum. Her background in nutrition helped her plan an event titled “Nutrition or Malicious?” as part of the LWVUS Agriculture Study co-sponsored with the Lake Forest Open Lands Association. Bill Kurtis, a television journalist, was the speaker at Gorton Community Center and the auditorium was filled to capacity. Great Decisions, a national program on world affairs, was another of Happie’s interests. She served as leader of the group both at Lake Forest Place and at the Lake Forest Library.

Happie has been a tireless worker in the area of voter service, registering voters and volunteering at local candidate forums. Additionally, she has represented the League of Women Voters Lake Forest/Lake Bluff at both LWVIL and LWVUS conventions. Happie rarely says no to a request. You have probably seen her marching in the 4th of July parade in Lake Bluff and in the Lake Forest Day parade. She is a welcoming meeting host and is currently serving as chair of the LWVLFLB Nominating Committee. This year’s recipient of the Carrie Chapman Catt Award fulfills all the requirements. LWVLFLB is fortunate to have Happie as an active member of our organization and is grateful to her for her many contributions to the work we do within our communities.