Hammond isn’t simply the city where my family lives—it is our home.
My husband, Dennis Radolak Jr., and I have been married for 30 years. Dennis has been a lifelong Hammond resident, graduating from Morton High School and is currently a USW Local 1014 member, while I have lived in Hammond for the past 25 years. Together, we have three children that have also become Morton alumni.
I was a stay-at-home mom, allowing me the opportunity to be deeply involved in our children’s school, our church, and our community. I strived to be a role model for my children, demonstrating the importance of helping others, giving back, and taking pride in our city. In 2018, I received the Frank V. Vantill Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. on behalf of the City of Hammond in recognition of my volunteer service. I have also served as a precinct committee person and have served on the Hammond Community Corporation Grant Board since 2018.
Long before I began working at The Home Depot, I had built strong relationships throughout our community with unions, schools, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, first responders, local government, and community leaders. When I joined The Home Depot, I was able to bring those trusted partnerships with me and connect them with the resources and support of The Home Depot Foundation.
By bringing people and organizations together around a shared purpose, we were able to complete meaningful projects that supported our schools, community, veterans, families, and neighborhoods. Building relationships has always been important to me—but turning those relationships into action that benefits our community is what really matters.
My family is at the heart of why I care so deeply about Hammond. This is where we raised our children. It is where they went to school and now work as young adults, where we built lifelong friendships and memories, and where Dennis and I built our life together.