A CHAMPION FOR THE COMMUNITY
Arlene "Sugar" Al-Amin is a lifelong resident of the Chicago's Southland Area receiving her primary and secondary education from the Chicago Public School system. After graduating from Chicago Vocational Career Academy, formerly Chicago Vocational High School, Sugar attended Alcorn State University, Illinois State University and completed her studies at Pivot Point Ac
ademy. Sugar is an active member of the Chicago Vocational High School Alumni Association. A Wife and Mother, Sugar and her husband Rafi raised their beautiful blended family of 7 in the Flossmoor Community for over a decade. 3 of her daughters attended Homewood-Flossmoor High School graduating in 2013, and 2016 and one is a graduating senior. Sugar loves to fill her schedule with family-focused events and celebrations. In July of 2020, Sugar was unanimously appointed and sworn in as a Commissioner of the Community Relations Commission of The Village of Flossmoor. As one of 9 Commissioners, she acts as a liaison for the Village in regional activities promoting diversity. She serves as a channel between the citizens, neighborhoods and governmental agencies to ensure that diversity is broad, inclusive and welcoming. Sugar is a versatile entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the hair care and cosmetology industry. She's operated and owned multiple salons across Chicago's Southeast Side. Sugar also has experience in the entertainment industry serving in various capacities, most recently as a board member of Sug & Jam, LLC. A DEVOTED PUBLIC SERVANT
Civic skills and political engagement was instilled in Sugar at an early age. Her mother still serves as precinct captain and Deputy Registrar on Chicago's South Side, as she has since the late 1970s. Following in her mom's footsteps, Sugar served as Deputy Registrar under Former State Senator James T. Sugar currently serves as President of the Flossmoor Service League. Since joining the league, Sugar has served as chair of it's Annual Candlelight Ball and Membership committees. She has also served on the planning committee of the famed Flossmoor Service League House Walk and as Co-Chair of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Jr. Sugar is a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Counselor through the National Council for Behavioral Health. Sugar is trained to provide initial assistance to young people experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis and substance abuse disorders. Her fondest memories are working with the scholars at the Jones Memorial Community Center in Chicago Heights. Starting off as a volunteer her role increased yearly, to receiving a position as one of their Youth Development Facilitators. While at Jones, Sugar created and implemented a social-emotional curriculum that encompassed Etiquette and Poise classes; Mental Health and Emotional Intelligence Workshops and Daily positive affirmations. Sugar regularly receives texts and calls from her former students and parents.
