Kari Steele Biography: Age, Family, MWRD President, Husband, Career, Net Worth

Kari K. Steele is a groundbreaking American politician, chemist, and environmentalist who has dedicated her career to public service and water management. Best known for her historic role as the President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), Steele has brought a unique, science-driven perspective to the political landscape. As the first African American woman to lead the MWRD in its more than 130-year history, she has championed environmental justice, operational efficiency, and green infrastructure. Balancing a demanding career with her role as a community leader and mother, Kari Steele continues to be a highly influential figure in Illinois politics in 2026.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Kari K. Steele was born on June 17, 1975, and raised in a family deeply embedded in Chicago’s political framework. Her father is John O. Steele, a retired Illinois Appellate Court Judge and former Alderman for Chicago’s 6th Ward. Growing up, Kari was exposed to the realities of public service and community organizing, frequently attending community meetings and volunteering for local activities organized by her father.

Despite her political upbringing, Kari initially charted a different path for herself focused on the sciences. She attended Xavier University of Louisiana, a historically Black university, where she earned a Pre-Medicine Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Following her graduation, she sought further leadership training, completing programs at the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy in 2007, the University of Illinois Institute for Government and Politics Edgar Fellows Program in 2014, and the Metropolitan Leadership Institute in 2016.

Career Journey

Early Career in Chemistry

Before entering the political arena, Kari Steele spent more than a decade working as a professional chemist. She began her career directly at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) as an intern, gaining hands-on experience as a water sampler and lab technician. She later worked as a water chemist for the City of Chicago Department of Water Management at the Jardine Water Purification Plant. This deep technical background provided her with an unparalleled understanding of water treatment, operational efficiency, and the science behind keeping Chicago’s waterways clean.

Entering Politics and the MWRD

Encouraged by her father’s legacy and her own desire to make a broader impact, Steele entered local politics. She was first elected as a Commissioner of the MWRD on November 6, 2012. Her election was notable because she became the first and only chemist to serve on the MWRD Board of Commissioners, bringing essential scientific literacy to the governing body.

She quickly proved herself to be a capable and forward-thinking leader, resulting in her re-election in 2018. During her tenure, she focused heavily on flood control, advocating for green infrastructure solutions rather than just traditional “gray” pipes and tunnels.

Becoming President of MWRD

In January 2019, Kari Steele made history when her fellow board members unanimously elected her to serve as the President of the MWRD Board of Commissioners. This milestone made her the first African American woman to hold the position in the district’s 130-year history. As of 2026, she is serving her third term, continuing her work as the Chairman of the Affirmative Action and Maintenance & Operations committees. Additionally, she was selected to serve as a board member on the Public Building Commission of Chicago in 2023.

Personal Life

Kari Steele manages to balance her demanding public life with a busy personal and family life. She attributes much of her success to the strong foundation provided by her parents and her extended family.

Family and Husband

Steele is married to Maze Jackson, a well-known Chicago political strategist, lobbyist, and provocative radio commentator. Jackson has hosted weekday morning radio shows in Chicago and is frequently involved in local political discussions. The couple shares a blended, extended family, and Steele often credits her husband for keeping her motivated and inspired throughout the grueling demands of public office.

Controversies

While Kari Steele’s professional record is largely celebrated, she has occasionally had to navigate political turbulence stemming from her husband’s career. Maze Jackson, known for his controversial and outspoken radio personality, has drawn severe criticism for language used on his broadcasts. In 2021 and 2022, Jackson faced intense backlash for allegedly making anti-Semitic and homophobic comments on the air. During her 2022 run for Cook County Assessor, Steele was pressured by civil rights organizations, such as Equality Illinois, to publicly disavow her husband’s rhetoric. Steele issued statements distancing herself from the controversial remarks, asserting that she does not share those views and should not be held politically accountable for her husband’s independent broadcast opinions.

Awards & Achievements

• Historical Milestone: First African American woman elected President of the MWRD.
• Crain’s Chicago Business: Recognized in the 2023 “Notable Women in STEM” feature.
• Hometown Hero Award (2017): Honored for her local community impact.
• Outstanding Woman Elected Official (2014): Acknowledged for her early work on the MWRD board.
• Richard Barnett Legacy Award (2007): Early recognition of her civic leadership.

Physical Statistics

• Height: Approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 140 lbs (63 kg)
• Eye Color: Dark Brown
• Hair Color: Black
• Body Type: Average/Professional

Quotes

• “My mom, my dad, and my grandfather have touched my career path with what they’ve done, and my husband, Maze, inspires me and motivates me.”
• “As a young girl, my dad provided a depth of leadership knowledge and a wealth of expertise in being a public servant.”

Favorites

• Hobbies: Community organizing, mentoring young women in STEM, and supporting the 6th Ward Young Democrats.
• Professional Passion: Advocating for green infrastructure to solve urban flooding issues.

Earnings

As of 2026, Kari Steele’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 Million to $2 Million. Her primary source of income is her salary as the President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, which pays a six-figure public servant salary. Additionally, she is a licensed real estate broker, which provides a secondary stream of income, alongside her husband’s earnings as a political consultant and media personality.

Interesting Facts

• Only Chemist: Despite the MWRD dealing exclusively with water treatment and chemical processes, Kari Steele is the only chemist serving on the Board of Commissioners.
• Real Estate Broker: Outside of politics and science, she holds an active license as a real estate broker in Illinois.
• Sorority Member: She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Early Reluctance: She was initially hesitant to enter politics, preferring to stay in the laboratory, before realizing she could make a bigger impact on environmental policy from the inside.

Did you know already?

Did you know that Kari Steele actually started her career at the MWRD as an intern? She began by taking water samples and working as a lab technician before eventually rising through the ranks of Chicago politics to become the President of the entire organization!

Social Media Links

Kari Steele is active on social media, using her platforms to share updates on MWRD initiatives, community events, and environmental advocacy.

• Twitter / X: @KariKSteele
• Facebook: Kari K. Steele
• Instagram: @kariksteele

FAQs

How old is Kari Steele?

Kari Steele was born on June 17, 1975, making her 50 years old as of 2026.

Who is Kari Steele’s husband?

She is married to Maze Jackson, a Chicago-based political strategist, lobbyist, and radio host.

What does Kari Steele do?

Kari Steele is a chemist, environmentalist, and the current President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD).

What is Kari Steele’s educational background?

She earned a Pre-Medicine Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana.

Conclusion

Kari Steele’s journey from a laboratory intern to the President of one of the largest water reclamation districts in the world is a testament to the power of combining scientific expertise with civic leadership. By breaking barriers as the first African American woman to lead the MWRD, she has paved the way for future generations of women in STEM and politics. In 2026, her dedication to environmental justice and sustainable infrastructure continues to shape a cleaner, safer future for the Greater Chicago area.

If you found this biography of Kari Steele informative, be sure to share it on social media and spread the word about her incredible career!