Arlene M. "Sugar" Al-Amin is a 20+ year resident of the Southland, receiving her primary and secondary education from the Chicago Public School system. ​A wife, mother, and grandmother, Sugar and her husband Rafi raised their beautiful blended family of 7 in the Flossmoor Community for over a decade. 

 

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 is a liaison for the Village in regional activities promoting diversity.  She serves as a channel between the citizens, neighborhoods, and governmental agencies to ensure diversity is broad, inclusive, and welcoming. 

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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.

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Civic skills and political engagement were 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 until now. Following in her mom's footsteps, Sugar began serving as Deputy Registrar under Former State Senator James T. Meeks for Illinois' 15th Legislative District.

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Sugar currently serves as President of the Flossmoor Service League. Since joining the league, Sugar has served as chair of its 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. Day of Service.

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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 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 encompassing 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.​

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Sugar currently sits on the Board of Directors of the South Suburban Council on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment.