Dina Vardal

Dina Vardal is a retired law enforcement officer, military veteran, and proud mother who has dedicated her life to service, family, and community. Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, she grew up immersed in the rich traditions of her Greek and Italian heritage. With roots that shaped her values of resilience and hard work, Dina built a life that reflects both discipline and compassion, carrying her family’s legacy into every chapter of her career and personal journey.

Her parents, Denis from Mykonos, Greece, and Danira from Ferrara, Italy, built their family life in Joliet, where they established community ties and businesses. Together, they operated Mykonos Gyros, a restaurant that welcomed neighbors from 1982 to 1989, and Vardal Engineering, founded in 1958, which remains family-run to this day. These experiences taught Dina the importance of dedication, perseverance, and the value of community connection.