50
CRAIN’S 2022
This cohort of 72 Notable Black Leaders worked for decades to reach prominent places in law, banking, media and nonprofits and lift their communities. Following the murder of George Floyd and reckoning over systemic racism, they found themselves in new positions. For the first time, they say, they’ve had an opportunity to share their experiences with racism and how they overcame obstacles. They’ve been encouraged to share their views and open deeper conversations on race with colleagues. Many observe that their insights have a wider impact
and are aiming to use that visibility to speak out on inequality in the workplace. Many have taken on new roles leading new or expanded diversity initiatives as companies vow to improve their practices in recruiting, hiring and retaining talent from diverse backgrounds. And these leaders have redoubled efforts to boost the next generation through nonprofits that help young people succeed in school and prepare for a career. These leaders are seizing the moment. By Judith Crown and Lisa Bertagnoli
METHODOLOGY: The individuals featured did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from the nomination materials submitted. This list is not comprehensive. It includes only individuals for whom nominations were submitted and accepted after a review by editors. To qualify for the list, nominees demonstrated that they made a difference in contributing to the Black community in any number of ways.
JUDITH ALLEN Chief operating officer and clinical director Communities in Schools of Chicago
As COO and clinical director of CIS of Chicago, Judith Allen advances the organization’s goal of promoting high-school graduation through her oversight of finance, human resources and programming. During the pandemic, Allen adapted CIS’ capabilities to online platforms and launched new programming initiatives to support the mental health of families of color. These include certification training to empower teachers, parents, social service staff and concerned community members to act as first responders to signs of youth mental health crisis, as well as providing essentials like school supplies, hygiene products and cash assistance to families impacted by the pandemic-induced recession. She is a certified youth and adult mental health first aid instructor with the National Council on Mental Wellbeing and vice chair with the CircEsteem board of directors.
P050-P071_CCB_20211213.indd 50
BRENDA B. ASARE
BRENDA PALMS BARBER
President and CEO The Alford Group
President and CEO North Lawndale Employment Network
Brenda B. Asare oversees vision and strategy for growth and is responsible for all sales, client service and day-to-day operations at the Alford Group, a professional consultancy for mission-based, not-for-profit organizations. Advising on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts is a specialty, and Asare is said to have coined the term “equity-centered philanthropy” and developed a first-of-its-kind culture of equity assessment. Prior to joining the Alford Group, she was chief development officer with the American Red Cross in Chicago, where she spearheaded its campaign to build the country’s first disaster operations center. She is vice chair of the Giving Institute, a board member with the Children’s Place Association and an advisory board member with Women of Color in Fundraising & Philanthropy.
Brenda Palms Barber is president and CEO of North Lawndale Employment Network and CEO of its social ventures, Sweet Beginnings and Beelove Cafe. Recently, she led NLEN—which focuses on workforce development, digital literacy and financial-capability programs—in its partnership with Chicago Public Schools elementary and high schools to provide broadband access, computer equipment and training. From 2019 to 2021, she led “The Campaign That Works,” raising $11.5 million to develop a new campus. Known as the “Bee Lady” of the West Side, Barber in 2020 was selected by the Elevate Prize Foundation as one of five international fellows for her social impact work. She is an advisory board member of DePaul University’s Social Enterprise Collaborative and chair of the Workforce Development committee for the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council.
12/3/21 10:07 AM