APPLAUSE! TABLEOFCONTENTS
Black Women in Business and Construction, Inc.
Braven
Breakthrough Urban Ministries
Building Blocks Learning Academy
Chicago Community Loan Fund
Continuing Academic Training
Deeply Rooted Dance
Emerald South Economic Development
Collaborative
Federation of Women Contractors
Field Foundation of Illinois
IFF
Illinois
Kids
Lifescore
My
Phoenix
PushBlack
Raw
SocialWorks
The
The
The
The
Violence
Greetings,
PUBLISHER’S LETTER APPLAUSE!
Welcome to the inaugural edition of APPLAUSE! Salute to Standout Non-Profit Leaders in Chicago. With this publication, we proudly honor the individuals whose vision, dedication, and tireless work continue to shape Chicago into a city defined not only by its history and resilience, but by the compassion and courage of those who serve.
Every day across our neighborhoods, Black nonprofit leaders are meeting urgent needs with limited resources—feeding families, providing housing, guiding our youth, advancing education, and building pathways to equity and opportunity. They lead with purpose in the face of financial strain, policy shifts, and growing demand, ensuring that our most vulnerable communities never stand alone. Their work is not just admirable—it is essential to the health, vitality, and future of our city.
That is why we pause to recognize them. These leaders are more than nonprofit executives; they are bridge-builders, advocates, and changemakers. They remind us that progress begins when ordinary people choose to do extraordinary things on behalf of others. Through their service, they give voice to the voiceless, strength to the weary, and hope to those who need it most.
APPLAUSE! is powered by Real Times Media and the Chicago Defender as our way of saying thank you. It is both a celebration and a call to action: to support, uplift, and stand with the leaders who keep our communities moving forward.
As you turn the pages of this special edition, let their stories inspire you. Let their journeys remind you of the power of leadership rooted in service. And above all, let this recognition be a standing ovation for their impact—not just today, but for the generations they continue to lift.
With deep respect and gratitude,
Dyanna Knight Lewis
Dyanna Knight Lewis Publisher | Chicago Defender
APPLAUSE!
SALUTE TO
BLACK NONPROFIT LEADERS
IN CHICAGO
Sherri Allen-Reeves, Page 6
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Executive Director, Phoenix Foundation
Daniel O. Ash, Page 6
President, Field Foundation of Illinois
Torrey Barrett, Page 7
Founder/CEO, KLEO Foundation
Chancelor Bennett, Page 8 Founder, SocialWorks
Jamyle Cannon, Page 9
Founder/Executive Director, The Bloc
Jahmal Cole, Page 9
Founder, My Block My Hood My City
Makeda Crayton Page 10
Executive Director, Deeply Rooted Dance
Aimee Eubanks Davis, Page 11 Founder/President | Braven
Yolanda Fields, Page 12
Executive Director | Breakthrough Urban Ministries
Ghian Foreman, Page 12 President/CEO | Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative
Jeremiah Frazier, Page 13 Founder, The Rae of Light Foundation
Tio Hardiman, Page 13
President | Violence Interrupted, NFP
Tiffany Hightower, Page 14
Executive Director | Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation
Yolanda Jeffries Page 14 Founder/Executive Director | Black Women in Business and Construction, Inc.
Beyonca Johnson, Page 15 Executive Director/Founder | Lifescore Foundation
O. Victoria Lakes-Battle, Page 16 Executive Director | IFF
Diane Latiker, Page 17 President | Kids Off the Block
Kevin McFall, Page 17 Chief Marketing Officer | PushBlack
Jaemie L. Neely, Page 18 Executive Director | Federation of Women Contractors
Lycrecia Parks, Page 18 Chief Risk Officer/Vice President of Portfolio Management | Chicago Community Loan Fund
Michelle Redd, Page 19 President | Building Blocks Learning Academy
Omouzuwa Seymour-El, Page 20 Owner/CEO | Raw Talent Performing Arts
Sheldon Smith Page 20 Founder Executive Director | The Dovetail Project
Dr. Frankie Swoope, Page 21 Founder/President | Continuing Academic Training
Debra Vines Page 21 Founder/CEO | The Answer, Inc.
BeyondHealthInsurance: BuildingaCultureofCarein theNonprofitWorkforce
By: Mel Roberson, Contributing Writer
IAcross Chicago and in cities throughout the nation, nonprofit organizations are often the first line of defense for people facing crises. Whether it is a family seeking shelter, a young person navigating homelessness, or a survivor of domestic violence searching for safety, nonprofits step in where others do not. Their role is indispensable. But for all the effort spent on supporting communities, many of these organizations are neglecting a vital part of their own structure: the staff who make the mission possible.
Nonprofit professionals—social workers, case managers, counselors, advocates, administrators—are among the most dedicated employees in the workforce. Yet they are also among the most vulnerable. They carry heavy emotional burdens, they work long hours, and they often do so with limited pay. What many nonprofit leaders fail to realize is that the personal lives of these workers can be upended just as easily as those of the clients they serve. When that happens, it doesn’t just affect the individual. It ripples through the organization, weakening its ability to serve.
Consider the case of a case manager who discovers that her identity has been stolen. She spends weeks making phone calls, disputing charges, and trying to clear her record, all while trying to keep up with her caseload. Or picture an outreach worker suddenly needing legal help to fight an unjust eviction notice. Without access to affordable legal services, the stress becomes overwhelming. These aren’t rare scenarios. They are everyday problems that can destabilize the very people nonprofits depend on to serve their communities.
This is where services like LegalShield and IDShield enter the picture, offering nonprofits a way to provide their employees with meaningful benefits that go beyond the traditional package. Imagine a staff member who is finally able to sit down and create a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive—documents that cost hundreds, sometimes thousands, when sought independently. With LegalShield, these come as part of a basic membership. Or take the program manager who buys a new car only to discover questionable clauses in the contract. Instead of navigating the situation alone, she can upload the document and have a lawyer review it. Even something as simple as a letter written on an attorney’s letterhead can make a predatory lender back down.
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Nonprofit workers are often involved in advocacy themselves, but rarely have someone advocating for them in their personal lives. Unlimited consultations with licensed attorneys allow them to address not just emergencies, but day-to-day concerns—everything from understanding a landlord dispute to clarifying a child custody question. These may seem like small things, but for a workforce already balancing enormous professional pressures, the ability to handle legal issues quickly and with confidence is a form of relief that strengthens both the employee and the organization.
The need for protection extends into the digital world as well. Identity theft is no longer just about a stolen credit card. It can involve hacked medical IDs, compromised social security numbers, or even reputational harm caused by a single misstep online. For nonprofits, where staff often manage sensitive information, this threat looms even larger. With IDShield, employees gain proactive monitoring of the dark web, alerts about potential risks, and access to licensed investigators who take over the painstaking process of restoring stolen identities.
For nonprofit leaders, this is more than just an employee perk. It is a recognition that the well-being of staff extends beyond the office walls.
Providing benefits that acknowledge the real-life struggles employees face outside of work is one way to demonstrate that they are valued not just as professionals, but as people.
It also makes practical sense. Stress from unresolved legal or identity issues bleeds into the workplace, reducing focus and productivity. A staff member fighting with a collections agency over a fraudulent medical bill is less likely to bring their best energy to client meetings. A counselor worried about her personal information floating around the dark web may be distracted during critical moments with a client. By offering employees tools to resolve these issues, nonprofits are ultimately safeguarding their ability to deliver on their mission.
The truth is that LegalShield and IDShield are no longer optional in today’s world. Just as medical insurance became a standard benefit because health challenges are inevitable, legal and identity protection should be treated as essentials because crises in these areas are equally inevitable. Nonprofit workers, who already sacrifice so much for the sake of others, deserve protection that helps them navigate the challenges of everyday life.
APPLAUSE! CHICAGODEFENDER
25STANDOUT
BLACKNON-PROFITLEADERS
IN CHICAGO
SHERRIALLEN-REEVES Executive Director Phoenix Foundation
DANIELO.ASH President Field Foundation of Illinois
JAHMALCOLE Founder My Block My Hood My
TORREYBARRETT Founder/CEO KLEO Foundation
CHANCELORBENNETT Founder SocialWorks
CRAYTON Executive Director Deeply Rooted Dance
FRAZIER Founder The Rae of Light Foundation
LAKES-BATTLE Executive Director IFF
AIMEEEUBANKSDAVIS Founder/President Braven
FIELDS Execuive Director Breakthrough Urban Ministries
JAMYLECANNON Founder/Executive Director The Bloc
HARDIMAN President Violence Interrupters, NFP
HIGHTOWER Executive Director Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation
LATIKER President Kids Off the Block
FOREMAN President/CEO Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative
JEFFRIES Founder/Executive Director Black Women in Business and Construction, Inc. Executive Director/Founder Lifescore Foundation
SEYMOUR-EL Owner/CEO Raw Talent Performing Arts
MCFALL Chief Marketing Officer PushBlack
L.NEELY Executive Director Federation of Women Contractors
SMITH Founder/Executive Director The Dovetail Project
FRANKIESWOOPE Founder/President Continuing Academic Training
PARKS Chief Risk Officer/Vice President of Portfolio Management Chicago Community Loan Fund
VINES Founder/CEO The Answer, Inc
SHELDON
DEBRA
YOLANDA
GHIAN
JEREMIAH
TIO
MAKEDA
TIFFANY
YOLANDA
BEYONCAJOHNSON
O.VICTORIA
DIANE
KEVIN
JAEMIE
LYCRECIA
MICHELLEREDD
OMOUZUWA
DR.
APPLAUSE!
SherriAllen-Reeves
Executive Director
Phoenix Foundation
Sherri Allen-Reeves, Executive Director of the Phoenix Foundation, is celebrated for her unwavering commitment to ending generational homelessness across the city With over 30 years of dedicated service, she leads Phoenix’s comprehensive programs— providing permanent supportive housing, emergency shelters, occupational training, and educational support to those facing housing insecurity. Under her guidance, Phoenix has secured multimillion dollar partnerships, launched innovative community coalitions, and set the standard for trauma-informed care and equity-drivenservice.
Allen-Reeves’s fearless advocacy, board leadership, and policy influence have shifted systems, prioritizing lived experience and representation in decision-making. Her resilient vision, servant leadership, and success in transforming lives and expanding opportunity make her a beacon for Chicago’s most vulnerable familiesandamodelofnonprofitexcellence.
DanielO.Ash
President Field Foundation of Illinois
Daniel Ash is chosen for transforming the Field Foundation into a leading force for equity, narrative power, and community investment. As President, Ash architected the “Building Collective Power” strategy—channeling $10 million annually into grassroots organizing, local arts, journalism, and civic infrastructure across Chicago’s South and West Sides. With a storied background at Chicago Public Media and the Chicago Community Trust, Ash champions bold investments in underrepresented leaders and institutions, shaping real outcomes for racial justice and economic inclusion.
He is widely respected as an innovator, mentor, and connector, serving on influential boards and recognized for his advocacy by Crain’s Chicago and Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy. Ash’svisionandstewardshipmakehimanindispensablearchitectof lastingprogressinChicago.
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TorreyBarrett Founder/CEO KLEO Foundation
Torrey Barrett, Founder and CEO of KLEO Foundation, is selected for his transformative, love-centered approach to community empowerment on the South Side. Barrett founded KLEO in response to family tragedy, turning heartbreak into a healing mission that addresses violence, poverty, and trauma through programs in shelter, arts, youth employment, neighborhood revitalization, wellness, and education. KLEO has transitioned hundreds to stable housing, provided critical shelter to migrants, employed local youth, and established lasting public-private partnerships.
Barrett’s advocacy and vision extend to civic boards and international peace initiatives, bridging gaps with compassion and persistent action. Honored by civic and community organizations, he is celebrated for sustained innovation, authentic service, and a foundational belief in “Keep Loving Each Other”—making a lasting imprintonthelivesofcountlessChicagofamilies.
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ChancelorBennett Founder SocialWorks
Chancelor Bennett, better known as Chance the Rapper, is chosen for his visionary work as founder of SocialWorks. Bennett launched rks in 2016 to empower at-risk youth through innovative programs in education, mental health, homelessness assistance, and the arts—including Support CPS, The Warmest Winter, OpenMike,andKidsoftheKingdom.Personallyinvestingmillions,he closed funding gaps for Chicago Public Schools and created spaces for young artists and students to flourish in communities facing persistentchallenges.
SocialWorks has raised over $8 million and distributed direct resources to thousands, mobilizing brand partnerships and local leaders for lasting change. Bennett’s authentic advocacy and creative leadership make him an icon of service, hope, and transformationinChicago’snonprofitsector.
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Jamyle
Cannon
Founder/Executive Director The Bloc
JamyleCannon,founderandExecutiveDirectorofTheBloc,earned his place among these leaders for reimagining after-school outreach for youth most excluded from mentorship and opportunity. Drawing on his experiences as a former national box championandTeachForAmericaalum,CannoncreatedTheBl transform fighting spirit into academic achievement and social change. His innovative program blends character-first boxing, mentoring, and tutoring—achieving 100% high school graduation and college acceptance rates for hundreds of Chicago’s West youth.
Cannon’s deep personal commitment, trauma-informed leadership, and relentless advocacy give young people the tools and community to choose brighter futures. Widely recognized by CNN and The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education, Jamyle Cannon exemplifies the power of unconventional approaches empatheticguidancetodrivelastingimpactinChicago.
JahmalCole
My Block My Hood My City
Jahmal Cole, founder of My Block My Hood My City (M3), is chosen for building a transformative movement rooted in exposure, empowerment, and community resilience. Cole’s vision centers on providing challenged youth and residents in Chicago’s South and West Sides access to new experiences, mentorship, and hands-on civic engagement—from field trips to career programs, block club revitalization,andanti-violenceinitiatives.
Through M3, Cole has engaged thousands, reduced neighborhood violence, and mobilized citywide volunteers to “leave the block better than they found it.” Widely recognized for his grassroots advocacy, storytelling, and system-changing leadership, Cole mentors future leaders and inspires hope in every corner of Chicago. His dedication and impact make him a vital architect of equityandopportunityinthecity.
MakedaCrayton
Executive Director Deeply Rooted Dance
APPLAUSE!
Makeda Crayton, Executive Director of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, is acclaimed for advancing cultural equity, artistic excellence, and organizational sustainability in Chicago’s arts scene. Crayton has led Deeply Rooted’s transformative mission, weaving African-American traditions, contemporary choreography, and community engagement into nationally recognized productions and groundbreaking arts education programs. Under her stewardship, the company launched the Deeply Rooted Center for Black Dance and Creative Communities, a state-of-the-art venue marking a new eraforChicago’sSouthSideartslandscape.
She honors legacy while innovating future-facing programming— cultivating emerging talent, creating global partnerships, and reaching thousands through outreach and performance. Crayton’s visionary leadership, compassion, and commitment have solidified Deeply Rooted as a cultural treasure, inspiring new generations and upliftingChicago’screativecommunity.
APPLAUSE! AimeeEubanksDavis
Founder/President
Aimée Eubanks Davis, Founder and President of Braven, is ch for her profound impact on economic mobility for first-generation and underrepresented college students. Inspired by he Side Chicago upbringing and teaching experience, Eubanks Dav launched Braven in 2013 to close the gap between higher e and strong career outcomes. Under her leadership, Braven p innovative credit-bearing career courses and mentorship, partnering with universities and employers to help studen quality jobs or graduate school placements at rates far surp nationalaverages.
Her vision and evidence-based approach have scaled Brave nationally, serving nearly 14,000 Fellows and earning recogn from Forbes, the Obama Foundation, and Teach For America Davis’s tireless advocacy and belief in equitable access to opportunity continue to redefine success for countless young leadersacrossChicagoandbeyond.
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Executive Director Breakthrough Urban Ministries
Yolanda Fields, Executive Director of Breakthrough Urban for her transformational leadership and unwavering dedication to the city’s West Side communities. Beginning her Breakthrough career as a volunteer over 20 years ago, Fields rose to lead the organization, overseeing holistic housing, violence prevention, employment, and health programs serving thousands each year. Her work centers on dignity, systemic change, and authentic engagement with residents experiencing
Fields has shaped Breakthrough’s inclusive vision and created a culture of compassion and opportunity, employing partnership strategies to uplift East Garfield Park. As a local resident and faith leader, her commitment to justice, wellness, and empowerment is evident in every initiative, making her a model for nonprofit leadershipandresilienthopeinChicago.
GhianForeman President/CEO Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative
Ghian Foreman, President and CEO of Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative, stands out for his transformative vision and inclusive economic leadership. Foreman leads Emerald South’s mission to generate community wealth and amplify culture on Chicago’s mid-South Side, focusing investment in neighborhoods like Woodlawn, Washington Park, and South Shore. His innovative strategies drive equitable development through collaborative partnerships, support for small business growth, affordable housing initiatives,workforcedevelopment,andcommunity-basedarts.
By prioritizing shared pride, power, and investment, Foreman ensures residents and businesses benefit directly from neighborhood revitalization and upcoming projects such as the Obama Presidential Center. His expertise as a connector, advocate, and catalyst for change makes him a model of community-driven progressandanessentialleaderinChicago’snonprofitlandscape.
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JeremiahFrazier
Founder
The Rae of Light
Foundation
Jeremiah Frazier, Founder of The Rae of Light Foundation, is for his community-centered approach to empowerment, healing, and resilience. Frazier created the Foundation to inspire hope for youth and families in neighborhoods affected by trauma and violence, combining mentorship, creative therapy, and life skil enrichment with a deeply personal touch. Under his leadership, R of Light hosts transformative workshops, comedy and arts programs, and support sessions that foster belonging and emotionalwellness.
Knownforupliftingothersandleveraginghisownlifeexperience a motivator, Frazier’s hands-on service builds trust and connection while advocating for mental health and personal growth. His innovative and compassionate vision, rooted in authentic engagement, continues to change lives and illuminate pathways healingcitywide.
TioHardiman
President Violence Interrupters, NFP
Tio Hardiman, President of Violence Interrupters, NFP, is widely recognized for his unprecedented impact on violence prevention and social change. As architect of the nationally acclaimed Violence Interrupters initiative, Hardiman pioneered a public health approach to stopping gun violence, saving hundreds of lives in some of the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. His frontline leadership resulted in dramatic homicide reductions and has since expanded the Violence Interrupters model to over 15 Chicago communities, dozensofcitiesnationwide,andeveninternationally.
Hardiman’s visionary work, featured in national media and the award-winning documentary “The Interrupters,” inspires new solutions, develops youth mentorship programs, and advances restorative justice. Through relentless compassion, innovative intervention strategies, and community trust, Hardiman transforms trauma into hope, embodying the essence of non-profit leadership inChicago
APPLAUSE!: Salute to Stand-Out Non-Profit Leaders in Chicago Chicago Defender
APPLAUSE!
TiffanyHightower
Executive Director
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation
TiffanyHightower,ExecutiveDirectoroftheIllinoisLegislativeBlack CaucusFoundation(ILBCF),hasearnedrecognitionforherdynamic leadership and outsized impact on equity and opportunity. Guiding the ILBCF through research-driven advocacy, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement, Hightower has championed transformative investments—such as distributing over $1.5 million in scholarships to Black students, funding healthcare professionals, and launching landmark student civic engagement forums statewide.
Committed to dismantling systemic barriers, she leads policy summits and panels on education, healthcare, and economic justice that shape actionable solutions for Black Illinoisans. Hightower’s visionary stewardship, collaborative approach, and relentless advocacy for fair representation ensure the foundation is a vital force for progress, inspiring communities and building pathways to lastingchangeandleadership.
YolandaJeffries Founder/Executive Director Black Women in Business and Construction, Inc.
YolandaJeffries,founderandExecutiveDirectorofBlackWomenin Business and Construction, Inc., is celebrated for her trailblazing work in a transformative sector. With a vision that centers on economic empowerment and industry equity, Jeffries built a unique organization dedicated to championing Black women entrepreneur and professionals in construction—fields where representat vital yet historically lacking. Under her stewardship, the organ provides impactful programming in mentorship, leadership development, and contract access, breaking barriers and connectingwomentolucrative,sustainablecareers.
Jeffries’ dynamic partnerships with agencies and advocacy for inclusive procurement catalyze change citywide, opening path for future generations. Her innovative leadership and unwa dedication ensure Black women’s voices, skills, and businesses are visible and valued, setting a powerful example for industry an communityadvancement.
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BeyoncaJohnson
Execuive Director/Founder Lifescore Foundation
Beyonca Johnson, founder and Executive Director of Lifescore Foundation, is recognized for her powerful commitment to social and economic equity on the city’s South Side. Since launching Lifescore in 2019, Johnson has transformed the organization into a pillar of support for BIPOC communities, offering trauma-informed youth programs, financial literacy workshops, workforce development, and holistic senior care. Under her leadership, Lifescore provides direct empowerment for hundreds each year, dismantling systemic barriers and fostering resiliency through purposeful partnerships and community-building. Renowned for servantleadership,innovation,andtransparentstewardship,
Johnson has built an organization where inclusion and wellness are central, and every person is given tools to thrive. Her vision for holistic transformation and hands-on impact reflects the very best ofChicago’snonprofitleadership.
APPLAUSE! O.VictoriaLakes-Battle
O.Victoria“Vickie”Lakes-Battle,ExecutiveDirectorofIFF’sChicago Metro Region, is named for her decades-long impact on equitable community development. With over 30 years at the forefront of commercial and mission-based lending, Lakes-Battle has unlocked millions in capital for nonprofit facilities, affordable housing, health, and cultural spaces—transforming disinvested neighborhoods across the city. She is recognized for innovating strategies that prioritize authentic partnerships, proximity, and equity, challenging the sector to serve Chicago’s marginalized communities with
Servingonnumerousboardsandsteeringcommittees,Lakes-Battle amplifies the voices of BIPOC organizations and fosters sustainable impact. Her legacy as a trusted thought leader and “master connector” positions her as a model for success and community
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DianeLatiker
President Kids Off the Block
Diane Latiker stands as a shining example of grassroots leadership and relentless commitment. As founder of Kids Off the Block (KOB), she transformed her Roseland home into a sanctuary for at-risk youth, offering mentorship, education, and hope in one of the city’s mostchallengedneighborhoods.
Using personal resources, Latiker helped thousands escape violence and despair, supporting them in school, college, and character development. Her innovative programs—like the TEC Center and Feed a Teen Dinner—address not just immediate needs, butbuildlong-termcareerandlifeskills.
With love, compassion, and unwavering vision, Diane Latiker creates pathways to opportunity, making a lasting impact and embodying thespiritofcommunityupliftinChicago.
KevinMcFall Chief Marketing Officer PushBlack
Kevin McFall, Chief Marketing Officer at PushBlack, is recognized for his visionary leadership in digital media and civic engagement With decades of experience driving branding, product innovation, and audience development, McFall has grown PushBlack into the largest mobile-based nonprofit media platform for Black Americans, with over nine million monthly readers nationwide. His expertise in digital storytelling, brand strategy, and community mobilization empowers Black communities to advocate, learn, and organize for change.
McFall’s impact extends beyond PushBlack with leadership roles at Ebony Media, Workday, and i.c.stars, mentoring diverse talent and building inclusive, tech-driven solutions. His creative vision, business acumen, and commitment to representation make him a catalyst for sustainable social impact and an icon of nonprofit excellenceinChicago.
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JaemieL.Neely
Executive Director Federation of Women Contractors
Jaemie L. Neely, MPA, Executive Director of the Federation of Women Contractors (FWC), earned her place for advancing equity, inclusion, and opportunity in the construction industry With over a decade of experience in business management, diversity advocacy, and economic development, Neely has guided FWC’s growth— supporting hundreds of women-owned firms and transforming contracting opportunities citywide. She regularly champions mentorship, partnership, and policy changes to unify women contractors with public and private sector leaders, increasing representationandaccessinahistoricallymale-dominatedfield.
Her prior work with the Chicago Transit Authority and the Women’s Business Development Center positioned Neely to break down barriers for small businesses and minority entrepreneurs. By elevating women business owners and growing strategic alliances, Neely exemplifies visionary nonprofit leadership and lasting impact forChicago.
LycreciaParks
Chief Risk Officer/Vice President of Portfolio Management Chicago Community Loan Fund
Lycrecia Parks, Chief Risk Officer and Vice President of Portfolio Management at Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF), stands for her strategic vision and transformative impact on community development. With more than 13 years at CCLF, Parks has ove a robust portfolio of loans supporting affordable housing, commercial retail, nonprofit facilities, and social enterprises— catalyzing revitalization for Chicago’s most historically neglected neighborhoods. Her expertise in risk management, collaborative partnerships, and community finance has enabled CCLF to de millions in capital and technical assistance, breaking barriers to economicopportunitycitywide.
Parks is respected for her commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainable growth, mentoring new leaders and advocating for systemic change. Her leadership continues to drive thriving, resilientcommunitiesandlastingsocialimpactinChicago.
APPLAUSE!
Michelle
Redd President Building Blocks Learning Academy
Michelle Redd, President of Building Blocks Learning Academy, is chosen for her innovative leadership in early childhood education and community impact. Since founding the Academy in 2005, Redd has fostered a nurturing environment that serves children ages six weeks to twelve years, prioritizing cognitive, social, and emotional growth for each child—especially in under-resourced Chicago neighborhoods. Her vision centers on developing “pre-scholars” equippedforlifelonglearning,regardlessofbackgroundorability.
Redd’s commitment to equity is evident through partnerships, comprehensive family support, socially responsible curriculum, and advocacy for public funding like Head Start. Her dedication has graduated hundreds to academic success and created lasting opportunities for families, setting a standard for excellence and inclusioninChicago’snonprofitsector.
APPLAUSE! OmouzuwaSeymour-El
Raw Talent Performing Arts
Omouzuwa Seymour-El, Owner and CEO of Raw Talent Performing Arts, is named for her innovative vision and transformative impact in arts education. Seymour-El has propelled Raw Talent from a grassroots program into a citywide model empowering youth through multidisciplinary arts, workforce development, and creative entrepreneurship, particularly in underserved communities. Her commitment to equity, access, and representation has led to rigorous programming in music, theater, dance, and production, as wellasanti-violenceinitiativesandmentorship.
Nationally recognized as a NASDAQ Milestone Circle alumna, Seymour-El turns creativity into currency by forging strategic partnerships, securing sustainable funding, and developing robust youth leadership pipelines. Her visionary leadership and unwavering advocacy cultivate not only skilled artists but also conscientious, empowered citizens changing Chicago’s creative and civic
SheldonSmith
Founder/Executive Director
The Dovetail Project
Sheldon Smith, Founder and Executive Director of The Dovetail Project, is selected for his pioneering impact on fatherhood, equity, and youth empowerment. Inspired by his own experience as a young, first-time father and his desire to break cycles of absentee parenting, Smith launched The Dovetail Project at age 21, offering a rigorous 12-week curriculum in parenting, legal rights, financial literacy, education, and job skills for Black and Brown men ages 17–24. His innovative approach combines mentorship with tangible supports—such as stipends, school enrollment guidance, and the Fatherhood Relief Fund—which have transformed over 540 lives andhelpedthousandsoffamiliesaccessessentialresources.
Nationally honored by organizations like Forbes, CNN, and the Muhammad Ali Center, Smith’s relentless commitment creates generational change and builds strong families, making him a model fornonprofitexcellenceinChicago.Sheldon
Dr.FrankieSwoope
Founder/President
Continuing Academic Training
APPLAUSE!
Dr.FrankieSwoope,FounderandPresidentofContinuingAcademic Training (CAT) Children and Youth Services, is named for her unwavering commitment to academic empowerment and youth development. For over a decade, Dr. Swoope has steered CAT to provide transformative mentoring, tutoring, and scholarship programs, particularly supporting students in under-resourced neighborhoods. Her leadership not only bridges gaps in education, but also fosters positive relationships, discipline, and resilience among participants, as reflected in her acclaimed educational guides and trauma-informed curriculum. Under her direction, CAT has awarded scholarships, equipped youth with essential life skills, andinspiredself-worthandconfidence.
Dr. Swoope’s visionary service, rooted in empathy and communitybuilding, empowers the next generation and exemplifies the excellenceandimpacthonoredbyChicago’snonprofitcommunity.
DebraVines
Founder/CEO
The Answer, Inc.
Debra Vines, Founder and CEO of The Answer Inc., is chosen for her trailblazing advocacy, compassionate leadership, and tireless work serving families impacted by autism and developmental disorders. Motivated by her experiences as a mother navigating scarce resources and community isolation, Vines transformed challenge into hope—building The Answer Inc. from a grassroots support network into a trusted lifeline for over 4,000 families across Chicagoland. Her programs include innovative social-skills training, workforce development, recreation, and specialized education for children and adults, especially in under-resourced neighborhoods. Vines also developed first-responder and municipal training to bridge gaps between caregivers, law enforcement, and policymakers.
Her fearless advocacy, inclusive vision, and deep empathy foster healthier, more resilient communities, setting a standard for nonprofitexcellenceinChicago.
ChicagolandNon-Profits
John Adams, CPA Founder & Executive Director Bronzeville Trail Task Force
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Joy Adams Director of Operations Phoenix Foundation
Erika Allen CEO Urban Growers Collective
Barbara Andrews Executive Director The Open Arm Foundation
Bril Barrett Director Making A Difference Dancing Rhythms Oganization
Dr. Mica Battle Founder and Executive Director Bridge To Freedom
Jeffery Beckham CEO Chicago Scholars
Todd Belcore Executive Director Social Change
Victoria Brady President/CEO
Annie B. Jones Civic Arts Center
Rodney Brown Executive Director/CEO New Covenant CDC
Yumeka Brown Senior Director, Governance and Operations The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care
Dominique Bryant Founder/Executive Director Dream Academy Foundation
BriElle Bryson Founder and Executive Director AROSE Foundation
Bonita Carr CEO Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASS) of Cook County
Nicole Clarke-Springer Artistic Director Deeply Rooted Dance Theater/Deeply Rooted Productions
Tabitha Clay President College Assess Corner
Keila Colbert Executive Director
Robert Barney Prostate Cancer Foundations
Dori Collins Executive Director District Outreach Industries
William Collins Chief External Affairs Officer Surge Institute
Melissa Connelly CEO One Goal
Carolyn Day CEO
Black United Fund of Illinois
Donald Dew CEO Habilitative Systems, Inc.
Dar’tavous Dorsey Founder
E.Y.E. Lead Foundation, Inc.
Norman Fleming Chief Information Technology Officer Chicago Public Schools
Dr. Toinette Gunn President & CEO LINK Unlimited Scholars
Joseph Haley President Richard C. Haley Scholarship Foundation
Christa Hamilton President & CEO UCAN
Chris Harris Pastor Bright Star Community Outreach
Kimberly Hobson Chief Executive Officer South Side Healthy Community Organization (SSHCO)
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ChicagolandNon-Profits
Darryl Hughes CEO/Co-Founder Hughes Who Technologies Studio - NFP
Daniel Jackson President Tie Tuesday Foundation, Inc.
Darlene Jackson CEO & Executive Director Collaboraction Theatre
Fernando Jones Founder/Artistic Director Blues Kids Foundation
Jamal Malone CEO Ada S. McKinley Community Services
Yani Mason CEO Girls Inc. of Chicago
Shenita Muse Executive Director Hope Center Foundation
Cosette Nazon-Wilburn Executive Director
The Love Unity & Values Institute (LUV Institute)
Carolyn Palmer Founder Carolyn’s Kids Foundation
Saleshea Peterson Founder Hug A Child Make A Change
Brandon Pope President NABJ-Chicago
Gloria Randolph Founder & Executive Director Giving God the Glory Ministries, Inc.
Britney Robbins Founder & CEO The Gray Matter Experience
Nicole Robinson CEO YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Lisa Rollins Regional Development Director UNCF Chicago
Carmita Semaan Founder & President Surge Institute
Ulric Shannon Executive Director Surge Institute
Anthony Simpkins President & Chief Executive Officer
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
Jack Solomon CEO/Founder Developing Our Youth
Evelyn Sparks Founder/CEO
Kay Ray World of Service and Community Partners
Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson CEO
Matthew House - Chicago
Linda Swayze Director of Community Engagement The Joffrey Ballet
Paris Thomas Chief Executive Officer Equal Hope
Jamila Trimuel Founder & CEO Ladies of Virtue, NFP
Crystal Tyler Founder/Executive Creative Director C. Phoenix Tyler Rising Stars
ChicagolandNon-Profits
APPLAUSE!
Danielle Wallace ExecutiveDirector KingdomAvenue,Inc.
Benjamin White President BetterSisterandBrotherGrowth Network
Chareice White FounderandChairwomanofthe Board| ECIERFoundation
Audrey Woodley ProjectManager ChangingOasis,Inc.
Kevin Yates President MealsintheMeantime
