I am delighted to kick off our 2024-2025 program year as the award-winning Jack and Jill of America, Inc - Monarch Cities Chapter! As the Chapter President, I cannot be prouder to support our mothers as we embrace our theme of Collaboration, Strength in Unity!
We have already kicked off the year in true Mighty MidWestern Region form, executing Jack and Jill Day in sisterhood and excellence
My greatest hope for Monarch Cities’ families is that we enact our vision to enhance and inspire the evolution of African American children, by committing to innovative programming, developing critical thinkers, and building multi-faceted leaders, whose impact transforms communities with lasting and positive change
Let us be reminded of our Guiding Principles as we begin to execute and carry forward our mission and vision in all that we do
Know that you are not alone and have a squad of champions cheering you on! Our children are our pride and joy, so let us stay focused on ‘Our Why’! We’ve got this!
You will remain in my prayers for a year of peace, prosperity, joy and sisterly relations!
Let’s Work! Let’s Play!
In service, CP Tayo Hill
JJOA MONARCH CITIES MOTHER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
10 Questions With Mother Member Safia
1. Where did you go to college and what was your major?
I went to U of I, Urbana Champaign Computer Science and Film, Columbia College - Interactive Multimedia and Computer Programming, Roosevelt University for my Masters of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications
2. What is your hometown?
My mom is Caribbean, I grew up in Chicago, Illinois and live in Homer Glen with my family
3. What is your current profession?
I am a leadership professional in global marketing Currently I am working as a Marketing Manager, with American Medical Association I am also owner/CEO of a makeup and beauty brand and I am a creative branding director for a hair care line.
My passion is on camera and behind the scenes work in music and entertainment, including voice over work and jingles. I’m also a Momager to 2 talented artists
4. Who are your children and their grade groups?
Mikayla Hines age 4, Mikita Hines age
3. Both are in grade group 1.
5. Why did you join J & J and what have you enjoyed most about the experience?
I wanted my children to have the opportunity to grow up with a village and circle of friends and families that share similar interests and backgrounds I wanted the ability to collaborate with mothers who share my passion to empower our children to be the leaders of tomorrow
6. What do you want your fellow Moms to know about you that they wouldn’t already know?
In my “free time” I love to cook, bring family and friends together, travel with my hubby, host events at our home and I’m a novice photographer I love entertainmentit makes me feel good to share my passion and talents with those around me, whether I’m making them laugh or sharing some good home cooking and drinks
7. What is your favorite self-care activity?
I love aromatherapy and salt caves I like to light a scented candle, relax in the hot tub and pray / meditate When I can, I like to sleep because I hardly get to do that
8. What is your favorite place to vacation?
Tropical climates such as Mexico and Jamaica are my favorite destinations to date
9. What is the best Mom advice that you’ve received?
Put your mask and helmet on first and don’t lose yourself being a mom because if you ’ re not ok, no one else will be ok I need to be okay in order to take care of everyone else, so I do what’s needed to keep myself healthy and strong mentally and physically
10.What has Motherhood taught you?
Patience and how to slow down I used to feel like I had to be everything to everyone and be everywhere These tiny humans need so much of me and look to me as their first person to show them love, patience and kindness I feel like you have to be patient with young ones and give them grace and space to learn and make mistakes
JJOA MONARCH CITIES
MOTHER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
10 Questions With Mother Member Dawnielle
1. Where did you go to college and what was your major?
Bachelor’s Degree-Microbiology, Bachelor’s Degree-Clinical Psychology, Master’s Degree-Clinical Psychology. I went to Western Illinois University & St Xavier for Undergrad and Roosevelt University for Graduate School
2. What is your hometown?
Country Club Hills, IL
3. What is your current profession?
Psychotherapist (licensed clinical professional counselor)
4. Who are your children and their grade groups?
Zoey McKenzie Gaskin- GG 2 Believers
5. Why did you join J & J and what have you enjoyed most about the experience?
I joined Jack & Jill for my daughter, Zoey I wanted her to be around like minded families who are interested in fostering African American children with culture and experiences I wanted my daughter to establish lifelong relationships with individuals that look like her
Jack and Jill is a positive organization that I wanted my family to experience. What I love most is that Zoey will be able to experience all the grade groups 1-6 of Jack & Jill I enjoy that my daughter genuinely loves EVERYTHING Jack & Jill Zoey is my Why!
6. What do you want your fellow Moms to know about you that they wouldn’t already know?
I am a mental health therapist and consultant who LOVES the color purple I am in my second career, as I was a hairstylist and salon owner for 18 years My favorite past time (slight addiction) is going to all the different Homegoods, TJMaxx, & Marshalls around the Chicagoland area to purchase different household and decorating items Cooking and entertaining for my family and friends make me happy!
7. What is your favorite self-care activity?
Taking a hot bubble bath in peace and quiet with candles lit, lights off, while listening to Sade is my favorite self-care activity
8. What is your favorite place to vacation?
Savannah, Georgia
9. What is the best Mom advice that you’ve received?
The best mom advice would be to take time for yourself so that you can take care of yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup!
10. What has Motherhood taught you?
Motherhood has taught me the real meaning of unconditional love
