As 2024 comes to a close, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of our M.O.gul readers and community for your unwavering support throughout the year. Your engagement, enthusiasm, and belief in our mission fuel everything we do.
This year, we have been privileged to spotlight an incredible array of entrepreneurs and small businesses who inspire with their creativity, resilience, and innovation. It’s an honor to share their journeys, celebrate their achievements, and amplify their voices. Together, we are building a thriving M.O.gul community of dreamers and doers.
Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with success, joy, and endless possibilities! Stay tuned for exciting updates and fresh content from Thee M.O.gul Mag early in the new year we can’t wait to continue this journey with you!
Michelle O'Kennard
Editor In Chief
Founder & CEO | Cierra N. Norris Law Group
Cierra N. Norris Attorney
Cierra N. Norris Attorney About
Cierra N. Norris is a Criminal Defense Attorney and the founder of C. Norris Law Group - a law firm dedicated to social justice. After becoming a mother at the age of 16, Norris read a statistic stating that her son was more likely to become incarcerated as a black male born to a single mother.
This was the impetus for Norris’s decision to enter the legal field pushing her to not only provide better opportunities for her son, but to make a positive impact on her community. Her determination was a key factor in putting herself through school to earn both her bachelor’s degree and her law degree. She worked multiple jobs and waitressed in order to accomplish her educational goals.
In 2017, Attorney Norris founded C. Norris Law Group at the age of 27. She brings courage, instinct, attention to detail, and a hunger for knowledge and fact-finding to her practice. She is passionate about putting an end to mass incarceration and injustice and her practice and successes as an attorney are testament to this. Attorney Norris humanizes criminal defense by truly connecting with her clients and is open, honest, and uses her litigation skills and knowledge of the law to bring her clients justice. She treats her clients with respect and promises to fight for them as she would for her own family.
Norris holds a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law, where she distinguished herself by serving as the school’s Student Bar Association Supreme Court Justice, Constitutional Committee Member, and Black Law Student Association Mock Trial Team Member.
Photo courtesy of Cierra N. Norris Law Group online
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Cierra N. Norris Attorney
Prior to founding her firm, Norris gained valuable experience as a Law Clerk at the City of Chicago’s Public Defender Office 711, as well as a Judicial Extern to the Honorable Judge Victoria A. Roberts. Additionally, she volunteered as a Criminal Intake Volunteer at Cabrini Green Legal Aid.
Despite graduating from law school over six years ago, Attorney Norris has already earned a reputation for herself, securing significant victories featured on her social media accounts. Her remarkable achievements have earned her the nickname "Miss Cook County," reflecting her determination and success. In recent years, Attorney Norris has shifted her focus to combatting mass incarceration, which she views as a form of modern-day slavery. Despite the waning momentum of the movement to abolish mass incarceration following the nationwide protests of 2020, Norris remains steadfast in her mission to reduce the disproportionate incarceration rates of Black and Brown individuals.
Through social media advocacy and impassioned activism, she aims to inspire other young people to join her in this crucial fight. In Illinois alone, one in every 200 individuals is ensnared in the criminal justice system annually, perpetuating the loss of fundamental rights. The stark statistics reveal the urgent need for change, as the United States currently incarcerates over 20% of the global prison population despite representing only 5% of the world's population.
Photo courtesy of Cierra N. Norris Law Group
Q & A
below.
Q: Attorney Norris, thanks so much for joining us! We can jump right into your mission. What inspired you to start your own criminal justice law firm, and what has been the most rewarding part of that journey so far?
A: I didn’t choose Criminal Law, Criminal Law chose me. I became a mother at the age of 16 and that experience taught me that becoming a criminal attorney is what I wanted to do. When I initially planned my law career, I was looking forward to starting my career as an attorney at the public defender’s office when I graduated. However, the public defender’s office was not hiring at the time, and I had to explore other avenues to launch my career. With only $500 in my pocket, I was approached by a colleague with the opportunity to begin taking criminal defense cases. While working on independent cases over time, we acquired over 110 clients during that time. I noticed the adverse impact it made on me, so I decided to sit our joint clients down and let them know I was leaving this collaboration and starting out on my own. 95 of those clients followed me and the Cierra N. Norris Law Firm was formed. I have a hustle mentality with a strong passion for my clients and I took on the responsibility to give them the absolute best legal representation possible.
Q & A
Q: Can you share the moment or experience that inspired you to pursue a career in criminal justice law?
A: When I was 16, I was a writer for my school’s student paper called the Blade, in my hometown Wooster, Ohio. I was writing an editorial piece on my experience as a soon to be teenage mom. During my journalistic research, I came across a statistic that surrounded single mothers, single black mothers, and single mothers of black sons specifically. This statistic was startling as it revealed that 90% of Black sons born to single mothers are likely to be incarcerated at some point in their lives. So, I took on the challenge to defeat the odds and be a part of the 10% instead. My goal for becoming a defense attorney is to first protect my son from becoming a statistic and being able to protect others.
Q: As a woman leading a law firm in a traditionally male-dominated field, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
A: As a young attorney with less experience than some of my colleagues, I learned how to distinguish myself from the rest, which is my strong ability to present and my tenacious hunger for a successful outcome. I am very hard-working and my clients can rest in knowing that I have the strength of my youth at my disposal to focus my energy and vigor into every case and client I represent. I leverage my youth by displaying my hunger. I like to push the boundaries of what a successful attorney is and should be. We don’t have the be the standard to be real rockstars. There are women who aspire to be lawyers and are trying to figure out how a lawyer is supposed to act and be. But the truth is, it’s up to your discretion as to the kind of lawyer you want to be. That’s why I push boundaries with my marketing because I want to defy stereotypes associated with my gender in the law industry. As a woman, I have to demand my respect with my male counterparts. Although this sometimes happens, I have also had beautiful experiences where my femininity has conquered many challenges my male counterparts have yet to accomplish in their careers.
Q & A
Q: In your opinion, what changes are most needed in the criminal justice system, and how does your firm contribute to advancing justice?
A: Reform and Revolution. The criminal justice system is working exactly the way it's supposed to be working. In fact, it’s not a criminal justice system at all. Instead, it's a criminal slavery system, it’s a criminal punishment system. It's a lead magnet to mass incarceration because our country does not know how to sustain itself without a free labor system. Thus, the criminal justice system relies on black and brown communities to fill the gaps to keep this system in place. This system also creates synthetic violence to brainwash the public to justify the criminalization and mass lock up of black men in particular. This system needs to be leveled and equalized. By promoting, harvesting and marketing violence, black despair, black crime, and street life; it is designed to keep people of color oppressed. This keeps them tied to the criminal justice system and far from pursuing their own passions and professional careers.
Q: What legacy do you hope to build with your law firm, and how do you envision the future of women in leadership roles within the legal industry?
A: My Legacy = Reform and Revolution. In order for reform to happen, technology should be introduced to combat convictions. For example, law enforcement body cameras should be analyzed by a third party company. However, I don’t believe reform is what this country wants. Reform would mean completely transforming the way our country systemically keeps our black and brown communities in a system of free labor. Unfortunately, White people in power don’t want that because they want to continue to systematically oppress these communities. Which causes a causality dilemma or more commonly known as the chicken or the egg paradox! I want to build a firm that champions reform. If reform does not work, then we need to have a serious conversation about what revolution would look like in our country.
Q & A
In the legal profession, there is a need for greater representation of women in leadership roles. Women bring unique perspectives and strengths that enhance the way we serve our clients and approach our work. A critical question is why some individuals perceive these differences as a threat rather than an opportunity to collaborate and celebrate diverse contributions. For some, the desire to maintain control can overshadow the benefits of shared power and mutual respect. What is often overlooked is that qualities like empathy, compassion, and understanding traits frequently associated with women are powerful tools for advocating effectively within the criminal justice system. However, success in law should never be defined by gender; qualifications, experience, and results should be the measures that matter. Rather than allowing gender, race, religion, or socioeconomic status to create divisions, we should strive to view one another as human beings, united in our shared mission to achieve justice. By encouraging more women to pursue and thrive in legal careers, we can foster a more balanced and equitable criminal justice system for everyone.
Q: Can you share any specific moments where you felt your work made a meaningful difference in someone’s life or in the community?
A: Every single day. I say this as humbly as I possibly can. My inboxes on social media and email inboxes are flooded with encouraging words of affirmation from judges, to law enforcement, to colleagues, about the way I am advocating and fighting for my community every single day. I’ve received positivity from young women who used to feel like they couldn’t make it in law but are not inspired because I allow myself to be me and approach it my way. I know for sure I am doing and impacting my community in a positive way doing it the way I do it. When I have a client that has been wrongly locked up for 5 years and finally gets to hear ‘not guilty’ and walks out a free man. When my client leaps into my arms when she hears ‘not guilty’, and when a young lady who was molested by her pastor receives a settlement and can start her law school journey testifies on my behalf that our lives change on a daily basis in a positive way. And knowing that this is the kind of impact I can make of people and communities everyday makes me feel so blessed and humbled.
Contact
To connect with Attorney Cierra N. Norris and The Cierra N. Norris Law Group, you may visit their website at: www.CNNorrisLaw.com or email Attorney Norris at: Cierra@cnnorrislaw.com.
You may also visit the Cierra N. Norris Law Group in person, located at: 900 W Jackson Blvd. Suite 6E, Chicago, IL 60607, Phone: (312) 625-6129.
You may also follow here on Tik Tok: @AttorneyCierraNorris, Instagram:@AttorneyCierraNorris, and on Facebook: @C. Norris Law Group
Connect
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Thee M.O.gul Mag. Partners with The Association Chicago for Help The Homeless Initiative: A
Commitment to Community Care
As the chill of Chicago winter approaches, the need for compassion and support for those experiencing homelessness becomes increasingly critical. This year, Thee M.O.gul Mag. has stepped up in a meaningful way, teaming up with The Association Chicago to participate in the Help The Homeless Initiative, a heartfelt effort aimed at providing essential supplies to Chicago's homeless community.
The initiative, which took place on Sunday, November 17, 2024, brought together volunteers and members, all united by a common purpose: to ensure that those facing the harsh winter conditions have access to the necessary items that can make a significant difference in their daily lives. With temperatures dropping and the threat of snow looming, the urgency of this mission has never been more apparent.
At the core of the Help The Homeless Initiative was the distribution of thoughtfully prepared donation boxes. These boxes were filled with essential supplies designed to help individuals navigate the cold winter months. Each box included warm blankets, thermal socks, gloves, hats, scarves, nonperishable food items, hygiene kits, and other vital necessities. The items were carefully selected to address the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness, providing not just physical warmth, but also a sense of dignity and care.
Editor In Chief of Thee M.O.gul Mag., Michelle O’Kennard and The Association Chicago Members worked tirelessly to assemble and distribute the donation boxes, engaging with recipients and fostering a sense of community spirit. Members and volunteers shared stories of inspiration and motivation, highlighting the importance of this initiative in making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Community Engagement and SupportThe event also served as a platform for community engagement, encouraging local residents to contribute to the cause. Many attendees brought additional items to donate, showcasing the strong sense of solidarity within the Chicago community.
The collaboration between Thee M.O.gul Mag. and The Association Chicago exemplified the power of collective action, demonstrating that when organizations and individuals come together, they can create significant positive change.
The impact of the Help The Homeless Initiative extends beyond just the items distributed. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the homeless community, especially as winter descends upon the city.
The collaboration between Thee M.O.gul Mag. and The Association Chicago alongside multiple small businesses and local not-for-profit organizations have sparked a renewed commitment to addressing these challenges in Chiagoland, encouraging other organizations and individuals to get involved and support their local communities.
As winter deepens, the need for continued support and awareness remains paramount. With initiatives like this, Thee M.O.gul Mag. and The Association Chicago are not only meeting immediate needs but also fostering a culture of empathy and action that can inspire lasting change in the lives of those who need it most.
Together, they are proving that even in the coldest of seasons, warmth can be found in the hearts of those willing to lend a helping hand.
Freed Fellowship Small Business Grant
The Freed Fellowship helps small business owners get the resources, mentorship, and community they need to build successful companies that make an impact. Every month, we give one $500 grant to a business owner in the US to invest in their existing business. No strings attached. No equity required.
Each applicant gets feedback in the form of their overall Freed score and recommendations to grow their business based on our review. Applicants also receive two months of free mentoring in our virtual community, the Freed Studio. The Studio is a safe and supportive space that brings together ambitious business owners to identify and implement the practices, processes, and systems needed for sustainable growth to help them get to their first (or next) $1 million in revenue. Grant recipients are also eligible to receive an additional end-of-year grant of $2,500.
digitalundivided's BREAKTHROUGH Program, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co, provides founders with a deeper understanding of their customers, startup funding, growth marketing strategies, and networking opportunities to scale their ventures. Each company accepted into the program will receive a $5,000 grant.
Learn More
Restaurant Business Development Grant Program
The Restaurant Business Development Program ensures your business is financially sustainable, operationally, and advancing towards the next culinary endeavors.
Cohorts will receive:
6 months of intentional consultations followed up with educational training services
A financial stipend based on the demands of your business
Continuous training and services extend to support you with procedures that help you process and maintain your business
Resources
Faire Small Business Grant
Faire’s small business grant program gives select new stores $5,000 to use on Faire to stock their shelves with amazing products. It’s our way of helping you kickstart your dream shop. The grant is open to independent retail stores who are based in the US, and started their business in 2023-2024 or plan to open in 2024.
SBIR AND STTR FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
SBIR and STTR grant funding opportunities offer small business entrepreneurs a chance to obtain non-dilutive funding for early-stage research and development. Applications are accepted three times a year. NIH advertises the availability of grant support through notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs), previously referred to as funding opportunity announcements (FOAs).
. Resources
SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program
Need $4,000 To Help Your Business Grow? Apply for a business development grant from the NASE worth up to $4,000! If you're a member, login as a NASE member then come back to this page for additional instructions below to apply for an NASE Growth Grant Today! You could receive up to $4,000 for your small business through the NASE Growth Grants program. Grants can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees, expanding facilities and other specific business needs.
Resources
The Transform Business Grant
TRANSFORM is actively anticapitalist and antiracist, continually working to identify and dismantle oppressive systems of power. Funding shouldn’t be the reason you sacrifice your business idea or your professional development.
The TRANSFORM Business Grant is designed to support individuals in systemically marginalized groups who are making social impact and demonstrate financial need. This includes, but is not limited to, BIPOC individuals, individuals who have a disability, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary folks.
The Wish Local Empowerment Program
Black-owned small businesses have long faced hardship due to systemic racism. But small businesses like yours are integral to the makeup of America. So we are dedicating a $2M dollar fund to give roughly 4,000 Wish Local small business partners financial support.
The selected recipients will receive amounts between $500 - $2000. This program will only be open to Black-owned stores, to help promote equality and diversity in American business.
More
Jamelia Hand
Jamelia Hand
Meet Jamelia Hand, CEO of Vantage Clinical Consulting, she leads the vision to transcend chronic disease management with a focus on opioid use disorders (OUD) and mental health treatment. It is her mission to create accessible, high-quality care solutions that transform lives and drive systemic change in the treatment of opioid use disorders.
Jamelia’s journey is built on a foundation of operations, business development, and a passion for addiction advocacy. Vantage Clinical Consulting provides strategic consulting, comprehensive training, and tailored program development for healthcare systems, providers, and advocacy groups.
With an impressive mastery of substance use disorders (SUD), opioid use disorders (OUD), mental health, and pharmaceuticals, Jamelia has carved out a unique space in healthcare consulting. Her work extends to emerging fields like prescription digital therapeutics and innovative overdose reversal methods, placing her at the forefront of life-changing solutions.
By navigating treatment licensure and compliance to designing reentry programs, her expertise creates pathways to progress for healthcare systems nationwide.
Photo courtesy of Vantage Clinical Consulting
Jamelia Hand
Jamelia’s holistic approach via Vantage Clinical Consulting ensu detail in the SUD and OUD recovery process from program infrastructure to post-discharge care is adequately addressed. This strategic approach not only enhances the quality of care but also strengthens partnerships within the healthcare ecosystem.
Jamelia distinguishes her expertise with unwavering dedication to creating solutions that serve the underserved. By understanding the unique challenges faced by patients and providers alike, and she leverages this insight to advocate for systemic improvements. Her work is as much about building sustainable frameworks as it is about inspiring hope for those suffering with SUD and OUD.
Through her leadership, Vantage Clinical Consulting has become a trusted partner for organizations seeking to address critical issues in substance use and mental health treatment. Jamelia’s influence reaches beyond consulting, reshaping how healthcare systems think, act, and collaborate to support those who need it most.
Jamelia’s professional philosophy centers on creating innovative, accessible, and sustainable solutions for chronic disease management. By implementing overdose prevention strategies and improving treatment compliance, her work is driven by a deep commitment to enhancing positive outcomes for individuals and communities.
Her ability to translate complex healthcare challenges into actionable strategies has earned her recognition as a thought leader in the field. Through partnerships with providers, healthcare systems, and advocacy groups, she continues to push boundaries and inspire systemic change.
Jamelia Hand Contact
At the heart of Jamelia’s work is a belief in the power of innovation and collaboration to create meaningful impact. Her efforts at Vantage Clinical Consulting serve as an example to all that is possible when expertise meets purpose.
Healthcare systems have not only a strategic partner but also a visionary leader dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to overcome barriers and achieve transformative outcomes.
Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to name Jamelia Hand and Vantage Clinical Consulting as one of our November 2024 Featured M.O.guls!
To connect with Jamelia Hand and Vantage Clinical Consulting, you may visit their website at: www.VantageClinicalConsulting.com, via email at: Jhand@vantageclinicalconsulting.com and by phone at: 708-969-8111. You may also reach out to her via Linktree at: https://linktr.ee/jamelia hand? utm source=linktree admin share .
JOSHUA JOEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Joshua Joel | Joshua Joel Photography
Joshua Joel
Meet Joshua Joel, an accomplished photographer and owner of Joshua Joel Photography, whose work transforms moments into memories.
From his beginnings on the South Side of Chicago to becoming a sought-after event photographer, Joshua’s journey is a passion, consistency, and commitment.
Upon graduating from George Washington High School, Joshua pursued higher education at Lewis University, earning his undergraduate degree and forming lifelong bonds through his membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
While working at a souvenir photo company at Navy Pier in downtown Chicago, Joshua discovered an innate talent for capturing special moments. Encouraged by a fraternity brother, Joshua dove headfirst into the photography industry, turning his newfound talent into legacy.
Known for capturing energy, emotion, and beauty of every occasion he photographs, he displays the intimacy of a wedding, the excitement of a large-scale festival, and the vibrant atmosphere of a corporate gala in his photographic images, consistently reflecting a blend of technical precision and artistic vision.
Photo courtesy of Joshua Joel Photography JOSHUAJOEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Joshua Joel
Joshua’s charismatic presence and professional demeanor make him a favorite among clients and peers alike. His portfolio reflects his versatility, showcasing events of all kinds and sizes, each stamped with his signature style and attention to detail.
His journey from the souvenir photo booth to capturing some of the city’s most memorable events is a result of hard work, continuous learning, and staying true to his passion.
A proud Chicagoan, Joshua remains connected to his roots while also expanding his reach beyond the city, leaving an undeniable mark wherever he goes. Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to name Joshua Joel and Joshua Joel Photography as one of our November 2024 featured M.O.guls!
Contact
To connect with Joshua Joel and Joshua Joel Photography, you may visit their website at: JoshuaJoelPhotography.smugmug.com or follow him on Instagram using the handle @JoshuaJoelPhotography for bookings and inquiries.
Quirls | BE Your Own Kind
Renita
Renita Quirls
Meet Renita Quirls, MBA, a powerhouse entrepreneur and the founder of Be Your Own Kind, a transformative platform that champions mental health, empowerment, and self-acceptance. With over five years of professional experience in Human Resource Management and an MBA in Human Resource Management, Renita has expertly fused her background in people operations with her passion for mental wellness advocacy.
Renita’s journey began with a simple yet profound idea: What if people embraced their true selves without fear or apology? This question birthed the creation of Be Your Own Kind, a platform designed to encourage individuals to live authentically, celebrate their uniqueness, and prioritize their mental well-being. Renita’s vision for Be Your Own Kind has grown into a multifaceted brand, offering resources, inspiration, and a community for people striving to live unapologetically boldly.
At the heart of Be Your Own Kind is a deeply connected community that celebrates and supports individuality and resilience. Through her popular podcast, ‘BE Your Own Kind Podcast’ and insightful ‘BE Your Own Kind’ blog, Renita provides a platform for underheard voices, highlighting those who have defied conventional paths and carved out their own destinies. She connects with her audience by offering relatable, uplifting, and practical advice on navigating life’s challenges while staying true to oneself.
Renita Quirls
Beyond digital content, Renita leads events that leave a lasting impact on her community. Known for hosting her signature annual event, Divasgiving, Renita’s mission of this initiative attracts women from all backgrounds, providing a safe space for them to share stories, build connections, and uplift each other.
Renita has successfully combined her professional expertise with her personal passion. Her HR background equips her with a deep understanding of human behavior, organizational dynamics, and personal development, which she incorporates into her work with BE Your Own Kind. Renita’s dual focus on people operations and mental health makes her a unique thought leader in both fields, offering a fresh perspective on the ways both organizations and individuals can prioritize authenticity and wellness without compromising productivity or success. She is constantly studying mental health to share her knowledge, often collaborating with mental health experts to drive conversations about the importance of practicing self-acceptance and resilience. Her work continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace their true selves, face challenges headon, and redefine what success looks like on their terms.
As BE Your Own Kind continues to grow, Renita is focused on expanding her impact by launching new initiatives that further empower her audience, while deepening her advocacy for mental health.
Photo courtesy of Renita Quirls
Renita Quils Contact
To connect with Renita Quirls and BE Your Own Kind, you may follow her on social media using the handles listed below:
Instagram & TikTok: @beyourownkind24
YouTube Channel: BYOK Platform
Pitch Deck: Explore Here You may also visit her website at: www.beyourownkind.com. You may also email her and BE Your Own Kind at: info@beyourownkind.com.
Thee M.O.gul Mag. is honored to name Renita Quirls as one of our November 2024 Featured M.O.guls!
