Not-for-profit M.O.gul leaders play a crucial role in our communities, driving positive change and making a significant impact on society. Their importance lies in their ability to mobilize resources, inspire volunteers, and advocate for causes that address pressing social, environmental, and humanitarian issues. They are indispensable agents of positive change, working tirelessly to improve the well-being of individuals and communities
Their work not only addresses pressing issues, but also fosters a sense of compassion, social responsibility, and collective action. Their importance cannot be overstated, as they contribute to building a more equitable, just, and compassionate society for all. Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to celebrate these M.O.guls making a difference every day, and we salute you for the contributions made to improve our communities.
To our faithful M.O.gul readers, join us as we celebrate those who tirelessly work to make our communities a better and safer place for all. Your support is priceless and we sincerely appreciate you!
“Keep living.”
- My Mom
Meet M.O.gul of Thee M.O.nth, Robiar Smith, Co-Founder & CEO of R.B. Pest Solutions and woman-owned pioneer in the pest solutions industry. Leading one the fastest growing minority owned pest companies in the nation, Robiar has made national history by being named as the FIRST Black woman to load her Bug Strike products onto the digital shelves of the national home improvement store chain, the Home Depot. Currently sold online at HomeDepot.com, R.B. Pest Solutions’ newest pest product, Bug Strike, contains no scents, causes no stains, and is an all-in-one pest control solution designed to defend your home and office, and is now available for purchase on the retail giant’s website.
When asked her source for inspiration to continue to fearlessly break down barriers in the pest solutions industry, Robiar credits her close relationship with her parents that keep her inspired and motivated to lead and innovate. Her business and life experiences have taught her to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable”, providing her with the right recipe for national success. Continuing the legacy of her beloved parents, Robiar overcomes day-to-day business challenges by placing her focus on her customer’s satisfaction, while also gracefully managing exponential company growth.
To learn more about Robiar Smith and R.B. Pest Solutions, you may visit their website at: www.TheRBPremiumProducts.com. You may also follow R.B. Pest Solutions on social media using social media handles: @Therbpremiumproducts and @ R.B. Pest Solutions. To purchase your bottle of Bug Strike, please visit Home Depot’s website at: www.HomeDepot.com.
Prior to my daughter Anayah going away to a PWI college in 2020 I purposely shared Anayah’s week long “Ivy League College Tour” to introduce the idea of us black parents giving our offsprings other options for school choices. Folks
I went to a HBCU (Morehouse), a traditional black college (Chicago State) and and diverse state school (UIC) and gained so much from my educational experiences.
Now to my surprise, many folks asked me questions like “why don’t you take her to HBCU’s” or “how do you set up these tours”, “are you letting Anayah choose on her own? etc., etc.....Well to be very honest this is ALL ON ANAYAH!
Her mom and I were totally following her lead with her college choices but as her highly educated parents we gave her ALL THE OPTIONS to choose from! I wanted my brown baby to know that she has choices just like her White, Asian, Indian, etc. counterparts have.
To be honest we as black folks still limit our kids experience and we should know better! Dads and moms, it’s more vacations spots to take your kids than Disney in Orlando or Wisconsin Dells! Maybe take your children to Harvard or Stanford universities even if they are in elementary school. Guess what? It plants seeds in their young minds!
As a family join Jack and Jill, The Links, I Am Abel, AKA Esteem, the Delta Gens, the Kappa League, etc. to experience a higher echelon of service and networking!
It’s so much out here for our brown children to experience and enjoy so let’s not put a cap on anything that will help take our children to the next level of success and accomplishment! Be phenomenal, Khalid Scott, BS, MSW, LCSW, CADC, CODP-1
C-SWHC, CWEL, LPHA
Presented by the Woodlawn Diversity In Action, unity intersected with community and commerce at this year’s 2nd annual Black Wallstreet. This year’s experience included inspirational performances from local artists and performance groups, a sound stage with live musical artists, a beer garden, and a host of minority businesses, reviving the meaning behind “Black Wall Street” in Chicago’s Woodlawn Community.
If you or someone you know is looking for ways to grow and expand, Thee M.O.gul Mag. offers you affordable advertising opportunities, starting at an introductory offer of $49! You will receive graphic design support and a turnaround time of 48 hours or less!
The Black Women Professionals League (BWPL) is a membership-based company honoring influential Black women. BWPL provides leadership development, resources and support to emerging and established professionals The annual 40 Under 40 Award and GEMS Award serves as the official induction into the Black Women Professionals League (BWPL). Their mission is to support the holistic advancement of Black women by expanding their members’ professional network, enhancing their leadership skills, providing personal development resources and trainings, and creating opportunities for them to make a social impact. To learn more, visit their website at: http://bwplinc.com/.
Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to support this year’s 7th Annual 40 Under 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony, Presented By The Black Women’s Professional League! Congratulations to this year’s inductees! Get Tickets
Thee M. O.gul Mag.’s Editor In Chief, Michelle O’Kennard, will be a guest speaker at this year’s Creative Cash Summit, hosted by Thames Media Solutions and Michelle Thames. Grab your tickets NOW at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creative-cashflow-summit-for-womenentreprenuers-chicago-2023-tickets-672626031567?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
The Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow Financial Empowerment Career Fair provides a unique opportunity to discover employment opportunities and to connect in-person with leaders and hiring representatives from more than 60 financial services and community development organizations including BMO, CIBC Chase, Huntington Bank, First Eagle Bank, Chicago Housing Authority, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, North Lawndale Employment Network, and others. Employment opportunities will range from entry level to advanced career positions. Register for FREE at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/buildingwealth-today-for-tomorrow-financial-empowerment-summit-tickets-634192305257?
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Releasing October, 2023, Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to introduce to you a NEW resource, Thee M.O.gul Pages. Thee M.O.gul Pages is a comprehensive digital directory designed to spotlight and promote minority executive professionals and minority-owned businesses across various industries. This downloadable resource compiles valuable information such as the names, websites, email addresses, phone numbers, and social media handles of these accomplished individuals and enterprises.
By offering a centralized platform, Thee M.O.gul Pages aims to foster connections, collaboration, and visibility within the business world for these often underrepresented groups. This directory serves as a bridge, facilitating networking, and engagement opportunities while highlighting the contributions of minority executives and businesses to their respective industries.
September 15 - October 15, 2023
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make up Hispanic and Latino communities and to promote inclusivity, respect, and appreciation for their contributions to our society. It's a chance to connect with others, learn, and grow while celebrating the richness of Hispanic heritage. Thee M.O.gul Mag. celebrates the richness Hispanic Heritage Month brings!
“Democracy starts at the block level”
AboutA champion of social justice, Jahmal Cole’s mission is to build a more interconnected Chicago on the pillars of service and education.
As the founder and CEO of the city’s fastest growing social impact organization, My Block My Hood My City, Jahmal is the visionary behind the exposure-based education program for teens and a network of volunteer initiatives that serve Chicago communities year-round through the efforts of the organization.
Inspired by inequalities in Chicago communities, Jahmal made it his personal mission to inspire youth, empower communities, and build a better world, one block at a time. My Block My Hood My City provides Chicago youth with community engagement activities that include field trips, block clean ups, group volunteer projects, and community facing events.
A prolific public speaker, Cole shares his experience with traveling, youth mentorship, and community organizing in his speaking points, presenting his thought-leadership to a wide-ranging audience, from high school students all the way to the office of the Mayor of Chicago.
Jahmal Cole received an honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanities and Philanthropy from Adler University and was voted “Best Activist” by the Chicago Reader. He leads a long list of awards and acknowledgements that include being named one of the “25 Most Powerful Chicagoans” by Crain’s Magazine, “American Red Cross Community Impact Hero Awardee”, “Crain’s 40 under 40", and the recipient of the “Champion of Freedom Award”. Cole is a “Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Honoree”, and the recipient of the “Chicago City Council Resolution Award”. Jahmal was also named one of the “20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans” by Streetwise Magazine and was voted “Activist of the Year” and “Chicagoan of the Year” by Chicago Magazine.
My Block My Hood My City invites those in the Chicagoland area to give back and spread some holiday cheer by participating in their Be A Part of the Light Campaign, as they work to decorate homes and streets on the south side of Chicago with holiday lights, garland, and ornaments.
To get involved in giving back to the Chicago community with My Block My Hood My City and to learn more about volunteer opportunities available, visit their website at: www.ForMyBlock.org. You may also follow My Block My Hood My City on social media using the handle: @myblockmyhoodmycity.
“The beauty is in the impact.”
-Darryca Brim-MimsDarryca Brim-Mims Executive Director, Focus Fairies Mentoring
Focus Fairies Mentoring co-founder, Darryca Brim-Mims, was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago in the Fuller Park community, a side of the city that historically lacks resources and opportunities in comparison to other neighborhoods throughout the city. Her experiences fueled her desire to make a change, therefore, she dedicated her collegiate studies to doing so.
Darryca earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration from Northern Illinois University and earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Argosy University. She has worked directly within the nonprofit community as a Project Coordinator and Administrator for over four years.
Throughout this time, she successfully honed her skill sets acquired through personal, academic, and professional experiences to mold herself into the successful nonprofit co-founder and entrepreneur that she is today. Her ability to forge relationships, juggle multiple projects, and adjust to fast-paced settings have all contributed to her success in the nonprofit realm.
Darryca’s ultimate mission is to continue being the positive influence among young adolescents in the same manner she needed during her own adolescent years. Her fiery passion for community engagement, youth development, and selfempowerment fuels her desire to be an advocate for underrepresented communities and has catapulted her into the spotlight, representing a wellrespected and admirable leader within various Chicagoland communities.
Darryca’s ultimate mission is to be a positive influence among young adolescents. She is passionate about community engagement, youth development, and selfempowerment, and is highly skilled Workshop Facilitator, Program Designer, Event Planner, Nonprofit Consultant for startup & grassroot organizations, and a Travel Advisor.
Focus Fairies is hosting their 3rd annual Fairy Ball Event, Saturday, December 9, 203 from 5:30-8pm CST at Oakwood Shores Community Center, 3825 S. Vincennes ave Chicago, IL 60653. This event celebrates mentees of Focus Fairies Mentoring. Attendees will enjoy the royal treatment with an evening filled with music, dancing, photo opportunities, and a special time for beauty, makeup, and more. To register for free event tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-fairy-balltickets-692499634047
To learn more about Darryca and Focus Fairies Mentoring, visit their website at: www.focusfairiesmentoring.com. You may also follow them on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn using the handle: @FocusFairiesMentoring,
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
- Barack ObamaJeffrey L.Jackson Board Chairman, 100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc.
AboutJeffrey L. Jackson serves as the Board Chairman of 100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc., a 501c3 non profit organization that focuses on the growth and development of young people. 100 Black Men of Chicago’s mission is to improve the quality of life and enhance the educational opportunities of African-American males throughout the Greater Chicagoland area. The primary specialty of the organization is their mentorship program and outreach as outlined in their Mentoring the 100 Way curriculum and Mentoring Across a Lifetime. They serve Chicago’s South Side, South Suburbs, West Side and Western Suburbs with programs that include STEM, robotics, and financial literacy.
In response to the social injustice and economic disenfranchisement experienced by the African American community, in 1963, 100 Black Men of New York was established. The momentum began to grow and in 1985, 100 Black Men of America was established. In 1994, the local Chicago chapter, 100 Black Men of Chicago, was activated.
The organization is currently approaching 30 years of service to underserved and often undervalued youth and their communities and recognizes the disparities in access to resources, academic achievements, and mentorship. 100 Black Men of Chicago understands how invaluable the presence of Black male role models are in the lives of youth. This is expressed in its motto “What They See Is What They’ll Be”. Through the tireless investment of its members and volunteers over the years, 100 Black Men of Chicago celebrates the many outstanding accomplishments of its mentees from business executives to Hollywood blockbusters.
They also host a series of fundraising and educational events like their annual College Scholarship Fair, Holiday Toy Drive, Health & Wellness Expo, Anti-violence “Stop The Bleed’ event, Workforce Development, and annual Scholarship Golf Outing.
The 100 Black Men of Chicago will be hosting their 22nd annual College Scholarship Fair at the UIC Forum on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Each year, this event features nearly 150 of the nation's finest colleges and universities, engaging with over 3000 students, parents, and stakeholders. The event has generated over $65 MM in scholarships to date and has provided attendees with a diverse offering of schools including public, private, HBCUs across the nation. Attendees will enjoy educational workshops that provide prospective students and families valuable information and guidance on navigating the college experience, including ways to pay for college tuition.
To learn more about 100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc. and Board Chairman Jeffrey L. Jackson, visit their website at: www.100BMC.org. You may also follow 100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc. on all social media platforms using the handle: @100BlackMenChicgo .
“It doesn't matter if you don't resonate with positive thinking. All you need to know is that negative thinking works extremely well, and it will ruin your life."
- Dan Koe, Founder of Modern Mastery & Digital EconomicsDean Cantave
AboutDean Cantave is an experienced IT professional, serving the IT industry for more than 20 years. A U.S. Navy veteran and dedicated father, Dean applies his personal and professional experiences to driving forward his mission to educate career professionals on everything Information Technology.
In 2016, Dean founded The Jean & Gail Cantave Foundation, a not-for-profit organization in honor of his parents that both passed away in recent years. His goal of feeding those in need during the Thanksgiving holiday with a food drive gave him something to preoccupy his time with during the holidays, helping him handle the grief of no longer having his parents to spend them with.
His painful loss turned into purpose led Dean to launch his local holiday food drive campaign titled, “ 50 Wards 50 Meals “ with the mission to prepare home cooked meals for Chicagoans suffering from food insecurity. Volunteers from all over the city would gather together on Thanksgiving morning to prepare and freshly package cooked meals and deliver them to local Chicago communities in need.
Since the hit of the pandemic in 2020, Dean has shifted his focus to training and educating IT professionals, helping them catapult their careers to higher heights. To execute his efforts, Dean has launched the CCITL Training Academy through his firm, Cantave Global Communications, Inc., a virtual academy and community designed to help IT Professionals launch and grow their IT careers. Dean also provides 1-on-1 career coaching support, accompanied by an online course, designed to help professionals develop their Tech careers.
Beginning in October 2023, Dean’s 4-week training class begins, teaching professionals how to break into IT and grow their IT careers.
To learn more about Dean Cantave and CCITL Training Academy, visit his website at: www.direct.me/Cantave. You may follow him on LinkedIn @DeanCantave.
