CLASS OF 2025
Mercy Akintounde
Mercy is a versatile leader and professional, driving value-adding solutions through technical expertise and leadership skills. Mercy has excelled in internal controls, compliance, cross-functional collaboration, strategic planning, and risk assessment, leading AbbVie’s Policy and Process workstream for Procurement, Innovation, and Transformation and the Global Procurement Compliance team. Her expertise has earned numerous recognitions. Mercy is committed to advancing causes that positively impact lives and add value to organizations. She is passionate about developing others, sharing knowledge, and mentorship, fostering a culture of growth and excellence. Mercy currently serves as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, and as Chair of Community Impact for AbbVie’s Women’s Leader in Action.
Mercy holds a Bachelor of Science in Agric Economics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and a Master’s degree in Accounting from West Virginia University. Mercy is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Project Management Professional (PMP). Outside of work, Mercy enjoys spending time with friends and family, writing poetry, reading, and traveling, which brings a unique blend of skills and experience to her work.
Jeff Allen
Jeff Allen currently serves as a Director in the Economic Equity Advisory Group at BMO Harris Bank in Chicago. Jeff advises middle market firms on lending strategies and treasury opportunities, and enhances overall performance by facilitating specific client needs throughout the Bank. Previously at BMO, Jeff executed the credit strategy at BMO Wealth Management as the U.S. Head of Underwriting, National Banking Group, overseeing the management of a $4.0B loan portfolio. Also, as Director of U.S. Commercial Real Estate, Jeff loaned capital to real estate investors throughout the United States.
Committed to community development and financial empowerment, Jeff lends his time as the treasurer for the Advisory Board for A Safe Haven Foundation, and the Board of Directors/Loan Committee member for the Chicago Community Loan Fund. Jeff Allen earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Florida A & M University, and a Master of Science in Real Estate Finance and Investment from DePaul University.
Leslie Amonoo
Leslie grew up on the south side of Chicago and is a proud product of the Chicago Public Schools system. A graduate of the University of Iowa and Chicago Medical School, he currently serves the south and west sides of Chicago as a Family and Community Medicine Resident physician at University of Illinois at Chicago in Illinois Medical District.
He has a strong conviction in closing the tremendous gap that exists in Life Sciences. He also has a mission in ecosystem building for Black and African American communities, which traditionally have not had equal access to bio-tech innovation. Leslie currently serves on the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation’s Health Brain Trust. He is an avid sports fan and is looking forward the upcoming football season.
Rachel Bonds
Rachel is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Rachel Bonds LLC, a full service consulting firm that provides DE&I advisory, talent strategy, and operational leadership to organizations committed to meaningful change. Prior to launching her firm, she was the Vice President of DE&I at Insight Partners, a venture capital firm with over $75B in regulatory assets under management. There, she launched a global DE&I advisory practice for a portfolio of 450+ software companies and coached leaders on how to embed DE&I into their businesses as they scale. Her previous roles include leading a global program management office (PMO) focused on racial equity for Google, and serving as Chief of Staff for Teach For America’s Washington DC region, one of the organization’s largest alumni regions in the country.
Outside of work, Rachel dedicates her time to organizations committed to equity and opportunity as a board member for LIFT Chicago, as well as a board advisor for Climb Hire and Jodie.ai. A proud native of Buffalo NY, Rachel received her B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and holds her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute.
William Bonsu
William Bonsu is Customer Manager at Fiat Powertrain Industrial (FPT) NA. In his role, he is responsible for managing the technical aspects of new and existing customer projects in the North American region. He is also responsible for building and sustaining relationships with internal and external customers. William received his Bachelors of Science, in Agricultural Engineering, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign which serves as the start of his journey to gain over 19+ years of experience within the capital equipment industry.
As a recently retired professional DJ, William still enjoys listening to and playing music on vinyl records in addition to jogging, fellowshipping/volunteering with fraternity brethren (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.) and assistant coaching kids soccer. Managing home and car sharing businesses with his beautiful wife Akua, continues to fuel his entrepreneur spirit and allows him to network with others of like-minded attainment. William and Akua reside in Oak Lawn with their amazing children McKenzie, Nathaniel and Brayden.
Robert Brown
Robert Brown serves as the inaugural Director of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Outreach in the Medill School of Journalism & Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University, where he works alongside students, faculty, and staff to reimagine pedagogy, policy, and programs. Previously, he served as the inaugural Director of Social Justice Education at Northwestern, where he developed several curricular and co-curricular institutional social justice education initiatives. He also provides organizational development consultation and training with a focus on social justice, leadership, and organizational change.
Robert holds a BS in Finance from DePaul University, MA in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University, and is a PhD candidate in Higher Education Leadership at Colorado State University. He was awarded the 2020 DePaul University Distinguished Alumni Award and serves on the Board of Directors of the Difficult Dialogues National Resource Center. Robert’s research interests explore topics related to equity and inclusion in higher education; faculty development and critical pedagogy; and identity-conscious supervision and management. He co-authored hist first book, Identity-Conscious Supervision in Student Affairs: Building Relationships & Transforming Institutions, in 2020. Robert resides in Beverly with his wife, Ashley, and sons, Adrian and Miles.
Dirrick Butler
Dirrick Butler is the Founder and Executive Director of Project OneTen, a Chicago based non-profit that supports boys of color during the critical transition to high school. Rooted in his experiences as a public-school student and teacher, Dirrick has witnessed first-hand the inequities that exist in the urban education ecosystem, specifically for students of color. He has dedicated his career to radically reimagining how we educate and support boys of color in and outside of the traditional school space. Prior to Project OneTen, Dirrick served as a high school teacher and worked alongside diverse teams at high-impact education organizations in Chicago. In addition to his work at Project OneTen, Dirrick challenges future educators to think differently about the role of schools as a professor at Loyola University Chicago.
Dirrick received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Arts from Clark Atlanta University and a Master of Education in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago. He is an alum of the Surge Institute, the inaugural class of the Obama Community Leadership Corps, and serves on the Action Team for the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. Dirrick lives in North Kenwood with his partner and his dog Lambchop.
Prentice Butler
Prentice Butler is a civic leader born and raised in Chicago. His South Side upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of community and justice, driving his career in public service. He is the Executive Director of The Neighborhood Bridge, a nonprofit bridging resources and opportunities for underserved communities in Chicago. Previously, Prentice was Deputy Director for the Illinois Justice Project, known for the SAFE-T Act to eliminate cash bail in Illinois. As Chief of Staff for Alderman Sophia D. King of Chicago’s Fourth Ward, he worked on initiatives to improve the community, showcasing his understanding of city government and community engagement. Before his city government roles, Prentice was a bankruptcy consultant and a District Executive with the Chicago Area Boy Scouts of America, excelling in community outreach and fundraising.
His commitment to social justice is reflected in his board memberships with Free Lunch Academy and the South East Chicago Commission (SECC). Prentice holds degrees from the University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago and has participated in prestigious leadership programs. A resident of Bronzeville for over 15 years, Prentice is involved in various civic and mentorship organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the betterment of Chicago.
Monique Carroll
With almost two decades of experience in intercollegiate athletics, Dr. Monique Carroll currently serves as the Vice President and Director of Athletics at Chicago State University where she oversees all aspects of the NCAA Division I athletic program. Prior to her time in Chicago, she was the Director of Athletics at Huston-Tillotson University where she was awarded the President’s Vanguard Award for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Carroll has held various roles at South Carolina State University, Prairie View A&M University and the Southwestern Athletic Conference office.
Dr. Carroll is an alum of the Women Leaders in Sports Institute for Administrators Advancement. She served as a Board Member for the Austin (TX) Sports Commission and has been featured in publications discussing her advocacy for minority serving institutions and leadership in intercollegiate athletics. Following in the steps of her grandmother and mother, she is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is a proud alumnus of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where she was named to the inaugural 50 under 50 class and the United States Sports Academy where she was the 2023 Alum of the Year. She resides in Bronzeville with her wife, BrySondra.
Audrianne Coffer
Audrianne Coffer is a Second Vice President and Corporate Philanthropy Program at Northern Trust, a team responsible for Northern’s charitable and employee engagement globally. In this role, Audri educates organizations on funding opportunities, performs site visits in the community and manages employee volunteerism. Over the past ten years, Northern Trust has donated over $170 million to charitable causes worldwide and Northern Trust employees collectively volunteered over 1 million hours to charities around the world.
Driven by her passion to create positive and lasting change in Chicago communities, Audrianne worked in the nonprofit sector before joining Northern Trust. She has held roles at Shedd Aquarium, Cara Chicago, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. These roles focused on resource development, fundraising programs, event planning, and associate board management. Audrianne is a graduate of the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk) and is a volunteer with the Birthday Party Project and iMentor.
Fatima Cooke
Dr. Fatima Cooke has served as the Chief Officer at Chicago Public Schools for the past two years. A product of CPS and lifelong learner, Dr. Cooke is dedicated to positively impacting students, school communities, and district leaders by eliminating barriers and ensuring every student has the foundation needed to become caring, successful, and productive citizens. Previously, she served as a principal supervisor and was the proud principal of Sumner Math & Science Community Academy in Chicago’s North Lawndale Community. Her dual roles as an educator and mother drive her commitment to supporting district and school leaders by challenging them to disrupt inequities and provide tailored opportunities for every student.
Dr. Cooke is passionate about partnering with communities to create authentic engagement opportunities that enhance positive interactions, academic outcomes, and a sense of belonging for marginalized students. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from National Louis University, and degrees from Northern Illinois University and Chicago State University, Dr. Cooke combines her deep educational expertise with a commitment to equity to foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students. Dr. Cooke enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Pavielle Driver
Pavielle served as the former Principal of the Chicago High School for the Arts. She takes pride in her role as a visionary leader, leading the only arts conservatory high school in Chicago. In her role, she was responsible for setting and leading the academic vision with a primary focus on a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and intensive pre-professional training in the arts. She began teaching in Las Vegas as a Teach for America Corp Member where she held many leadership roles and improved school performance in many areas. Her desire to transform the education experience for Black students led her to transition her role as Assistant Principal to Chicago Public Schools, as well as completing her Principal Residency as a New Leader Aspiring Principal Fellow.
Prior to her journey in education she received a BBA in Finance, M.Ed. in Administrative Leadership from UW-Milwaukee and a M.Ed. in Special Education from UNLV. Pavielle is a veteran of the United States Air National Guard, holds a multitude of government accounting experience, and is a two time recipient of the Air Force Outstanding Achievement Award. She resides in Chicago with her family and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Camille El-Amin
Camille El-Amin serves as Vice President of Institutional Client and Investor Relations at Ariel Investments. With over 15 years of experience at the firm, she is responsible for servicing institutional clients, investment consultants and third-party relationships. Her previous roles at Ariel include being a performance and analytics manager and a portfolio services associate. Prior to joining the firm, she worked as a banking analyst at JPMorgan Private Bank in New York.
Outside of Ariel, Camille is on the board of directors of Family Focus, an organization that provides early childhood education, youth development and family support programs, where she serves as Secretary. She is also active an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Chicago Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College. Camille graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Spelman College. In her free time, she enjoys taking dance classes, coaching her sorority’s graduate chapter step team, and running short distant races. She currently resides in Beverly with her husband and their four children.
Shanté Elliott
Shanté Elliott is the Founder and CEO of TasselTurn Education, a serial social entrepreneur, designer, and researcher who has successfully combined academic insights with practical experience to launch and scale social impact companies. Founded in 2019, TasselTurn Education is an edtech social impact organization whose platform dramatically increases access to post-secondary education for housing insecure and foster care-involved students and youth. The platform offers students free academic coaching and tutoring, over 50 college preparation resources, and reward incentives for achieving educational milestones, facilitating graduation and successful transitions from foster care.
Prior to establishing TasselTurn, Shanté worked in higher education administration within the University of North Carolina System, focusing on college access and student retention. She also played a pivotal role as the recruitment and training director at Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Cook County, where she enhanced community involvement in advocacy for children in foster care. Shanté’s work and impact have been featured in prominent publications such as Forbes Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, Reader’s Digest, and Cosmopolitan Magazine. She is a recognized L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honoree, Forbes Changemaker, and Echoing Green Fellow.
Currently, as a doctoral candidate at Northwestern University, Shanté investigates how identity and coping mechanisms influence the educational experiences of housing insecure and foster care-involved learners in both traditional and digital learning environments. Residing in Chicago, IL, Shanté continues to lead TasselTurn and contribute to the broader discourse on educational equity and innovation.
Ivy Ellis
Ivy S. Ellis joined the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program as Executive Director in September 2018. In this role, she is responsible for executing and implementing current programs and strategically building new initiatives for the local community. Previously, Ivy held positions with various Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) in Illinois and served as the central region business development director at Housing Partner Network (HPN) Select. In that role, she expanded regional business by collaborating with shareholders and affordable housing agencies.
Ivy serves on the boards of Lost Boyz Inc., Metropolitan Tenant Organization, and Near North Development. Additionally, she is the 2nd Vice President of the Women’s Board of the Chicago Urban League and works as an Adult Educator at City Colleges of Chicago. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Ivy is also the Social Action Co-Chair. Ivy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, and a Master of Business Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL.
Kristin Hamb
Kristin Hamb currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Strategy, Risk Management, and Business Resiliency at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In this role, she is responsible for working with executives to set the organization’s strategy, monitor and mitigate business risks, and create plans to ensure business continuity. Kristin started her career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago working in the Regulatory Reporting function and serving in various leadership roles, ultimately resulting in her current position.
Kristin is committed to giving back to the community and has participated in several volunteer events through organizations like YearUp Chicago and Chicago Scholars. She also previously served as the chair of the Twenty Pearls Foundation Scholarship Program where she was responsible for awarding college tuition funds to students in the Chicagoland area for academic achievement and financial need. She also volunteers with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is an alumna of Duke University and received a B.S. in Economics and Psychology. She also has a Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University.
Estrelitta Harmon
Estrelitta Harmon, Executive Director at the Center for Better Aging (CBA), is a visionary leader transforming health outcomes for underserved communities. With experience in both public and private sectors, she excels in leading collaborative projects that deliver sustainable results. At CBA, she leads an initiative to empower individuals over 50 to age with confidence and independence. In various leadership positions with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Estrelitta managed diverse teams and oversaw grants exceeding $100 million. Her leadership of the state’s Get Covered Illinois grant program ensured compliance and excellence in the rollout of Illinois’ health insurance Marketplace. In the private sector, Estrelitta served as a Senior Consultant at Health Management Associates, supporting government agencies and community organizations nationwide. She led initiatives to improve health outcomes in maternal and child health, aging, and behavioral health for at-risk populations, demonstrating her strategic approach.
With a background in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Estrelitta combines academic rigor with practical expertise. She is dedicated to enhancing the lives of those affected by multiple sclerosis, motivated by her husband’s struggle with the disease, and to creating positive change on Chicago’s South Side.
Justin Hill
For over a year, Justin L. Hill has served as the Research and Policy Analyst for the Westside Health Authority (WHA) in Chicago. Justin collaborates with WHA leadership to support its mission to grow small businesses and homeowners—building economic opportunities and fostering a thriving community. In collaboration with community leaders, Justin drafted two proposals that will make millions of dollars available to flood victims. Justin, with support from his office and other community entities, has provided critical support to more than 200 Westside flood victims while managing State, Federal, and City grants and contractual obligations. Justin leads the programmatic aspects of two Special Service Areas (SSA) 72 and 77, key commercial corridors on Chicago’s Westside.
Prior to WHA, Justin served as Senior Program Officer Fellow with Family Health International (FHI 360) in Mozambique. He monitored a $300 million portfolio of public health projects and developed an expertise in project oversight, and client communications. At FHI 360’s Washington, D.C. office, Justin contributed to public health efforts across 20 countries, specializing in international project management, client relations, and technical domains such as HIV, Malaria, Neglected Tropical Diseases, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
Since returning to the U.S., Justin co-founded the Black Leaders Caucus, a Political Action Committee formed alongside three other Black gay men under the Victory Fund. The Caucus is committed to increasing Black LGBTQ+ political representation in American democracy.
Jacobe Hollins
Jacobe is a dynamic Technical Product Manager at McDonald’s, specializing in solving niche challenges for restaurant and corporate staff. He leverages Generative AI/AI and proprietary data to streamline operations, eliminate bottlenecks, and enhance productivity. Previously, Jacobe held various roles, including Product Owner for employee productivity chatbots, Business Analyst for digital employee experience platforms, and Field Marketing Coordinator. These positions provided him with extensive experience in frontline operations at the world’s largest quick-service restaurant brand.
Jacobe earned his MBA from Colorado Technical University and a BS from Xavier University of Louisiana, graduating with honors. He was active in the Student Government Association and led marketing for his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity chapter. Beyond his professional duties, Jacobe co-leads communications for BGLDN (Be-Golden), McDonald’s black employee business network. He also serves as Treasurer and Board Director for Meals in the Meantime, a non-profit addressing food insecurity in Chicagoland’s south suburbs. In his spare time, Jacobe enjoys exploring how data and AI can optimize daily routines, which allows him to indulge in hobbies like team exercise, videography, dog training, and gardening.
Ellen Hoover
Ellen Yiadom Hoover is a Senior Manager in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. She develops and implements strategic initiatives to improve recruiting, development and retention efforts in the firm’s Chicago and Wilmington offices. She also promotes inclusion firmwide through programming that drives engagement and belonging at the firm. Prior to this role, she was a practicing investment management attorney, specializing in counseling independent directors of investment companies.
Ellen began her diversity, equity, and inclusion journey at Harvard College, where she served as a student liaison for the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations. After college, she worked on a documentary, “When the Bough Breaks,” about high infant mortality rates within the Black community. The documentary is part of the award-winning PBS series “Unnatural Causes…Is Inequality Making Us Sick?” While in law school at the University of Virginia School of Law, Ellen served as president of the Black Law Students Association. Ellen sits on the board of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund and is an alumnus of St. Ignatius College Prep and the Ron Brown Scholar Program. She lives in Bronzeville with her husband and two children.
Shalisa Humphrey
Shalisa Humphrey is a Partner in EY’s Risk Consulting practice, specializing in digital risk management. With nearly two decades of experience, she is dedicated to guiding organizations toward establishing resilient technology frameworks that proactively address digital risks. As a champion of technological innovation, Shalisa drives the evolution of risk management, harnessing automation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of risk functions. Fueled by the principle of sowing and reaping, Shalisa believes that intentional investments in time, talent, and resources are essential for fostering innovation and unlocking the full potential within people and projects.
She actively contributes to community initiatives that support and mentor entrepreneurs from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including her work as a Program Manager for EY’s Entrepreneur Access Network and as an angel investor with the Josephine Collective. In partnership with her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she is committed to empowering Chicagoland families, stimulating economic development, promoting environmental sustainability, and championing social justice. Outside of work, Shalisa’s life is enriched by the joy of travel with her husband and daughter, mental health advocacy, and a passion for the vibrancy of the visual and performing arts.
Janene Ingram
Janene Ingram began her career as a Teacher in Chicago Public Schools and has been working toward educational equity ever since. She is an equity centered leader and master strategist who is significantly skilled in organizational leadership and chooses to practice the art of project management to achieve audacious goals. She is an avid learner and greatly values leading with compassion and a lens of curiosity; this care shown during collaboration has been a foundational tool in her success. As the first Chief Operating Officer/Operations Partner at FuelEd Schools, Inc, she brings vast experience from her time as a teacher coach, team leader, Chief of Staff, and Executive Director.
She is a proud alum of Whitney M. Young Magnet high school and four year starter on the first ever women’s basketball team from Stetson University to play in the NCAA tournament. As an alum of the Surge Institute’s signature fellowship program, Janene is wholeheartedly committed to working toward a more equitable and just world. When Janene is away from work you will find her on the lakefront trail, dancing to house music, or enjoying time with family and friends. She lives in Bronzeville with her husband and daughter.
Dan Jacobs
Dan is an Innovation Lead and Senior Manager for ?What If! Innovation at Accenture. In his role, he is responsible for leading the creation of new growth engines for major brands through the vision, design, build, and scale of new innovation capabilities. Dan has a background in Service Design and Industrial Design, and he has spent his career leading teams to bring to life transformative and purposeful products, services, and organizations along with the skills, cultures, and capabilities necessary to enable their growth and evolution.
Dan graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design. In his free time, he loves cycling, live music, and traveling with his wife, Kelly, and their two children, Isabella and Julian. Dan and his family live in the Old Irving Park neighborhood in Chicago.
Brandon Jordan
Brandon Jordan is a seasoned finance professional currently serving as the Finance Senior Manager of Controls and Compliance at UL Solutions. With over 15 years of experience in internal and external audit, Brandon has held significant management positions, as well as advisory roles, at Abbott Laboratories and EY, where he specialized in financial controls, regulatory compliance and acquisitions. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Missouri – Columbia.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Brandon is dedicated to community service. He serves as the Co-Chair of the non-profit Taskforce Prevention Services, focusing on supporting LGBT youth on the west side of Chicago. Through his leadership and dedication as Co-Chair, Brandon has supported Taskforce in establishing sound policies and purchasing a building with a personal goal to improve the well-being and empowerment of marginalized communities. Brandon currently resides on the northside of Chicago in the Uptown neighborhood and loves to travel in his free time.
Ashley Leonard
Ashley N. Leonard is the Founding Director of the UChicago To&Through Middle Grades Network (MGN) that is dedicated to helping Chicago Public Schools (CPS) educators create more equitable learning environments where middle schoolers thrive. Prior to joining MGN, she was the Executive Director of Spark Chicago, a career exploration and self-discovery program. Ashley’s diverse professional experience includes special projects roles at the Chicago Public Education Fund and CPS as well as time on the management track at Kraft Foods. She holds a Master’s of Education in Education Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Vassar College.
Despite moving five times before middle school, Ashley is a Chicagoan at heart who was born on and whose family is based on the south side. Ashley is a proud alum of the Surge Institute Fellowship and a budding philanthropist dedicated to elevating Black women and girls through her work as a founding member of the South Side Giving Circle of the Chicago Foundation for Women. She is a lover of dance, a foodie, a loving wife, and the mother of two spunky daughters ages 3 and 9 months.
Shavonne Mayfield
Shavonne Mayfield is the Managing Partner of Dior Realty Group (DRG), a distinguished African-American and women-owned real estate enterprise based in Illinois and Indiana. DRG is a multifaceted organization comprising a real estate brokerage, a real estate academy, a title agency, and a nonprofit arm dedicated to community impact.
With over 20 years of experience across government agencies and educational institutions, Shavonne has held significant roles at Chicago Public Schools, the University of Chicago, City Colleges of Chicago, the Chicago Fire Department, Job Corps Chicago, and DePaul University. Her leadership at DRG exemplifies her commitment to advancing homeownership and creating career opportunities in real estate, reflecting her passion for community development and economic empowerment. Shavonne holds a degree in Finance from Southern Illinois University and an MBA from Concordia University. She resides in Bronzeville with her husband and children.
Michelle McClendon
Michelle McClendon is the Public Sector Operational Leader and Senior Project Executive for Gilbane Building Company. She leads Gilbane Chicago’s K-12 and public-sector markets and is responsible for management and administration from award through occupancy. Michelle is passionate about being part of the fabric of local communities and is dedicated to educating the next generation of builders. A 20-year construction veteran, Michelle has a portfolio that includes corporate headquarters, high-end and multifamily residences, and public-use facilities. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Illinois Green Alliance and the Illinois International Port District. Michelle is co-owner of South Shore Social Beach Club, a seasonal restaurant which serves mouthwatering offerings, crafted drinks, and summertime fun on the beach’s edge with Lake Michigan as the backdrop.
Michelle has an unwavering commitment to her community, embracing sustainable business practices and youth hiring, while always striving to continuously improve and progress. Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science in General Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her MBA from the Liautaud Graduate School of Business at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Michelle is dedicated to continued service and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Jonathan McGee
Jonathan McGee is a former IL State Government Executive, Civic Leader, and Economic Developer who serves as a Senior Consultant at Baker Tilly US in the Development and Community Advisory practice. He specializes in minority business and workforce development strategies, comprehensive project finance solutions for public-private partnerships (P3), and economic development initiatives on behalf of cross sector clients. With over 10 years of public, private, and non-profit sector experience, he recently served as Deputy Director, and Director, in Governor JB Pritzker’s Administration at the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity from 2020-2023.
Jonathan received a bachelor’s degree in political science, holds a master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University, and Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola University Chicago. Jonathan was named Chicago Defender’s Man of Excellence in 2021, a WVON 40 under 40 Honoree in 2022, and he received the Outstanding Black Alumni Leadership Award from the Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business. He serves as a board member for the Chicago Summer Business Institute, Reading Power, the Emerging Leaders Council for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and a Neighborhood Ambassador for the 2024 Chicago Democratic Host Committee.
Jaya Miller
Dr. Jaya Miller is the Chief of Staff for City Year Chicago, where she oversees site strategy, special initiatives, board management, budget development, financial monitoring, and site operations. In this role, she also spearheads efforts to recruit young talent to serve in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). With a 17-year career as a CPS educator, Jaya has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, academic director, and assistant principal in diverse school settings. Her dedication to improving education for marginalized communities has driven her to ensure access to resources and opportunities that can change students’ lives.
Jaya is a proud parent of three young children and a dedicated mentor to many former students. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., contributing to her community through service. She holds a B.A. from Illinois State University, an M.Ed from the University of Illinois Chicago, and an Ed.D from National Louis University.
Krystle Murry
Krystle Murry is a dynamic accounting and finance leader with over 15 years of experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry at Barilla America, Inc. and Kraft Foods. Currently, Krystle is a senior financial planning and analysis manager for Barilla America, where she is responsible for leading the consolidation of strategic forecasts for the USA, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico markets. For the past two years, she has also served as co-lead of the Black and LatinX employee resource group, Alleanza, at Barilla America.
Krystle is a native of Chicago, IL, currently residing on the city’s south side. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and the Keller Graduate School of Management with a master’s of science in finance. Krystle is proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She has previously served on the executive board for her local chapter in Oak Park, IL, holding the positions of Treasurer, National Programs Chair, and Rhoer Advisor (teen affiliate group). In her spare time, Krystle enjoys traveling, kickboxing for exercise, volunteering in her community, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts to further enhance her personal growth.
Candice Norcott
Candice Norcott, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, national consultant, and public speaker. Dr Norcott is an alumna of Brown University and the University of Connecticut, and she and completed her pre and post-doctoral work in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale University. Dr. Norcott is an Associate Professor and Clinical Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Mental Health Program at the University of Chicago. Dr. Norcott is also the Director of Graduate Medical Education Well-Being for the University of Chicago where she brings her trauma-informed approach to resident physician and fellow well-being.
Dr. Norcott speaks internationally on issues related to trauma, gender, and race. She was featured on the Lifetime docu-series “Surviving R. Kelly” and was a recurring guest on the Facebook Live program, Red Table Talk as an expert discussing the impact of sexual abuse on girls and young women, and the intersection of race. Throughout her career, Dr. Norcott has been committed to trauma-informed and gender-responsive services for girls and women, minority advancement in psychology, and cultural responsiveness in the health field.
Nicholas Norris
For the last 4 years, Nicholas Norris has served as a regional sales manager at CDW. In this role, he is responsible for leading sales professionals to meet and exceed sales and profit goals. He is also responsible for managing strategic relationships with customers, partners, and value creation in innovative technology solutions.
Prior to this role, Nicholas served as an individual contributor, providing innovative technology solutions to Higher Education institutions. He also serves as Chair of CDW’s employee resource group supporting over 1300 Black and Brown coworkers and allies. Nicholas serves as a board member of the non-profit organization Play Smart Literacy and serves in many efforts in the Chicagoland area around digital equity. Nicholas is a proud alum of Chicago State University with a Bachelor’s of Psychology. He resides in Homewood, Illinois with his wife Stefanie and two children, Nathan and Gianna.
Chimare Odom
Chimare is the Assistant Program Director of College and Career Success at the UChicago Inclusive Economy Lab, where she oversees a complex portfolio of scientific research projects. These projects aim to generate evidence on education and economic mobility programs and policies throughout the city of Chicago. In her role, Chimare is dedicated to improving educational outcomes and economic opportunities for students and families through building strategic partnerships and leveraging data-driven insights. Before stepping into her current role, she managed partnership and civic education efforts for the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Chimare earned her Ph.D. in Business Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Adler University.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Chimare enjoys cooking, exploring different genres of music, traveling with her family and friends, and cultivating her inner gardener. Passionate about serving her community, she is an active volunteer in her local church and pantries throughout the city. Chimare currently resides in Chicago with her husband and their three boys.
Jason Parks
Jason Parks is a native of Gary, Indiana and has lived, worked, and served in Chicago most of his life. He currently serves as Chief of Staff to the CEO of Loop Capital. As Chief of Staff, he is actively engaged in various aspects of Loop’s day-to-day business from clients and partners to strategic projects. Jason’s career spans nearly two decades in the financial services sector, including roles in investment management and banking, with the last decade devoted to Loop Capital.
Jason is also active in his local faith community, as a member of the Leadership and Pastoral team of his church, serving a multi-ethnic congregation of 1,000 people. He has been a well-received speaker in various parts of the U.S., Asia, and Africa in which he has one consistent message: service is authentic leadership, and transparency is true power. Jason earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Valparaiso University and his MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He is a board trustee for Northwest Indiana Lighthouse Charter Schools and a member of the DE&I Committee of the American Cancer Society. Jason is a proud husband and father of four daughters.
Tanesha Peeples
Tanesha Peeples is the founder and CEO of The Roots Initiative, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to championing Black youth as visionary leaders and catalysts for transformative change. As a liberation strategist and injustice interrupter, she works tirelessly to dismantle, reimagine, and rebuild systems that have historically harmed marginalized communities. Tanesha’s unwavering mission for equity, equality, and freedom fuels her efforts to amplify often-ignored voices, especially in public education.
With over 15 years of experience, Tanesha has held leadership roles at both local and national organizations, specializing in grassroots and communications strategies for political and social change. Prior to The Roots Initiative, she was the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation at Wayfinder Foundation and the Deputy Director of Activist Development for Education Post. Her work has been featured in Blavity, Ebony Magazine, The Black Wall Street Times, and Chalkbeat. Tanesha received a M.S. in Urban Planning from DePaul University and forever represents Kenwood Academy. She is a Surge Institute alum, member of Education Leaders of Color (EdLoc), and has been recognized as a “Mover and Shaker” by Black Minds Matter. Last but not least, she is a Finer Woman of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Sasha Peña
With over 11 years of dedicated experience, Sasha Peña has designed and overseen curriculum development to nurture leadership competencies and essential skills for a seamless transition from high school to college and successful careers. Her tenure has been marked by a commitment to bridging the opportunity gap for students, ensuring they are equipped with the tools needed to thrive in today’s workforce and the future of work. Throughout her career, Sasha has forged valuable relationships with corporate partners, playing a pivotal role in the design and implementation of Chicago Scholars’ highly successful summer internship program. She designed the program, which has generated over $300K in annual revenue and places over 50 interns per year at 32 companies, providing invaluable hands-on experience for scholars and solidifying Chicago Scholars’ reputation as a leading force in youth empowerment and career development.
Currently, Sasha serves as the Head of Employability for REACH Pathways, an ed-tech company connecting high-performing under-resourced students to college and career pathways. In this role, she leads the revenue strategy and growth, strategically cultivates corporate and college relations, and maximizes career outcomes. Sasha identifies new business opportunities, builds customer relationships, and achieves sales targets. Her keen insights into industry trends enable her to align student aspirations with corporate objectives, ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships. Sasha is a Chicago native passionate about leadership development and youth advocacy, and is a lifelong learner.
Brittany Powell
Dr. Brittany Powell is a healthcare leader dedicated to engaging, empowering, and serving the communities she works with. She holds master’s degrees in business administration and public health, as well as a doctorate in community psychology focusing on population health. Dr. Powell’s research expertise includes maternal and child health outcomes in minority populations and social determinants of health. Throughout her career, Dr. Powell has excelled in various health care administration roles. She is currently the Director of Pediatric Primary Care, Adolescent Medicine & School Health at Advocate Children’s Hospital. In this position, she enhances the hospital’s community partnerships and oversees business operations within primary care and adolescent medicine.
In addition to her professional work, Dr. Powell actively contributes to community service through her involvement with The Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Her dedication to improving health outcomes and fostering community engagement underscores her commitment to making a positive impact in the field of healthcare.
Eboni Prince
Eboni Prince is the Senior Program Director at After School Matters, one of the nation’s largest providers of out-of-school-time programs for high school youth. In her role, she oversees the planning and implementation of quality programs across the south and southwest areas of Chicago. With extensive experience in youth development, program evaluation, and college access, Eboni remains dedicated to creating spaces of educational equity and opportunity for Chicago youth in under resourced communities. Before rejoining After School Matters, Eboni served in various leadership roles, including Manager of Internships and Educational Programs at the Chicago Transit Authority and as Program Director for The Posse Foundation, where she was responsible for the scholarship selection process, university partnerships, and leadership development training for scholars.
Eboni holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and serves on the Women’s Board of the Chicago Urban League.
Samson Reeves III
Samson Reeves III (Sam) is a Manager, Market Leader, Sr. Treasury Management Consultant for Old National Bank. He has worked in the finance industry for almost two decades and has specialized in Commercial Banking/Treasury Management for the past decade. His lifelong desire to understand finance led him to pursue a B.S. in Finance, as well as an M.B.A. with a concentration in Financial Services. His more recent desire to become an effective people leader led him to pursue a M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, specializing in Leadership Development and Evidence Based Coaching. He has experience managing the Chicagoland Business Banking team of treasury management consultants, and due to our recent acquisition of Cap Star Bank, has recently been tasked with leading our Nashville Business Banking Market in the interim. In his role, Sam carries one of the largest portfolios within his bank and has consistently exceeded his goals.
His goal is to change the narrative of Black men raised in the inner city and strengthen the bonds between young men and women of color. He hopes to spearhead a program that will bring economics back into our schools and give young people early exposure to the world of finance, economics and financial markets. Sam is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Jennifer Reid Davis
Since late 2021, Jennifer Reid Davis has served as the Chief Strategy & Equity Officer at Noble Schools, serving over 12,000 students across Chicago. She joined Noble Schools in 2010 as a history teacher. She was later named principal of Rauner College Prep in 2013 and DRW College Prep in December 2017. Jennifer crafted Noble’s five-year DEI Strategic Plan in 2019 and is the founder of the Diverse Leaders’ Fellowship. In 2020, Jennifer was promoted to be Noble’s first Chief Equity Officer where she led strategy on DEI policy and programming. In her current role she has the pleasure of managing the college, public affairs, fundraising, and equity teams.
Jennifer founded her own nonprofit in 2010, a teen girl empowerment summit, the “I AM SHERO” Summit, serving over 700 girls to date. Jennifer earned a B.A. from Spelman College in 2007. She is an alumna of Teach For America, Houston, and earned a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Pennsylvania. Born in Chicago and raised in Gary, Indiana, today she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and resides in her Beverly home with her husband, a proud Chicago native, and two children.
Dave Roberson
With a fiery passion for people and community development, Dave Roberson continues to forge his path toward professional and civic achievement with a steep incline. In his official capacity as Private Banker at CIBC Bank USA, Dave works with high-net-worth clients, their families, and small businesses to provide solutions that range from brilliantly simple to comprehensive and complex, largely covering lending and liquidity management. Additionally, he leads the CIBC US Region’s Employee Banking initiative, working with a cross-disciplinary team of leaders to develop and implement strategies effective in increasing employee engagement with the banking products and services they proudly stand behind in the marketplace. Finally, he serves on the Steering Committee for the CIBC Black Employee Network, where he helps direct the activities and course of this affinity group while also leading its Professional Development subcommittee.
Dave grew up and currently resides on the city’s South Side, having graduated from Whitney Young Magnet before obtaining his MBA from Florida A&M University. He has benefited from memberships in CUL’s Metropolitan Board, Toastmasters, Chicago Ideas, and currently the Associate Board of Genesys Works Chicago. He enjoys life with his wife Tandra and is always seeking new ways to contribute to his community.
Shana Sanders
Shana serves as the Senior Manager of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs for Nelson Laboratories, a global provider of microbiological and analytical testing. With more than 15 years of experience in quality management and global regulatory compliance, Shana provides business oversight to ensure compliance to federal and ISO regulations of both pharmaceuticals and medical device products.
She outpours into her community through her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. as well as Chums Inc, a non-profit organization. Shana resides in Chicago, IL and enjoys cooking, traveling, dancing, and playing flag football in her spare time. Shana holds a BS in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics from Hampton University as well as a certification for manager of quality/organization excellence (CMQ/OE) from the American Society of Quality.
Phasha Spencer
Phasha Spencer is a transformational leader, strategist, connector and change agent. In her role as Executive Director for Playworks Illinois, she is responsible for leading regional operations, and the executive management of the Illinois team and regional finances, including fundraising strategies, income generation and board development. Prior to this role, Phasha served as the Business Development Lead at EdReports, where she led and supported the expansion of state and district partners, executing growth strategy, business development and overseeing the codification of services for the External Affairs Office. Phasha brings a breadth of experience from a variety of roles in the nonprofit, consulting, and higher education landscapes.
Alongside her career, Phasha is the Program Committee Chair for Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative through the Chicago Foundation for Women. She is a proud HBCU alum and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Norfolk State University. Upon relocating to Chicago, she received a master’s degree in journalism from Roosevelt University. Phasha has a strong commitment to community service, professional learning, civic engagement, and curating spaces for youth and leaders to thrive. In her spare moments, she enjoys attending local events, traveling, and quality time with family and friends.
Danielle Vazquez
Danielle Vazquez is the Director of Support Services at Rush University Medical Center where she leads strategic planning and operational management across inpatient services. Under her leadership, Danielle significantly advanced the quality and efficiency of support services. She has been instrumental in standardizing services and implementing cutting-edge solutions, including the development of a digital service application to increase patients’ service experience. Danielle is dedicated to health equity efforts which include spearheading an employment pipeline program that has expanded Rush’s recruitment pool for non-clinical roles by 20%, partnering with local community-based organizations. Prior to her current role, Danielle served as a Senior Project Manager of Hospital Operations, advising Rush’s Senior Leadership teams though the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work earned her the City of Chicago Medal of Honor for exceptional community vaccination efforts.
Danielle holds dual Master’s in Business Administration and Public Health from the University at Buffalo. Her professional accolades include the Emerging Alumnus Award from the University at Buffalo School of Management and recognition for co-founding Western New York’s first minority career conference. Danielle’s commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional life, as she is a former Division 1 track athlete currently training for her next marathon.
Kimberly Watson
Dr. Kimberly Watson has dedicated her career to public service, ascending from a Chicago Public Schools teaching assistant to her current role as Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer. Her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth is evident in her ability to transform complex data into actionable strategies that drive operational excellence.
Passionate about education’s transformative power, Dr. Watson embodies the principle of service and is dedicated to empowering others. Volunteering for programs like the Chicago Public Schools NextGen Mentorship Program underscore her commitment to community impact. Dr. Watson has honed her leadership skills through rigorous academic pursuits, including Executive Leadership cohorts at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Harvard University, and Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead Cohort for Women in Leadership. She is a Gates Millennium Scholar and three-time graduate of the University of Illinois, with a PhD in Education Policy and Organizational Leadership.
Dr. Watson cherishes time with family and friends, exploring passions including cooking, volunteerism, fitness, and sporting events. Her strong support network, including her sisters from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, enriches her life. Driven by gratitude, Dr. Watson strives to honor her ancestors’ legacy and create a positive impact on the world.
Jeneba Winfrey-Porter
Jeneba Winfrey-Porter relocated to Chicago to join Tapestry 360 Health as their Chief Operating Officer in 2022. In this role, Jeneba manages day-to-day administrative and operational functions, ranging from data and health information technology, to supporting finance, and compliance–all with a lens to deliver high-quality care to patients. Tapestry has 16 locations serving North Chicagoland, amounting to over 120,000 visits annually to provide services varying from primary care and refugee health to dental. Originally from Philadelphia, Jeneba spent a decade in Memphis, TN. During this time she worked at Church Health, one of the nation’s largest free and charitable clinics. In her final role, Director of Clinical Operations, she was responsible for the operations and integration of multiple clinics and is particularly proud of establishing the Quality Department. Additionally, Jeneba worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis and was honored as a 2021 Memphis Business Journal’s Forty under Forty recipient.
Jeneba is actively involved in national healthcare organizations, American College of Healthcare Executives, and the National Association of Health Service Executives. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and received a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Memphis.
Brandi Wright
Brandi Wright is a dedicated law enforcement professional with an impressive 18-year career. She currently serves as a Sergeant of Police in the Chicago Police Department’s Special Victim Unit. In this leadership role, she oversees a team of Detectives handling cases related to sexual assault, domestic violence, and crimes against vulnerable populations. Beyond administrative duties, she ensures supportive relationships with affected family members and strong ties with community-based programs. With extensive experience in operational deployments and district-wide programs, Sgt. Wright excels in communication and is known for her commitment to community engagement, emphasizing partnerships and collaboration in all her initiatives. She is proficient in law enforcement training, including medical and rescue training (LEMART), investigative techniques, statistical analysis, and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT).
Brandi holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Illinois State University and is completing her Master of Science in Public Safety Administration from National Louis University. She volunteers with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Recognized with awards for merit and service, Sgt. Wright strives for excellence in law enforcement, driven by her unwavering commitment to community safety and justice. She resides in Chatham with her two exceptional children.
