Charles E. Smith – Business Leader & Vice Chairman of World Business Chicago

Charles E. Smith is a commercial insurance businessman. He is the Founder of CS Insurance Strategies, a Marsh and Mclennan Company and current Vice Chairman of World Business Chicago. Charles, who started his career in the CNA Insurance mail room, has more than three decades of experience in commercial insurance with an expertise in healthcare and casualty lines – experience garnered through high performance roles in national insurance companies.

In 2007, Charles started the Chicago office of one of the nation’s largest minority insurance brokers. In 2009 Charles led the acquisition and launch of CS Insurance Strategies and subsequently expanded to Philadelphia and Los Angeles. In 2022, CS Insurance Strategies was acquired by Marsh & McLennan Agencies, becoming MMA’s 100th acquisition and first minority-owned firm in the company’s history. Charles currently leads a division at MMA and subsequently became the Board Chairman of Cynasure, a minority owned commercial insurance brokerage.

In 2024, Charles was appointed Vice Chairman and leader of World Business Chicago (WBC), the city of Chicago’s premier public-private economic development agency, that drives growth, expansion, and innovation. World Business Chicago’s Board of Directors consists of over 100 business leaders that represent: $5.4 trillion market capitalization; $4.2 trillion enterprise value; $1.5 trillion annual revenue; 4.3 million global employees; over 2,000 investments in the past 5 years; and $9.3 trillion in assets under management.

In addition to WBC, Charles is the Executive Chairman of Business Leadership Council the areas premier Black executives membership organization comprised of entrepreneurs, corporate executives and civic leaders, serves on the Board of the Shedd Aquarium, Executives Club, and Presidents Council of the Museum of Science and Industry. Charles also is a member of The Economic Club and The Chicago Club.

Toi Salter

Toi Salter is a leader in financial and business management and the CEO and Founder of Salter Financial Management LLC, overseeing the finances of professional athletes and a media personality. A 28 year financial professional, she focuses on helping athletes avoid the loss of wealth caused by poor guidance, bringing top-tier institutions and professionals to her team. Raised by entrepreneurs, Toi always aimed to work for herself. After college she opened a successful Chicago nail salon, which led to other ventures and built the relationships that shaped her career. A master of reinvention, she believes in pursuing one’s true purpose.

Toi is deeply committed to community and education. She has raised over $3 million for UNCF Chicago and is referenced in a national UNCF annual report as “The Power of One”. In 2024 she was Chair of the 63rd Chicago Urban League Golden Fellowship Dinner and broke a record raising over $4.3 million dollars. Toi has collectively raised more than $10 million for non profits in the Chicagoland area. 

Featured in Unselfish Women and highlighted on Women on the Move, she has earned honors including the Kia Motors and Uptown Magazine “Game Changer,” Black Women’s Expo Phenomenal Women Award, Chicago Defender Women of Excellence, and UNCF’s “Trail Blazer” award to name a few. She holds a B.S. in Commerce from DePaul University, a Master of Accountancy from National University, and an M.S. in Financial Planning from the College of Financial Planning, along with the CFP® designation. Toi is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and lives in Chicago.

Julieanna L. Richardson – Founder of The HistoryMakers, Lawyer, and Oral Historian

Julieanna L. Richardson has a diverse background in theatre, television production, and the cable television industry that created a unique path to founding the largest effort to record the African American experience since the WPA Slave Narratives of the 1930s. Founded in 2000, The HistoryMakers is a national, 501(c)(3) non-profit educational institution headquartered in Chicago committed to preserving, developing and providing easy access to an internationally recognized, archival collection of thousands of African American video oral histories.

A 1980 graduate of Harvard Law School, Richardson graduated from Brandeis University with a double-major in Theatre Arts and American Studies, where she did extensive oral history interviews on the Harlem Renaissance and Langston Hughes. She worked as a corporate lawyer at the Chicago law firm of Jenner & Block prior to serving in the early 1980s as the Cable Administrator for the City of Chicago Office of Cable Communications.

Richardson currently sits on the Honors Council of Lawyers for the Creative Arts; Simmons University Dean’s Advisory Council of the Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts, and Humanities, and James Madison University’s Flowerings Advisory Council. She has been awarded Honorary Doctorates from Howard University (2012), Dominican University (2014) and Brandeis University (2016). She has also served as the commencement speaker for Dominican University as well as Brandeis University 65th commencement.  In 2014, Black Enterprise magazine awarded Richardson its 2014 Legacy Award, its highest recognition of women’s achievement. That same year, Richardson was profiled in American Masters: The Boomer List, a PBS documentary and exhibition at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. She is a 2021 recipient of the Chicago History Museum’s John Hope Franklin Making History Award, which celebrates prominent Chicagoans who have made the city a better place to live. Published in July 2022, her TedTalk “The Mission to Safeguard Black History in the U.S.” is viewable on YouTube.

George E. Johnson Sr. – Entrepreneur, Business Leader, and Author

George E. Johnson Sr. is a visionary entrepreneur and cultural trailblazer whose work continues to reshape the landscape of Black business and media. Born in 1927 in Richton, Mississippi, and raised in Chicago, Johnson began his career with humble jobs before moving into the cosmetics trade. In 1954, with a modest loan and his wife Joan’s partnership, he founded Johnson Products Company and launched Ultra Wave, the first relaxer for men, followed by Ultra Sheen, a device-free women’s hair-straightening product. He steadily guided the company to national prominence, introduced Afro Sheen, and built a major manufacturing plant on Chicago’s South Side.

In 1971, Johnson Products became the first African American–owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange. Johnson went on to found Independence Bank of Chicago and served on the board of Commonwealth Edison, standing among the earliest Black directors of a major U.S. utility. He remains deeply engaged in civic, educational, and philanthropic work, promoting workforce development, entrepreneurship, and Black economic empowerment.

Earlier in 2025, Johnson published his memoir, Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street, co-written with Hilary Beard. The book shares his journey from barbershops to Wall Street and his business philosophy rooted in the Golden Rule.

Johnson holds multiple honorary doctorates and has received major recognitions, including the Horatio Alger Award and the Babson Medal. He continues to mentor and inspire, proving that business success and community uplift go hand in hand. Johnson will also be honored at the 64th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner this year.

Ledisi

A Grammy Award-winning artist hailed as one of the most captivating vocalists of her generation, Ledisi is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Over the course of her career, Ledisi has continually pushed boundaries and redefined the soul and R&B genres with her electrifying performances and powerful storytelling. Born in New Orleans and raised in Oakland, Ledisi’s journey to stardom is a testament to her unwavering passion and dedication to her craft. From her early beginnings performing in local clubs to gracing the world’s most prestigious stages—including a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall—Ledisi has captivated audiences with her soul-stirring voice and magnetic stage presence.

Ledisi’s remarkable talent has earned her critical acclaim and numerous accolades throughout her career. With 15 Grammy nominations, including a win for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “I Need To Know,” her impact on the music industry is undeniable. Her chart-topping singles, including “Pieces of Me,” have solidified her status as a trailblazer in contemporary soul music.

Ledisi’s commitment to artistic excellence extends beyond the music industry. As an actress, author, and advocate, Ledisi has used her platform to uplift and inspire others. Her notable film roles in “Leatherheads” and “Spinning Gold,” along with her acclaimed portrayals of Mahalia Jackson in “Remember Me” and “Selma,” have showcased her versatility and talent. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Ledisi has advocated many times on Capitol Hill for the rights of writers and performers. In 2023, Ledisi was inducted into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., served as past president of the LA Chapter, and is currently a Trustee of the Recording Academy. Ledisi has also been bestowed the honor of garnering an honorary Doctorate Degree from Berklee School of Music at their 2024 Commencement, which further solidifies her influence and impact in the entertainment industry.

Simone Green

Simone Green is a vocalist, songwriter, and multi-genre performer whose body of work spans soul, R&B, house, jazz, and blues. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, she graduated with a degree in Sociology from the University of Iowa. Early on, she performed with the band Shade of Blue, opening for music legends such as Koko Taylor, Raheem DeVaughn, George Clinton & the P-Funk All Stars, Joe Lovano, Maceo Parker, and Roy Haynes. 

Since relocating to Chicago in 1997, Simone formed the band Soul Sanctuary and has for years commanded stages across the city and beyond.  She’s opened for artists like Stokley and Denise Williams.  Her music also finds its way into broader media: she’s lent her voice to national TV commercials for brands such as Wal-Mart, Charmin, Toyota, WVON, and the Illinois Lottery.  Her song “Keep Ya Body Movin” was featured on the television series Ugla Betty. 

In 2022, Simone released her solo EP East of Ordinary, a collection that merges R&B, house, contemporary, and adult stylings.  Her artistry is often praised for its emotional honesty, vocal range, and ability to bridge genres seamlessly. 

Beyond her musical career, Simone is a respected entrepreneur. She is founder and director of CLS Legal Staffing, a premier legal recruiting firm in Illinois, and has been active in legal professional associations and education programming. 

Her journey is one of dual excellence — thriving in both creative and professional spheres — and inspiring others by example.

As the opening artist for the Golden Fellowship Dinner, Simone Green brings her signature blend of soul, depth, and versatility. She will lead the evening with an evocative performance that honors the spirit of leadership, legacy, and possibility.

                                  After Party DJ – Jay Illa

                     VIP Reception DJ – DJ Double M

Damon Williams — Comedian • Activist • Movement Builder

Chicago native Damon Williams is a legendary comedian, actor, writer, and producer with over 30 years in the game. From humble beginnings as a Subway franchise owner, he rose to fame opening for the Kings of Comedy Tour and touring nationally on the Royal Comedy Tour.

A fan favorite on the Tom Joyner Morning Show for eight years, Damon now hosts “That’s What I Think” every Wednesday on the DL Hughley Radio Show. His latest series Laugh Tonight with Damon Williams is streaming on UrbanflixTV and TUBI, alongside his film Heaven on Seven and hit Netflix special All The Queen’s Men presented by Sommore.

Whether on stage, screen, or airwaves, Damon Williams continues to deliver sharp, unforgettable comedy across the country.

Val Warner — Emmy-Winning Host & Community Voice

Val Warner anchors ABC 7 Eyewitness News at 6 a.m. and the 7 a.m. streaming show, bringing her insight and energy to viewers across Chicago. She also co-hosts Windy City Weekend, where her popular “Host Chat” with Ryan Chiaverini keeps audiences engaged with what’s happening around the city.

An Emmy Award-winning host, Val has interviewed everyone from Michelle Obama and Robin Roberts to Chance the Rapper and Common. Her trusted voice has also secured exclusive interviews, including with Spike Lee and Karla Lee, the mother of slain 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee.

Her work has earned multiple Chicago Emmy Awards, including recognition for specials on bullying, breast cancer, and stopping violence. Beyond television, Val is a dedicated community volunteer, supporting organizations such as Make-A-Wish, Chicago Bulls Charities, and South Suburban Family Shelter.

A Los Angeles native with Chicago roots, Val has called the city home since 2005. She is married with two children.

Joe Soto – V103 Afternoon Host

Joe Soto, the afternoon voice of V103, joins the Golden Fellowship Dinner as our returning host. With over three decades on Chicago airwaves, he’s earned a loyal following and the reputation of one of the city’s most trusted radio personalities, blending rich broadcasting experience with a deep love for music and community.

He has interviewed music legends, introduced breaking artists, and emceed many of Chicago’s most memorable concerts and cultural events. Beyond the microphone, Joe supports organizations including the Chicago Urban League, Black Ensemble Theater, and numerous youth mentorship and scholarship programs. A Chicago native and proud Latino leader, he has received multiple broadcasting awards, including Chicago Music Awards for Best Radio Personality, and recognition for his ongoing community service. Whether on the air or out in the community, Joe Soto embodies the spirit of Chicago radio—warm, engaging, and always in tune with the city’s heartbeat.