In every city, there are people who raise their hands—not for recognition, not for applause, but simply because they see a need and cannot turn away. They are the ones who roll up their sleeves, stand on the front lines, and dedicate themselves to building stronger, safer, healthier communities for us all. In Chicago and the Chicagoland area, these individuals are the backbone of progress.
The Chicago Defender’s Applause! inaugural class of 25 Standout Non-Profit Leaders exemplifies that spirit of selfless leadership. These men and women have been nominated by the community for their tireless work in addressing some of Chicago’s most pressing challenges: violence prevention, youth development, education, housing, healthcare, and the arts. Their commitment is unwavering, their service is sacrificial, and their impact is immeasurable.
Among them are leaders like Sherri Allen-Reeves, Executive Director of Phoenix Foundation, whose mission is to provide safety, stability, and hope for families in need, and Daniel O. Ash, President of the Field Foundation of Illinois, who leverages philanthropy to strengthen communities and elevate voices that are too often unheard.
There are visionaries such as Chancelor Bennett, Founder of SocialWorks, using creativity and influence to empower youth, and Torrey Barrett, Founder/CEO of the KLEO Foundation, providing safe spaces and mentorship to help young people thrive. Leaders like Jamyle Cannon, Founder/Executive Director of The Bloc, have built powerful programs to keep youth engaged through boxing and academics, while Jahmal Cole, Founder of My Block My Hood My City, inspires Chicagoans to step outside their comfort zones and invest in the future of our neighborhoods.
The arts are represented by Makeda Crayton of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater/Productions, who uses performance to bring healing and inspiration, and Omouzuwa Seyumour-El, Owner/CEO of Raw Talent Performing Arts, who nurtures creative expression in youth. Education champions like Aimee Eubanks Davis, Founder/President, and Michelle Redd, President of Building Blocks Learning Academy, are creating pathways for children and families to succeed.
Faithful leaders like Yolanda Fields of Breakthrough Urban Ministries and Tio Hardiman, President of Violence Interrupters, NFP, are on the ground daily, addressing both urgent needs and systemic challenges. Tiffany Hightower, Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, and O. Victoria Lakes-Battle, Executive Director of IFF, exemplify how advocacy and institutional leadership can drive meaningful change.
Others, like Ghian Foreman, President/CEO of Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative, focus on economic development, while Lycrecia Prks of the Chicago Community Loan Fund ensures equitable access to financial resources. Community pioneers like Diane Latiker, President of Kids Off the Block, and Sheldon Smith, Founder/Executive Director of The Dovetail Project, dedicate their lives to lifting up young people and families who need guidance and opportunity.
The list continues with Jeremiah Frazier of The Rae of Light Foundation, Yolanda Jeffries of Black Women in Business and Construction, Inc., Beyonca Johnson of Lifescore Foundation, Kevin McFall of PushBlack, Jaemie Neely of the Federation of Women Contractors, Dr. Frankie Swoope of Continuing Academic Training, and Debra Vines of The Answer, Inc. Together, this distinguished group represents the very best of Chicago and surrounding areas.
By featuring their stories in the September 30th Applause! edition, the Chicago Defender is ensuring that these leaders—so often too busy serving others to celebrate themselves—finally receive the recognition they deserve. But Applause!is more than recognition. It is a rallying point for the community to show support.
Businesses, organizations, and individuals now have the opportunity to stand alongside these honorees by placing congratulatory ads, sponsoring the publication, or showcasing their own non-profit organizations. This is a chance not only to celebrate these leaders but also to spotlight the many organizations across Chicago and the Chicagoland area that work tirelessly to care for, educate, heal, and empower.
“Our honorees represent the best of Chicago and the Chicagoland area,” said Publisher Dyanna Knight Lewis. “Their impact is felt every single day, and we want our readers, partners, and the entire community to celebrate them in a meaningful way. When we uplift them, we uplift the thousands of lives they touch.”
To learn more about the 25 Standout Non-Profit Leaders, click here, and to explore sponsorship and advertising opportunities, click here for the sponsorship packet. For more information or to reserve an ad, contact Publisher Dyanna Knight Lewis today.
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