EMPOWERING FEARLESS WOMEN
MELEIKA GARDNER
BLACK EXCELLENCE
ISSUE NO.24
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Trending
Women in Business
Receptive
Trending Information While Shaping Evanston
Featuring Women Slaying in Their Industry
Embracing Family Events, Matters and More!
page 02
page 06
page 25
“I AM BLACK WOMAN, WHO’S HEART WILL ALWAYS BE WITH THE BLACK COMMUNITY.”
8
COMMUNITY
TRENDING POLICTICS
EMERGING
JOSINA MORITA
eet ETHS 2021 Miss. Evanston IL, Teen USA,
M Kayley Luna. Ms. Luna was crowned Miss Evanston Illinois, Miss Teen Illinois 2020, USA People’s Choice Award Winner, and Miss Sunburst
he Commissioner at
Illinois in 2020. Evanston Woman Magazine
T Metropolitan Water
congrats Ms. Luna for setting the tone for
Reclamation District of Greater
excellence.
Chicago has announced her position to run for Cook County
Follow Kayley at ig: kaleyevelyn
Commissioner which is currently held by Larry Suffredin since 2002,
MWED Commissioner Josina Morita became the first Asian American elected county-wide in Cook County. Her body of work had led to many positive outcomes for residents.
Kicking off her, Morita is focusing on pressing issues which resonate with locals, especially during the rebuilding from COVID-19.
Learn more about Josina Morita josinamorita.com
.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
FB.COM/EVANSTON TOO etsy Wilson created a safe space
B on Facebook to allow community to
,
We ignored her. A year later, 56 employees of the same department told the City that
express their concern, show their support,
they had experienced or witnessed sexual
and engage around the recent allegations of
harassment or abuse by their coworkers and
sexual harassment and violence from more
supervisors. The City did not disclose these
than 50 young women who have worked as
charges for a year. It's time to listen. It's time
lifeguards or in other jobs at the northern
to act. It's time to ensure that sexual
suburb’s public beaches.
misconduct is not tolerated in the City government or within our community." say,
"Two years ago, Porschia Davis told the City Council and the City, that there was sexual harassment within the Evanston Department of Parks and Recreation, particularly by the 2 | EVANSTONWOMAN.COM
department Director.
Betsy Wilson.
Empowering Fearless Women LINDA DEL BOSQUE EDITOR IN CHEIF
BRIANNA RIZA
INTER TO THE EDITOR IN CHIEF
SHELLY BARNS DESIGNER
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
ANNA KROLIKOWSKA MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
STEVE JOHNSON
MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
SPONSOR 847.863.1174 EVANSTONWOMAN@GMAIL.COM
STAY IN TOUCH
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CHICAGO TO THE NORTH SHORE
WOMEN IN BUSINESS BEAUTY
BEYOND THE BROW new beauty trend has made
A its mark in Evanston with the new opening beauty brow salon, Oliviganic Microblading.
Microblading is not only a fashion beauty trend, it is also a health lifestyle trade marked by women of all seasons. Learn about the benefits, special promotions, and more with a LIVE interview with the owner, Destiny at Evanston Woman Today Show on Instagram: evanston_woman
This lovely place provides several services to enahcne the everyday women's beauty, and more! Located across from Bennison's Bakery, between Davis and Grove, Oliviganic Mircoblading has become the sweet spot for ladies.
Destiney invites everyone who has questions, to call or stopy by the salon. She expresses the importance of learning how beneficial her services are, and how easy to maintaine your beauty all while balancing life. Patrons can
DETAILS >
MAKE AN APPOITNMENT ig: oliviganic_microblading oliviganic.com fb.com/oliviganic 1577 Maple St Evanston, 60201 .
book online or call, and parking is easy breezy.
EVANSTONWOMAN .COM | 5
CHICAGO TO THE NORTH SHORE
WOMEN IN BUSINESS FASHION
GLAMOURE DOLL BEAUTY BOUTIQUE AND GLAM’CESSORIES lamoure Doll Beauty Boutique and .
G Glam’cessories, located on the first
level of Lincolnwood Towncenter, is a chic, hot pink oasis dedicated to every one of your beauty needs and desires.
Owner and Founder Amanda Renee Richardson has curated a one stop beauty boutique offering multiple services and products. Now there is no need to get your brows, lashes, nails, and wig installations at different places. Whether it’s a special night day or just because you feel like it, Amanda and the gals at Glamoure Doll Beauty Boutique have you covered!
She has created a charismatic space where women and girls of all nationalities
and backgrounds can feel beautiful on the inside and out as well as
However, the glamour does not end at
empowered, uplifted, and inspired.
the boutique, just a few steps away,
located near the mall entrance, is
DETAILS>
Glamoure Braid Bar where you can receive a range of protective style installations and barber services. The vision Evanston Woman, Amanda had is both innovative and interactive.
ONE STOP SHOP Glamoure Doll Beauty Boutique & Glam’cessories | 847-568-3655. fb: Glamouredollbeautyboutique
ig: glamouredollbeautyboutique
Glamoure Braid Bar | 847-673-3655 A hair braiding salon featuring a barber and loctitian.
6 | EVANSTONWOMAN.COM
MELEIKA GARDNER By Brianna Riza
When asked if she has a personal responsibility to be a voice for marginalized groups, without hesitation the answer for Meleika Gardner is a resounding yes. Not only is it her responsibility, she goes on to mention how she has found her life’s purpose in helping to uplift those voices that are not always heard. In 2016, Gardner began Evanston Live TV, a video news platform aimed at reporting on local news and affairs. There is no one subject Evanston Live TV leaves untouched, politics, business, events, cuisine, history, and art.
8 | EVANSTONWOMAN.COM
Some topics are more controversial than others however a stance of neutrality is always maintained letting the viewers think for themselves. In a few short years Evanston Live TV by the hand of Meleika Garnder has cultivated an incredibly engaging and well-rounded media platform that spotlights multi-faceted stories and emphasizes voices just as diverse. Currently over 11,000 people like or follow Evanston Live TV on Facebook. The significance of Evanston Live TV is rooted not only in the fact it is a successful independent media platform, but more so in that it is a platform founded and operated by a Black Woman.
With movement likes #OscarsSoWhite The misrepresentation of Black People in the media has garnered a lot of conversation and attention. However the gross absence of Black media ownership is rarely paid attention to. According to a several year old study by the Federal Communications Commision less than 10 or .6 percent of Television stations and less than 4 percent of radio stations are Black owned.
Those positioned behind the camera hold the power to represent stories and lives in the way they personally envision. Unfortunately integrity and inclusiveness are not always included in some visions, therefore the importance of Black Owned and Operated media is grave.There is immense power in Black Owned Media telling Black Stories. And something becoming more commonplace thanks to people like Meleika. The sheer importance of the work Meleika is doing through Evanston Live TV is undeniable. Though all voices and experiences are championed by Evanston Live TV, Gardener is never shy to state her love for being black reminding us “I am Black Woman, who’s heart will always be with the Black Community.”
To represent and to be a voice for the voiceless are always at the center of Meleika Gardner’s assignments. In 2020 Gardner took a step away from the camera and into state legislation. She calmly resolved how at first she was out of her comfort zone, but says that wanting to help her community pushed her to continue. Through the organization We Will, or Women Empowering Women in Legislation, she co-authored an amendment to a bill for Black History education expansion in Schools. Meleika drafted another bill for inclusive and diverse American History curriculum honoring all groups rarely given credit for building The United States. Meleika also praises State Representative LaShan Ford for graciously mentoring her, and answering her questions and concerns. Children, the developing generation, are our tomorrow, and the extension of knowledge that follows them into adolescence and adulthood is largely reflective of the curriculum taught to them by the state.
Smartly, Gardener recognizes how imperative it is for children, especially those of color, to be taught narratives about themselves and others that are both accurate and empowering. Children learning about someone who looks like them, that changed the course of history, allows them to know they are just as capable to change the course of history as well. Just as a young child seeing a journalist that looks at them plants the idea in their mind that they too can one day work in media. Thank you Meleika and Evanston Live TV for your passion, patience and integrity. Your journey for truth, representation, and fight for the black community brings new inspiration each day.
EVANSTONWOMAN.COM | 9
FAMILY
RECEPTIVE THE TEA
THREE THINGS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DIVORCE RIGHT NOW
L ast year has been more
Through the darkest days of this year our family courts devised ways to continue working
challenging than most years for
with couples and families though often on a limited capacity. Months into the pandemic
many reasons. Not surprisingly,
we can’t set foot in these courts but we’re managing to keep divorce cases moving along
some women in Evanston will seek
thanks to virtual meetings with the judges. Because the courts were closed for some
divorce and need help determining
months this year there are delays in the system that will be resolved over time.
the best approach based on their
Interestingly, many efficiencies emerged. An unexpected consequence of “virtual court
particular family circumstance. It
hearings” has been the speed with which many couples have been able to divorce.
may come as no surprise that 50-
While not all divorces have moved quickly, many have and that’s been a real surprise
60% of the calls I receive from
and benefit to my clients.
people looking to discuss their
Collaborative approaches and mediation have been excellent strategies for couples
potential divorce come from
looking to divorce this year. Each of these approaches allow the couple the opportunity
women. I’ve devoted my career to
to craft the form of marital dissolution that suits them. These approaches both
guiding people through divorce
encourage a far lower emotional toll than a traditional litigated approach. This year
using traditional litigated
more and more couples considered, or pursued divorce, using collaborative or mediated
approaches, mediation and
strategies. Even though the courts were closed or nearly closed for a few months the
collaborative processes. Each of
collaborative cases were able to largely continue which was a big benefit to couples who
these three approaches offer specific
selected this strategy. Families with minor children especially benefitted from this as
benefits and careful consideration of
children are placed as a first priority in these approaches.
each should be made prior to
Some divorces have been more efficient in their proceedings which saved couples
selecting a strategy.
money as they went through the process. While it is hard to imagine that a positive
2020 has proved itself to be a year
benefit of the pandemic is cost savings it is true this year. This also helped couples who
unlike any other year. Even at a time
were “stuck at home” cohabitating. Being able to bring a divorce through to completion
when people are facing significant
was emotionally very important for couples this year and cost savings made it a little less
adversity, hardship, economic
stressful as well.
reversals and more, there are a few silver linings I can share as I type this
continued onto page 14
draft.
EVANSTONWOMAN.CON | 11
FAMILY
RECEPTIVE FAMILY
THREE THINGS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DIVORCE RIGHT NOW
continued from page 11
Divorce is never easy. It is hard on the family. The stresses of last year may also have pressed more couples to seek a divorce. Yet more and more couples are giving careful consideration to mediation and collaborative processes as approaches that might be just right for them. My practice is dedicated to assisting couples with whatever approach best suits them. Whether you live in Evanston or another town in the Chicagoland area, I am here for you. It is an honor to be selected by my clients to guide them through a life-altering experience. Should you or someone you know need counsel I am always available to speak. Anna Krolikowska is an attorney in
private practice in the metro
Chicago and North Suburban
Chicago areas. She is a
collaboratively trained attorney and a Fellow of Collaborative Divorce Illinois. Within her law practice Anna works with clients using mediation, collaborative divorce process, or the litigated approach. To learn more about which strategy might be best for you contact Anna at anna@annaklaw.com, or (847) 7159328 to schedule a consultation. Follow Anna on Facebook.com/AttyKrolikowska
BUSINESS
ECONOMIC DEVLOPMENT RETAIL
I
n 1987, Downtown
Evanston (formerly Evmark), was created to provide marketing and management services to the downtown Evanston merchants and businesses and is governed by a Board of Directors and works in partnership with the City of Evanston. The organization was formed as a
How Business Districts are Funded: The budget is disbursed every
year to each Business District. Below, you can see the annual amount that is disbursed by the city of Evanston.
Economic Justice reform in unifying ALL businesses into one business district creates opportunity and inclusion for businesses in
501(c)(6) non-profit
wards 5,8, and South of ward 2. These businesses are unable to
corporation and funded
receive the same resources like the business that are in wards 1, 6, 3
through a tax levy; Special
4 and North of 2. Can Evanston community members, business
Service Area (SSA9), Illinois’
owners, and surrounding interest groups count on the City of
equivalent of a Business
Evanston to be accountable to provide equitable business resources
Improvement District (BID).
In 2016, Main / Dempster Mile Business District was created. In 2019, Central Street Business District was created.
for ALL businesses?
Impact & Solutions:
Each person who signs this petition has an interest in breaking down barriers and systematic racism that excludes businesses that are not located in Downtown Evanston, Main-Dempster Mile, and
How Business Districts are
Central Street to receive the same equal support to sustain their
Managed: A local
small business.
Commission, appointed by
the Mayor and made up of
In 1987 Evanston was not open to progressive structures, like many
SSA property owners and
of our community are working towards today. Allowing all
tenants, oversees the service
businesses to unify under one business district (Downtown
provider and determines SSA services and budgets annually. SSA funds are controlled locally, must stay in the community, and must be spent on services that achieve the mission of the particular SSA.
Evanston) will create equity and equality from the money that is given annually from our Government through a tax levy. Please share this petition with your friends, family, and community members who are working towards a more equitable Evanston. The fight for economic justice requires help from ALL races and social back grounds. EVANSTONWOMAN.COM | 17
How I found My Joy, Again!
This issue took a moment to publish. The disconnect
PUBISHERR'S NOTES
Business Development Events
stemmed from contemplating what the right time was to publish, and if it was safe enough? Then I told myself, “Linda.. it’s time to glue, stomp, and tattoo”, SO HERE WE GO!
This issue commemorates our fifth year of celebrating and empowering women and working towards closing the gap of resources for both women and minority owned businesses.
In 2016, I was determined to find a space for women and businesses to have a voice. From creating awareness and visibility to educating our women businesses through the lens of equity and empowerment.
2018, was the year I turned my hobby into a business with projections to go fully non-profit in mid 2020 to roll out business services in an incubator space thus combining efforts to support with the State of Illinois to open a Women & Minority Business Center.
In 2019,
Northwestern University, Hagerty Consulting, and Heart Automotive sponsored the 'Empowering Women’s Conference' in support of the Illinois office of the SBA, women owned businesses and experts in our community.
Then COVID hit… the reality of opening
EWM Business Center became more and more unlikely to happen.
After becoming the second Hispanic member of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. I have realized you can only get out from any organization what you put in it.
What never crossed my professional scope, was
how my privilege as a white passing Latina would allow me to gain resources until I’m the minority in the room. During my membership I learned about the impact of nepotism, racism, and found myself in rooms where I was the only minority woman. I began to ask myself deeper questions; “why did God allow me to move to Evanston? Why do I care so damn much about a community I had no residual ties to, and finally.. if this is my reality, how can I be of service?
18 | EVANSTONWOMAN.COM
Shira Piven, (Actress), Linda Del Bosque, (Publisher) Brianna Riza (Linda's Daughter)
continued from page 18
Now 2020 presented our community with the biggest task, how to sustain during a worldwide pandemic. I
I continued to explore identity issues of being a
was already having conversations with a local
white passing Latina in a predominantly white
“Evanston Woman” about her interest in purchasing
community. Where Black / Brown business owners
Evanston Woman Magazine. At this point I had already
stayed in their neighbors to do business and white
encountered obstacles in getting more support from
businesses who had more resources established in
business leaders. I began advocating to dismantle
White high end communities. I was approached by
SSAs and create a more inclusive space for ALL
a Northwestern student researching for a thesis
businesses to receive the resources. The more I
paper on being a Latina in a predominately White
advocated, I stumbled across the reality where
institution. After reading her completed thesis she
pockets of local Government became unaccountable
reflected about our conversation “She didn’t even
to support small businesses, and I was being closed
know she was Latina until she moved to Evanston”
out of rooms where I was once welcomed. I had
- “what was that supposed to mean?” I asked
become a nuisance, a bitch , and argumentative.
myself.. then I encountered a professional in
Evanston who to this day has hidden from
Because of the resilience that I had gained from
everyone that she is a Latina in fear of slowing the
moving to Evanston in 2015 to open a business
growth of her professional career if anyone knew
venture, I lost all my money and found myself homeless
the truth. At this point, I am identity issues they have to do with so many variables in a 7.8 mile radius, with educated and talented locals who often call themselves progressive. Then it hit me one day. I finally realized after becoming aware of the socio-economic-geographic structures that govern Evanston merchants which created segregation; and cut off resources and opportunity that promote growth and sustenance. As the Redlining was a by-product of institutional racism, the businesses within the same redlined districts inherited the same obstacles as community members that live within the Redlining. Addressing these issues at city council meetings, and AdHoc groups, and most recently a new FB group.
for 9 months in 2016. I worked as a maid at night while I built Evanston Woman Magazine during the day with no car or home. Though I proved to myself my faith and love for my God is stronger than any season of life. My service in Evanston is not about me.. it’s about the community members of today and of the future. It’s about the emerging adults, and families who are working to ensure their businesses are sustained.
I have been finding joy again when I decided to provide complimentary advertising to small businesses to help them grow and a new passion to find a solution to create equity for ALL businesses in Evanston through the Evanston Tax Levy Fund while dismantling the redlining and Business districts, SSAs.
I fought two lawsuits against two large White owned
For over 20 years in our local business sector systematic oppression continues. And will continue until our community members begin to learn about how gatekeepers in the business sector of Evanston have been keeping resources away to sustain businesses in certain parts of Evanston. The progressive locals are not business owners, they are civic advocates. So I asked myself, how are local governments and supporting small businesses parallel to one another? After learning about SSA’s (Special Service Area)l and how the business process to rent a A brick and mortar all are funneled through the local government.
companies, and a private school, called out racism within business organizations and found peace with who I am all in the past five years in Evanston.
This year, I am honored to be a recipient of "Who's Who's Top Business Latinx Professional in Suburb of Chicago by Negocios Now. I’m excited to join efforts and lockarms with community advocates to support their initiatives, and create awareness to unify all businesses in Evanston. We are currently working on opening the doors to Evanston Women’s Minority Business Center, and continuing philanthropy to close the disparity gap for women and minority owned businesses through Evanston Woman Magazine and the Evanston Womens Minority Women's Business Center.
20 | EVANSTONWOMAN.COM
1625 Maple Ave. Evanston, 60201 alcoveevanston.com
