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312.724.7755 | www.ERI.global ERIC K. WILLIAMS TOP OF THE TABLE
Lift Every Voice and Sing Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won. Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand. True to our God, True to our native land. Written by Phi Beta Sigma Brother James Weldon Johnson
Hon. Justice Carl Anthony Walker, DSC 165 Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Upsilon Sigma Chapter President’s Message On behalf of the Men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Upsilon Sigma Chapter, I welcome each of you to our 96th Chapter Anniversary Carnation Ball & Crescent Moon Awards Ceremony. Nearly 110 years ago, our revered founders A. Langston Taylor, Charles I. Brown, and Leonard F. Morse founded our fraternity with a focus on the ideals of Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service. As a chapter we have maintained those ideas. I congratulate the recipients of our Crescent Moon Award. They are all women who have made significant contributions to our community through their professions. Several years ago, I approached the Upsilon Sigma Chapter leadership regarding the importance of honoring women of African descent. There was pushback, but I appreciate the voice of Hon. Bro. Clarence Johnson and Bro. Delandis Neely who helped convince the leadership of the time that a salute could be successful. I give a heartfelt thank you to our guests which include my colleagues in the Judiciary, other elected officials, the guests of our honorees, past honorees, our sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Brothers who are members of other chapters within our fraternity but recognize that even though we have many chapters, we are one Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. I joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity many years ago at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. As I reflect, aside from giving my life to Christ at an early age, joining Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is amongst the best decisions I have ever made. Yes, it is a true brotherhood. Carnation Ball & Crescent Moon Awards Committee Chairman: Hon. Bro. Clarence D. Johnson, DSC 126 Co-Chairman: Bro. Keewaun Stokes Bro. Charles Bracey, Esq Bro. Michael Jarard, Esq. Bro. Larry Horne Bro. Daniel Johnson Bro. Dr. Lionel Kimble Bro. Daniel Miller Bro. Garrick Smith
Bro. Dwayne Cecil Bro. Terrance Jamison Bro. Dr. Tim Jones Bro. Jeffrey Johnson Bro. Dr. Jesse Kilgore Bro. Larry Lloyd, Esq. Bro. Tyrone White
Bro. Tyrone Dowdell Bro. Anthony Frazier Hon. Bro. Judge Preston Jones, Jr. Bro. J. Michael Johnson Bro. Todd Lindberg Bro. Eugene Robinson Bro. Reginald Wynne
OFFICE OF THE INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INCORPORATED
October 14, 2023 Greetings to the Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Upsilon Sigma Chapter, On behalf of the General Board and entire Brotherhood of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity worldwide, I congratulate you on the 96th Anniversary Carnation Ball & Crescent Moon Awards Gala. In this, our 109th year, reflecting on the sustainable change and evolutionary history you have provided in the city and surrounding communities of Chicago, IL is essential. Your chapter is an inspiration and a model chapter, consistent with this administration's mandate to Empower Generations of Men to BELIEVE in Advocacy, Community Service, and Engagement. As this special event provides much needed scholarships, along with a tribute to women of African descent, I charge you to continue cultivating and advocating within your communities, helping to provide sustainable change and equitable opportunities. Our wondrous band celebrates the historical impact and legacy of the Upsilon Sigma Chapter. Fraternally,
Honorable Chris V. Rey, JD International President Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
145 Kennedy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 • 202-726-5434 • www.phibetasigma1914.org
David A Turner, MSA CPA International 1st Vice President
Brothers of the Upsilon Sigma Chapter, Since its chartering, the Upsilon Sigma Chapter has been the cornerstone for Sigma growth and expansion throughout the central United States. From the iconic Sigma House, Upsilon Sigma has provided youth mentoring, through your Sigma Beta Club. financial services to low and moderate-income families, a meeting space for community organizations and a distribution point for services to the community. During your Carnation Ball, you have chosen to celebrate African-American women who have made significant contributions in their field or the larger community. Congratulations to each of the awardees. Your dedication to your craft and your passion produce a legacy that inspire people you've never even met. As you continue to march forward as the agents of change that our founders envisioned, understand that your impact is needed now more than ever! Continue to build upon the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service. Know that I stand with you, support you and celebrate all that you represent in Sigma.
In Brotherhood,
Bro. David A Turner, MSA CPA
PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC. GREAT LAKES REGION
2022- 2024
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Brothers of the Upsilon Sigma Chapter,
REGIONAL DIRECTOR CHARLES L. JONES
On behalf of Honorable Brother Chris V. Rey, 36th International President, the Great Lakes Regional Board, and the entire Brotherhood in the Great Lakes Region, it is my esteemed honor to send greetings during your 96th Anniversary Carnation Ball and Crescent Moon Awards Gala.
REGIONAL 1ST VICE DIRECTOR WILLIE C. H. GARRETT REGIONAL 2ND VICE DIRECTOR AVERY WELLS SECRETARY- INTERIM JOE GUYTON TREASURER ROBERT ELLIS LEGAL COUNSEL MICHAEL JARARD, ESQ DIRECTOR OF BIGGER & BETTER BUSINESS GERALD LOTT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION DEREK LEE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL ACTION DR. ARTHUR DAVIS
A special acknowledgment to chapter president Honorable Bro. Justice Walker and the entire committee of this exceptional event. I congratulate the leadership team and planning committee for their tireless efforts at another successful Carnation Ball and Crescent Moon Awards Gala. The Carnation Ball is praise for your commitment to scholarship, service, and tribute to women of African descent. I stand with you, an elated Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity brother, as you educate and empower your community and recipients. Again, I congratulate you on your 96th Carnation Ball and Crescent Moon Awards Gala.
IMMEDIATE PAST DIRECTOR DAVID A. TURNER CHIEF OF STAFF ALLEN CLAYCOMB DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF KRIS JACKSON
In Brotherhood,
Charles L. Jones 32nd Great Lakes Regional Director
ILLINOIS INDIANA IOWA KENTUCKY MICHIGAN MINNESOTA OHIO ONTARIO WISCONSIN
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Upsilon Sigma Chapter 2022 Officers & Other Prominent Chapter Members Hon. Bro. Justice Carl Walker, CPA President
Bro. Daniel Miller Recording Secretary
Bro. Michael Jarard, Esq. Vice President
Bro. Larry Horne Corresponding Secretary
Bro. Dr. Jessie Kilgore 2nd Vice President Hon. Bro. Clarence D. Johnson Financial Secretary Bro. Obeddie Hawkins Treasurer
Bro. Garrick Smith Parliamentarian Bro. Charles Bracey, Esq. Chapter Legal Counsel Bro. Rev. Mitchell Johnson, JD Chaplain
Past International President
Distinguished Service Chapter
Hon. Arthur W. Mitchell Hon. George W. Lawrence Hon. Maurice Moore
Hon. Bro. Justice Carl Walker, CPA
Hon. Bro. Hugh Fisher Lewis Hon. Bro. Ephriam Persons Hon. Bro. Maurice Moore Hon. Bro. George W. Lawrence Hon. Bro. Andrew Childress Hon. Bro. Chester Riley Hon. Bro. Dr. Howard Felder Hon. Bro. Clarence D. Johnson Hon. Bro. Justice Carl Walker, CPA
Past Regional Directors
Past Regional Legal Counsel
Bro. John Tardiff Hon. Bro. Chester Riley Hon. Bro. Clarence D. Johnson Hon. Bro. Charles H. Talbert
Bro. Randy Crumpton, Esq.
Past International Treasurer Hon. Bro. Ephriam Persons
Past International Auditor
Hon. Bro. Justice Carl Walker, CPA
Current Regional Legal Counsel Bro. Michael Jarard, Esq.
Other Prominent Members of Upsilon Sigma Chapter Bro. Justice Charles E. Freeman, First Black Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court Bro. Mayor Harold Washington, First Black Mayor of the City of Chicago Bro. State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford, Illinois House of Representatives
Program Processional Welcome Introduction of Masters of Ceremony Masters of Ceremony Black National Anthem Invocation ***Dinner*** Upsilon Sigma Chapter Awards Presentation Acknowledgments Presentation of Crescent Moon Awards Presentation of Scholarships Closing Remarks Dancing until midnight
Crescent Moon Award Honorees Class of 2023 Dr. Nia Abdullah
Youth Leadership
Angela M. Bailey
Nonprofit Leadership
Renee Byrd
Sorority Leadership
Pamela Denise
Motivational Speaking
Monique Dockery
Excellence in Leadership
Bonita M. Estelle
Public Service
Jacqueline L. Foreman
Community Service
Helen Stanton-Hawkins (Posthumously)
Education Leadership
Dr. Rhonda Henderson
Entrepreneurship
LaShan Hobbs
Mental Healthcare
Natasha E. Jenkins, Esq.
Legal Leadership
Anisa Jordan, Esq.
Legal Excellence
Risa Lanier, Esq.
Criminal Justice Equity
Hon. Judge Kimberly D. Lewis
Judicial Leadership
Tonya Byrd Neeley
Business Enterprise
Commander Yakimba Phillips
Law Enforcement
Dr. Myiti Sengstacke-Rice
Journalism
Candice M. Richardson
Special Education Advocacy
Chamus Burnside-Savazzini
Early Childhood Development
Cassandra V. Wadlington
Nursing
Hon. Karen Freeman-Wilson
Luminary Public Service
Robin J. Woolery
Forensic Science
Hon. Karen Yarborough
County Government Leadership
Hon. Nikki Zollar, Esq.
Lifetime Achievement
Nia Abdullah, Ed.D Dr. Nia Abdullah is a distinguished visionary with over 17 years of exceptional leadership in the field of education. Her illustrious journey spans pivotal roles, encompassing executive directorship at a prestigious tier 1 research university, a transformative stint as a non-profit trailblazer, and impactful tenures as both an urban and suburban high school principal. With a dynamic background as a curriculum and data coordinator, as well as a mathematics department chair, Dr. Abdullah brings an unmatched depth of expertise to her mission. Emerging from a lineage of educators, Dr. Abdullah has evolved into an ardent advocate for educational equity. Her unwavering commitment is underpinned by meticulously researched best practices, which she skillfully deploys to catalyze organizational improvements. Her focal points include the cultivation of exceptional leadership, the orchestration of high-performing teams, and the perpetual refinement of inquiry-driven cycles for continuous enhancement. As an exemplary non-profit leader, Dr. Abdullah orchestrated a remarkable transformation, taking a struggling organization to soaring heights. This endeavor culminated in an extraordinary ten-fold increase in youth outreach, ultimately leading to the organization’s prestigious acquisition by the nation’s third-ranked education university. In her capacity as a school and district luminary, Dr. Abdullah spearheaded the creation of cutting-edge advanced manufacturing and pre-engineering laboratories. Her visionary leadership also translated into tangible results, elevating student success rates in college-level Advanced Placement exams, enhancing the four-year high school graduation rate, and effecting substantial enhancements in diverse school culture metrics. Dr. Abdullah’s academic journey, marked by a B.S. in electrical engineering from Howard University and an Ed.D. from the esteemed University of Illinois at Chicago Urban Education Leadership Program, bears testimony to her unwavering pursuit of excellence. Hailing from the vibrant landscape of Chicago’s South Side, she remains deeply dedicated to the transformation of organizations, envisaging holistic support for the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of historically marginalized young people nationwide.
Angela M. Bailey Angela Bailey is the Associate Vice President for Seniors & Housing for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Before being named Associate Vice President in 2012, Angela began her career as a Case Manager for South Suburban Senior Service of Catholic Charities. She ensured seniors were connected to the much-needed resources and services to remain living independently in their homes. Angela was promoted to Team Leader, hired, and trained new employees. Angela became a supervisor and worked in collaboration with the Illinois Department on Aging and AgeOptions and a played a key role in the continued development of strategic plans to serve the changing needs of the aging population. Angela was promoted to Program Director and was responsible for the oversight of the Care Coordination, Title III, and Adult Protective Services programs. Angela became the Department Director and then the Associate Vice President. In that dual role, she is responsible for ensuring the residents housed in Senior Residences live in a safe and healthy environment by providing quality property management and social services that promote recreational, social, educational, and wellness activities to combat isolation. She also works as a Crisis Therapist for Grand Prairie Services and assists individuals in crisis who call into a crisis hotline. Angela earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Lewis University where she also became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., in the spring of 1989. She earned her master’s degree from Loyola University. In her free time, Angela enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren, traveling with her husband, and acting as a mentor for teenage girls with Bloom Ministry.
Renee Byrd “If you need me, I am there.” This is Renee Byrd's motto and creed for life. On any given day, she is either working to improve herself or the lives of others. As a woman, Renee works to elevate the living standards of those in her community by donating countless hours of service work per year to underprivileged families through her employer, her church, and her Sorority. Her goal is to help them become self-sufficient, productive, and fulfilled living in this society. Renee has transferred her educational and professional skills into the Zeta world. Renee is a ZOL Certified, Golden Life Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and has been active and financial since her initiation through Zeta Tau Zeta Chapter in May 1994. She is a Charter member of her current chapter Tau Psi Zeta, Alsip, IL. Renee currently serves as a member of the Grow with Google Team as a Trainer. She also serves as the President of the Fervent Hearts Foundation which is the philanthropist arm of Tau Psi Zeta Chapter and has been instrumental of awarding over $100,000 in scholarships and grants since its inception in 2005. Locally, she currently serves as the chapter Chair for the Leadership Academy. Renee has held many leadership positions including the Basileus Emeritus of Tau Psi Zeta in Alsip, where in almost 20 years, she helped the chapter grow from 20 charter members to almost 300 members to become the largest chapter in the State of Illinois, the Great Lakes Region and announced at the 2018 National conference, the largest in the Sorority!! As a result, Renee was awarded “Zeta of the Year” in 2004 in Zeta Tau Zeta Chapter and in 2014, awarded again and received the “Distinguished Zeta of the Decade” from Tau Psi Zeta for her outstanding work, reliability, and consistent performance above and beyond for the call of Zeta. She is proud to announce that she has received the award for the “Most Service Hours” in her chapter, 3 years in a row. Renee has a wealth of knowledge and is called upon constantly to give guidance. She also served as the 13th Illinois State Director from 2008-2011, Renee conducted four successful state meetings with record setting attendance, well run business sessions and timely educational workshops. She has been complimented many times on her exemplary leadership skills and ability to motivate others to excel. Along with the Sorority, Renee also works with the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Chicago as the Greek Cookout Chair and the Vice-President of the Community Awareness Foundation. She has chaired many special projects with NPHC of Chicago and has held many positions. She is often noted to attend several events in one day going from north to south to support her fellow Greeks at their events. She has received several awards including “Officer of the Year”, “Chairperson of the Year”, and “Soror of the Year”, to name a few. Currently, she is the Training Supervisor, Conference Coordinator, and an Instructional Designer in the Chicago office for the Springfield Urban League’s Community Health Training Center. She has been employed with the agency since June 1994 and has been the supervisor since 2005. In her daily role, she supervises a staff that is responsible for developing web-based training curriculums, conducting instructor-led as well as hands-on computer-based training courses. She is also responsible for coordinating the breastfeeding conferences throughout the State of Illinois. Personally, Renee has 1 child, a daughter Brianna, who is a graduate from the University of Tampa and is now a Flight Attendant for a major airline. In addition, Renee is a dedicated member and serves on the Greeters Ministry of New Faith Baptist Church International. Renee’s motto is: “Mimic the Masters”: Obtain training to make your skills become a reflex, so you can perform without thinking.
Pamela Denise Pamela Denise - Transformational Speaker, Life-Balance Coach, Creator of; Start with Water 365 Daily Gratitude and Clarity Journey. Pamela Denise, aka The Queen Coach, redefines what being a whole person looks like, in a world that appears to be saturated with falsehood and propaganda. As the creator of “Start with Water💧a 365 day Gratitde and Clarity Journey,” her mission is to enforce the significance of making progress, rather than striving towards a skewed view of perfection. Pamela’s inspiring message of perseverance, creating personal greatness, and wellness from within is supported globally; capable of defying cultural, gender, and social-economic boundaries. Her ability to convey a message, in a calming and selfassuring tone, establishes such an authentic engagement, that Pamela will make you want to claim her as your “Auntie Pam.” Pamela’s powerful message an implementing small seemingly insignificant tools will have you believing that greatness is not just possible, but that you were created for it.
Monique Dockery Monique Dockery is beginning her twenty-first year as the principal of Oliver S. Westcott Elementary School located in the Auburn Gresham community. She has been an educator for thirty-two years. She began her career as a teacher serving at Our Lady of Peace Catholic School immediately after receiving her bachelor’s degree. Prior to becoming a principal, she served as a third grade teacher, middle school math teacher, dean of students and assistant principal. Monique Dockery loves her entire school community and believes in what she calls the “BOSS” sauce: Building Others to Sustain Success. She was recently recognized as a Game Changer by Chicago Public Schools. She has served as a mentor principal for new principals and resident principals. In addition, she was a Chicago Principal Fellow and named Principal of the Year in 2021 by the Illinois Principals Association-West Cook Region. Monique is also a resident of the Auburn Gresham community which is why she continues to strive to build a great neighborhood school within the community. As a result of her tireless work, she was recognized as a Neighborhood Hero by the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation in 2016 and in 2022 received the Living Legacy award. Monique has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for 35 years. She was initiated as a Charter member of Psi Nu Chapter and is currently a member of Tau Psi Zeta Chapter located in Alsip, Illinois where she serves on the executive board and enjoys supporting the undergraduate members of the sorority. Monique has been married to her husband Maurice for 31 years and has adult twins, Mikela Jackson (Dexter) and Malik Dockery. In her spare time, she loves to read, shop, hang out with her friends and serve the community with her Sorors.
Bonita M. Estelle Bonita M. Estelle is a respected visionary leader with over 35 years of exemplary achievement in a broad variety of public and private sectors. Bonita is an External Affairs Manager for ComEd, South Region. She serves as Chairwoman for the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, President of the Board of Directors for Cornerstone Community Development Corporation, and Secretary for Rev. Jesse L. Jackson’s Citizenship Education Fund. Bonita also serves as a board member for Mentoring Youth Through Technology, Harvey School District #152 Education Foundation, and Homewood Science Center’s STEAM Success Club. She takes immense pride in contributing to the development of our future workforce. Prior to joining ComEd she provided public service as, Chief of Staff to Alderman Sandi Jackson (7th Ward, Chicago); Director of Financial Education, Office of the State Treasurer (Alexi Giannoulias); COO and National Director of One Thousand Churches Connected, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition (Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.); Director of Investments and Economic Empowerment, Salem Baptist Church of Chicago (Rev. James T. Meeks), and Co-Owner of Skills for Life, Inc. Her career started at the Northern Trust Company where she held various management positions and ascended to Second-Vice President. Bonita’s passion for people and patriotism inspired her to serve six years in the United States Army Reserve. Bonita has received numerous awards over the years and most recently she received: The League of Legends Champion Award - Community Ambassador (2023), Cornerstone CDC Service and Professional Excellence Award (2023), United Way Community Leadership Award (2023), Inspiring Women in Leadership Award (2023), We Dream in Color Humanitarian Award (2019), Women Empowered for Civic Engagement (2018), GSU Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha Outstanding Community Partner (2017), Thornton Township Jefferson Award (2016) and she received the Chicago Defender Woman of Excellence Award (2015). Bonita was born and raised on the south side of Chicago in the Morgan Park Community and currently resides in the Village of Flossmoor with her husband Carl S. Estelle. She is the proud mother of Gabrielle Barajas (Johnny) and grandmother to Adam, Genesis, Eve, and Eden Barajas.
Jacqueline L. Foreman Jacqueline first fell in love with community work as a young girl, helping her mom pass out home cooked meals and lightly used clothing to the less fortunate. The warm smiles she saw on the faces of those community members left Jacqueline filled with joy and comfort. She knew from that moment, being of service was something she was destined to do in life. Growing up, Jacqueline’s love of community grew stronger when her mom placed her in a year round organization called M.A.G.I.C (Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilization). There she participated in multiple programs within the organization like Teen Talk Chicago, a space created for teens to connect with peers in masses to discuss issues affecting their daily lives. And in adulthood, Jacqueline dived back into her love of service by volunteering at local churches distributing meats, fresh fruits and veggies to families and the elderly. One day, it dawned on Jacqueline that she could take her love of service and community to a deeper level. Thus, came the birth of We Outside Entertainment, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the importance of community and health in youth and adults through way of playing classic childhood games and activities like double-dutch, hula hooping, hopscotch, freeze, and tag. Jacqueline looks forward to expanding We Outside Entertainment over the city of Chicago spreading the joys of community, health, and love among all people. Please follow her on IG: @WeOutsideEntChi for all updates and play sessions.
Helen Stanton-Hawkins (Posthumously) Helen Stanton-Hawkins was a native of Chicago, Illinois. As a child, she only ever dreamed of becoming an educator. Her earliest memories were playing school, and she was always the teacher. This passion led to a career. In 1966, she graduated with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Chicago Teachers College (Chicago State University) and furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree in education from Governors State University. She was also a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Throughout her career, she had been passionate about serving and teaching children who struggled academically and socially. She began her teaching career in 1967 at Wentworth School in Englewood. As a young 3rd-grade teacher, she had an Afro and taught her students about the Black Panthers. She was excited to empower her students and introduce them to activism. Pretty soon, the whole class was wearing Afro's in tribute and reciting her favorite poem, What Should I Tell My Children Who are Black? Helen started in the classroom but quickly moved up the leadership ranks. She held most school positions in her 40-year educational career. She was a Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal. She was the founding principal of OliveHarvey Middle College and Triumphant Charter School. As the founder and former principal, Mrs. Hawkins embraced her role as a modern-day Professor X, shaping the trajectory of countless lives and empowering them to go beyond what others thought they would. She was a mentor to many educators. She never gave up on students and believed the "forgotten stone can become the cornerstone." She believed in creating a "scholar" culture in schools and taught all her students the 3 D's: dignity, diligence, and decency. Mrs. Hawkins saw the greatness in her students that the world had tried to extinguish. She instilled a sense of self-worth in them and saw them as future leaders destined to walk in love and change the world. It didn't matter if they came from challenging backgrounds or faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles – once they stood up and introduced themselves, they became scholars in Mrs. Hawkins' eyes. Kind yet uncompromising, Mrs. Hawkins went the extra mile for her students but demanded their commitment and determination in return. She didn't shy away from holding them accountable or challenging their beliefs. Through thought-provoking conversations, exposure, and experiences, Mrs. Hawkins expanded her students' perspectives and helped them discover their passions. Mrs. Hawkins died in April 2020 of COVID, and left behind a loving husband, three children and a host of grandchildren. Although her passing brings sadness, the lives she has touched are filled with gratitude for Mrs. Hawkins' existence. Her impact stretches far beyond her time on earth, reaching into the lives of countless individuals touched by her love, wisdom, and guidance. The legacy she leaves behind is a powerful reminder of the profound influence one person can have on the lives of others. Through her transformative work, she has inspired countless individuals to change their lives and create a better future for future generations.
Dr. Rhonda Henderson Lucbene Consulting
Dr. Rhonda Henderson is a full-time professor at Olive-Harvey College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, teaching in the Business Department. She is also a facilitator for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, the facilitator of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council PIPE Program and serves as a business advisor for the University of Chicago Polsky Small Business Growth Program. She currently serves on the board of the Better Business Bureau Chicago (BBB) Educational Foundation. Dr. Henderson partners in a consulting firm that specializes in small business educational training, coaching services, and back-office support. Additionally, Dr. Henderson is a serial entrepreneur partnering in businesses in the industries of Real Estate and Construction. She has a BS in Accounting and Business Administration, an MBA in Finance, and is DBA in Business Administration with a specialization in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
LaShan Hobbs La-Shan Hobbs holds a master’s degree in public health and a master’s degree in social work. She is a Licensed Social Worker, and a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in care. Her passion is to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. She has worked in the Behavioral health population since 2009, and with youth in care, victims of sex trafficking, domestic violence, substance abuse, mentally ill, depression, suicidal and homicidal ideations, people who suffer with identity crisis, people with disabilities, the forensic populations, and the LGBTQIA community. She is the Co-Founder of So Others May Serve, NFP. La-Shan’s goal in life is to inspire, empower and motivate individuals to strive to be a better version of themselves, through individual and group therapy. She is a proud mother of six wonderful children, and 13 grandchildren, whom she adores. She enjoys cooking and spending time with family. Her mission is to change the stigma within the African American culture and be the change agent that is needed.
Natasha E. Jenkins, Esq. Ms. Jenkins is the immediate past president of the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), which is the oldest association of African American lawyers and judges in the nation, founded in 1914. She is the youngest woman president in the organization’s history. Professionally, she serves as a Labor & Employment Attorney at the law firm of Littler Mendelson P.C. which is the largest labor and employment law firm in the U.S. Before Littler, she served as Labor Relations Manager & Arbitration Counsel for United Airlines, Inc. In that role, she served as lead counsel in grievance proceedings, mediations, and arbitrations to ensure that collective bargaining agreements (CBA) and disciplinary procedures were consistently enforced across company divisions. Ms. Jenkins formerly served as General Counsel of Teamsters Local 700 and before that she served as Senior Attorney for the Chicago Transit Authority, where she represented the Authority in complex employment lawsuits and labor matters. Before CTA, she served as Labor & Employment Counsel for the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, representing over 20 Illinois state agencies in labor arbitrations involving employee discharge or contract disputes. Ms. Jenkins is also a former Assistant Attorney General, where she practiced civil litigation and criminal prosecution. Ms. Jenkins received a B.A. from Hamilton College in 2007 and a J.D. from UIC Law School in 2012. Before attending law school, Ms. Jenkins served as a Capitol Hill intern for Congressman Bobby L. Rush and worked as a legal assistant for international law firms such as DLA Piper LLP and Reed Smith LLP. Moreover, her experience as a legal advocate in both the public and private sector allowed her to zealously advocate on behalf of her clients. In her spare time, she loves to travel, cook, and spend time with her family.
Anisa Jordan, Esq. Anisa Jordan is the Ethics Education Counsel at the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (IARDC). In this role, she creates Continuing Legal Education programs that help Illinois lawyers understand and uphold the highest ethical standards of the profession. Anisa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Minor in Spanish from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She received her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law. Prior to joining the IARDC, Anisa founded The Jordan Law Firm in 2015, practicing in the areas of criminal, DUI, traffic and administrative law in Cook and collar counties. Anisa worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. Between her time as prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney Anisa handled hundreds of cases and led numerous trials. Anisa has also been recognized as a leader in the areas of Criminal and Traffic Law defense. She currently serves on the leadership councils for the Illinois State Bar Association’s (ISBA). Criminal Justice Section Council, Traffic Law & Courts Section Council, and sits on the ISBA’s Standing Committee on Legislation. Anisa is set to Chair the ISBA Criminal Justice Section Council in the 2025-2026 bar year. Anisa has authored numerous articles and created/hosted a number of programs in the areas of Criminal Justice and Traffic Law. Beyond her legal career, Anisa is passionate about holistic health and wellness. Anisa is a certified health coach focused on helping women achieve holistic health and wellness. She created the "Five Plus 1 Method of Manifestation and Visualization" to aid in her coaching and is currently writing a book on this method to share with her coaching clients and the public generally. In March of 2023 Anisa became a Finer Woman of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and was inducted into the Sigma Phi Zeta chapter. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the sorority’s primary service arm, Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE™), is a member of the Bylaws Committee, and serves as the chapter’s Data Control Specialist. In July of 2023, Anisa graduated from the sorority’s rigorous leadership program, the Zeta Organizational Leadership Program (ZOL). Anisa has always been passionate about service to her community and has a long history of volunteering her time to various issues and causes. To name only a few, Anisa has volunteered with the National Lawyer’s Guild, Waukegan to College Mentorship Program, Served as Board Member of Community Action Partnerships of Lake County, PADS, Coalition Against Recidivism’s Expungement Fair, and a myriad of other service activities. When not working, Anisa enjoys taking in live theater, attending music festivals, dancing, singing karaoke, and playing video games. She has a zest for life and believes in the power of community, wellness, and creativity.
Risa Lanier, Esq.
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Risa Lanier graduated from Percy L. Julian High School and matriculated to Illinois State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She then attended Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, School of Law, earning a Juris Doctorate in 1999. On February 14, 2000, Risa was sworn into the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office where she has practiced criminal law as a prosecutor for the past 23 years. Risa Lanier currently serves as the First Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the second largest prosecutor’s office in the country, where she oversees the operations of the office of more than 1200 employees and works alongside members of the executive staff to create policies and procedures in the State’s Attorney’s Office that promote public safety while recognizing and combatting historical inequalities inherent in the criminal justice system through a progressive prosecution model. She also helps develop in-house training programs, engage with elected leaders, stakeholders, and community members, and prosecutes high profile cases. Outside of her official duties, Risa serves the community in a variety of ways. She is a member of the National Black Prosecutors Association, Cook County Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association. Risa is an active member of New Faith Apostolic Church, where she sits on the Executive Board and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Hon. Judge Kimberly Lewis The Honorable Judge Kimberly D. Lewis currently presides as a judge in the Juvenile Court Child Protection Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County after having served in the 1st Municipal Traffic Court Division. Born in Chicago, she learned the importance of hard work and public service at an early age age from her parents who are both retired Chicago Public School educators and administrators. Judge Lewis graduated from the Beasley Academic Center, St. Ignatius College Preparatory High School, the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana undergrad where she was a Presidential Scholar and the Valparaiso School of Law, where she had received a full academic scholarship. In her formative years, she was also recognized as a Congressional Scholar and invited to attend the Youth Leadership Conference at Georgetown University. During her tenure as a law student, Judge Lewis placed as a semi-finalist in regional moot court competition in Indianapolis; was elected Secretary, then President of the Black Law Student’s Association and Student Bar Association Representative, amongst other achievements. Judge Lewis later served as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, and subsequently worked in private practice, specializing mainly in criminal and traffic defense. She also, simultaneously, served as an Administrative Law Judge for the City of Chicago, presiding over cases for the Consumer Fraud, Environmental, Parking and Municipal Divisions. As an attorney, she was featured in Who’s Who in Black Chicago; served as co-chair of the Criminal Justice Committee for the NAACP; participated in expungement summits; and served as a pro bono attorney, Board Member, and was later appointed as the Chairman of the Board, for the Geneva Scott Outreach Services. Judge Lewis continues to be active in the community, and has served as a mentor for children, law students and also for lawyers who aspire to become judges. Since being sworn in December of 2012, Judge Lewis has served on the board and chaired numerous committees including but not limited to the Robes in the Classroom Program and has served as co-editor of the IJC Newsletter, as well as a volunteer with the Robes in the Schools program with the Illinois Judicial Assoc. She has also enjoyed serving as a coach’s assistant and judge for the Push Excel/IJC Oratorical Society over the years and has served as faculty in the capacity of lecturer, panelist, moderator or speaker at the University of Chicago Law School, the Forensic Forum, the Education Conference for judges in the State of Illinois, for which she is currently serving as course supervisor as well as other symposiums. Additionally, she has served as a co-contributor or editor for the 1st Municipal Traffic and currently the Juvenile Court Benchbooks. Judge Lewis has been the recipient of numerous awards, such as the Illinois Judicial Council’s Torchbearer Award, the Special Chairpersons Award, the Judicial Award from the Cook County Bar Association; the Community Service Award from the Geneva Scott Outreach Services and was recognized as an honoree at the Chicago Defender 2016 Women of Excellence Awards.
Tonya Byrd-Neeley Tonya Byrd-Neeley, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, is an experienced, dedicated, and renowned retail professional with over twenty-six years’ experience as an entrepreneur. Ms. Byrd-Neeley began her career in retail sales as store manager for the Express Corporation where she earned recognition for being the highest grossing sales manager and exceeded sales goals more than 15 times. She was highly recruited by other companies such as Fossil, Kids Footlocker, Ulta Cosmetics and New York and Company, winning awards and being consistently recruited at every level. Tonya eventually decided to venture on her own and open a boutique clothing store, utilizing her interpersonal skills in team building and sales to become a highly sought out entrepreneur. Her design and fashion sense as well as her ability to match customers with the right designs and styles soon earned her recognition among her peers as someone whose opinion is valuable when trying to decide on the right look and style. Her boutique, Wired: The Design Boutique—opened in Hazel Crest in 2016 to rave reviews. She soon outgrew the original space and moved to Homewood-Flossmoor in the Shops on Sterling, located on Sterling Avenue in Flossmoor, a co-op managed by the businesses in the building. She increased gross sales consistently, improving every year and earning recognition from the Homewood-Flossmoor Mayor and being recruited to become the Treasurer of the Homewood-Flossmoor Business Association (FBA), an organization designed to assist entrepreneurs as they grow and develop their brands. Recently, Tonya enhanced her sales model by adding a children’s line to her unique women and men’s lines. The new line, called K&K Kollections (after her daughters Kennedi and Kenzi) showcases clothing allowing young girls to dress fashionably and/or match their mothers in fashion-forward outfits. She offers an unforgettable customer experience and is known for listening to and understanding her customer base and being able to shop their style and find unique and interesting outfits for special and everyday occasions. She offers edgy, trendy, elegant and unique clothing for all sizes, including jewelry, shoes, handbags, and accessories. Opening Wired: The Design Boutique allows Tonya to utilize her management, organizational and creative skills as well as to maintain her independence and individuality while raising her two daughters as a single mom.
Commander Yakimba Phillips Commander Phillips is a Native of Chicago, Illinois, and she began her career in August of 1999 with the Chicago Police Department. During her tenure she has served in multiple positions. She is currently the Commander of the Second District of the Chicago Police Department, and she was previously the Commander of Community Policing and the Commander of Recruitment and Retention. She is a 24-year member of the Chicago Police Department who served as the Field Lieutenant and Watch Operations Lieutenant in the Fifth District (Calumet) prior to being promoted to Commander. Prior to that, she served as the Administrative Sergeant, Accountability Sergeant, the Strategic Decision Support Center (SDSC) Sergeant, District Station Security (DSS) Sergeant and as a Beat Sergeant in the Second District (Wentworth).
She decided at the age of 13 that she wanted to be a Police Officer after
watching Police Officers in the Second District help her and her friends during some challenging times as teens. She knew then she wanted to serve the community in a meaningful way. Her mission is to serve her community with unimpeachable integrity while being an empathic and transformative leader. She has a servant mentality, and she loves serving the community and volunteering. Commander Phillips is a member of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, and she volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She has a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Roosevelt University, and she is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police. Commander Phillips is looking for ways to become a better leader. Hence, she is currently earning a Masters of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership.
Myiti Sengstacke-Rice Ed.D. Myiti Sengstacke-Rice Ed.D. is the President and CEO of the Chicago Defender Charities which produces the 94 year-old Bud Billiken Parade and Festival. She recently received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris. She is the founder and Publisher of Bronzeville Life, a news, culture, entertainment, and lifestyle publication. She is the author of the book, Chicago Defender, a volume in the “Images of America Series” published by Arcadia Publishing. The book captures its sweeping imprint on twentieth century African American culture and American History. She is also a contributing author to Building the Black Metropolis: African American Entrepreneurship in Chicago (New Black Studies Series). Sengstacke-Rice carved out a unique voice as a living link to the years of Chicago’s history, which her father, grandfather and great granduncle helped make possible. Her father is a renowned photographer, Bobby Sengstacke; her grandfather, John H. Sengstacke is the late publisher of the Chicago Defender and prominent civil rights advocate and critical negotiator for the White House. Finally, her great granduncle was Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the founding publisher of the Chicago Defender and the Bud Billiken Parade. Following the footsteps of Abbott and her grandfather, Sengstacke-Rice attended undergrad at Hampton University in Virginia. Growing up around media and publishing, Myiti also had a passion for journalism, beginning her career as a reporter for the Chicago Defender. She later became Associate Editor of the Chicago Defender. Sengstacke-Rice has been featured in several magazine publications and television appearances such as Black Enterprise, Essence, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and CNN to name a few. Sengstacke-Rice also cultivated her own career in history, media and print by becoming the founding editor-inchief of the award-winning magazine UPTOWN out of New York City in 2003. She later returned to Chicago to assist with organizing her family archives with the University of Chicago, Mapping the Stacks archival team. She taught Africana Studies and Literature at Kennedy-King College for 5 years giving her a platform to share her family’s critical contribution to the history of media, culture, politics and how it connects to American and African American History and Literature. Myiti Sengstacke-Rice has a Masters in Education in Inner City Studies from Northeastern Illinois University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Governors State University in Illinois
Candice M. Richardson Candice Richardson’s journey to being an educator started in elementary school. She spent some of her weekly lunch periods assisting the students in Special Education, simply because she wanted to help. When Candice got to high school, she was a part of Future Teachers of America. This was near the time she told her parents that she wanted to go to school to become an educator. Candice’s parents were a little shocked, given that Camdice was not the most patient person or even the nicest, but they also knew how determined she could be. So, with that determination, she enrolled at Illinois State University, declaring a major in Special Education. While at Illinois State University, she gained a wide variety of experience working with students of all ability levels and went on to graduate a semester early, which allowed her to begin her career in education at a young age. Candice has worked in several roles at Thornton Township High School from classroom teacher to assistant case manager, and now her current role of Department Chair for Special Programs. Through her years of experience, she has gained a no-nonsense approach to education, and that has proven to be one of her greatest assets. Candice’s students and staff know that she truly cares about them, but she also does not take any mess! She believes in students and the impact they can and will have on the world. She is tough on her students because she understands that life will not cut them any breaks. In addition, she is extremely passionate about students being treated properly and getting the education that they deserve, and a big part of her work is teaching students to advocate for themselves positively. During her time at Thornton Township High School, She has earned a master’s degree in School Counseling and another in School Leadership, which has provided her with additional tools in understanding the social, educational, and environmental effects on students and their behaviors both in and out of the classroom. She prides herself on seeing the good in students and helping them identify the good in themselves. From early on in her life, she knew she wanted to do something that helped others and she has been blessed to work with students every day in a community that needs educators who care. Candice learns as much from her students as she hopes they learn from her, and she is grateful to approach each day with the ambition to motivate students to be the best versions of themselves! The lack of patience that Candice thought she had early on came full circle, as her work in education had prepared her for the greatest journey yet, being a mother of two beautiful boys!
Chamus Burnside-Savazzini Chamus Burnside-Savazzini is a native of Freeport, Grand Bahama in the Bahamas. She most recently served as the Director of Children’s Faith Formation Ministry at Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville, IL. Prior to her role as Director, she taught 10th grade biology in the NC school system, worked in private sector as a Corporate Customer Service Trainer, Human Resources Manager, Diversity and Inclusion Manager and Food and Occupational Safety Manager all at Delhaize America on the east coast. While working in her various capacities there was one consistent role in her volunteer life and that was happily working in the Children’s Ministry wherever she lived. She knew that she had a special calling to partner with families as they led their children on their faith walk. As Director she enjoyed bringing STEAM curriculum and diversity and inclusion awareness into the Sunday School classroom and connecting faith and Scripture to everyday life. One of her most treasured opportunities was serving as a Board Member of United Voices for Children where along with her fellow Board members advocated for the health, wealth and safety of children, youth and their families. She also served as a member of the Circle of Congregations as an advocate for supporting the needs and elevating the worship experience for children with special needs of Different Abilities at member churches. She served as the president of the Grace United Women in Faith unit at Grace United Methodist Church, a group of women who advocate for children, you and their families. She was able to assist with leading backpack collections, snack collections for under resourced families during the online education period during covid and gifts for deserving families during the holidays. In 2019 when Hurricane Dorian devastated her birth place of Freeport, Grand Bahama, with God’s help she got support from Grace United Methodist Church, Naperville, partner churched in Ft. Lauderdale FL, friends, family, sorority sisters and traveled via mailboat to process and hand deliver needed supplies for the damaged hospital, food, clothing and medical equipment for families in need, with the support of Grace United Methodist Women in Faith unit, she has continued to assist annually through St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Freeport Bahamas. This past summer she and her daughter, Luisa traveled and assisted with the very first Vacation Bible School since the storm hit and post covid. Since relocating to the Chicagoland are in 2011 with her husband and daughter, she has served as a faithful leader and passionate volunteer in her beloved sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated where she served as the chartering president of Alpha Alpha Sigma Zeta Chapter along with six amazing trailblazers. You can find her volunteering at community back to school events, March of Dimes March for Babies, DuPage ACT-SO competitions, Herget Middle School eight grade dances, City of Aurora community events just to name a few. She is grateful to have had several opportunities to serve with the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Upsilon Sigma chapter as our constitutionally bound organizations carry out our commitment to Serve. She is grateful to God for continued health, strength and a sound mind to continue to do His will in His way. She believes she only has one life to live so she needs to get it right the first time, especially with the next generation, our future.
Being a nurse has always been the dream of Cassandra V. Wadlington “Sandy,” and during her 37year career in health care as a Registered Professional Nurse, she has held several frontline and leadership roles. While living her life’s passion for service she has been blessed to encounter and impact the lives of people of all ages. She believes and lives her life knowing that service is the rent we pay for room on earth, making the golden rule a reality. Sandy uses her gifts to support, educate, uplift, and empower all she encounters to be the best possible version of themselves. She connects with her family, friends, patients, and staff in a way that is realistic and sincere, living the meaning of God’s Grace and Mercy. Affording her opportunities to continue servant leadership. Professionally, Sandy holds a master’s degree in nursing and multiple certifications in health care and currently serves as the Director of Inpatient Care Coordination for Cook County Health. In this role she is responsible for the discharge planning, case management, utilization review and transfer of patients to the second largest safety-net hospital system in the country. Sandy proudly serves and supports the patients of Cook County Health System alongside her staff of 40 that is inclusive of nurses, social workers, and administrative assistants. Personally, Sandy is a proud financial and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Lambda Mu Omega Chapter where she is the current Vice President and Program Chairman and serving on the regional level. Sandy also supports her local church in the role of Chairman of Finance and as a member of the Church Council of Ministries. This life of service is a testament to her parents and family that raised her and her sister to embrace all and know that we are our brothers and sister’s keeper. Cassandra is the proud mother of her “Sugar Pudding” Brianna and big sister of Dr. Carolyn Wadlington. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, barbecuing, relaxing in the backyard and watching the First 48.
Hon. Karen Freeman-Wilson Karen Freeman-Wilson began serving as President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League in January 2020. She brings a passion for equity and social justice to the organization, which works to advance economic, educational, and social progress for African Americans through direct service and advocacy. Having served in the public arena most of her professional life, Freeman-Wilson has deep experience in addressing issues that impact urban communities. She was mayor of her hometown of Gary, Indiana, from 2012 through 2019. She was the first female to lead the city of Gary and the first Black female mayor in Indiana. Her mayoral accomplishments include job creation, completion of a $100 million airport runway relocation, and the development of key areas in the city. Freeman-Wilson previously served as Indiana Attorney General, Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, and presiding judge of the Gary City Court. She also served as Executive Director of the National Drug Court Institute and CEO of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, where she is currently Board Chair. Freeman-Wilson is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. She is a past President of the National League of Cities, past Chairperson of the Criminal and Social Justice Committee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and sits on the National Policing Institute Board of Directors and Center for Community Progress Board of Directors. She is a member of Israel C.M.E. Church; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; the Links, Inc.; the NAACP; the Urban League of Northwest Indiana and the Indiana Bar. Freeman-Wilson and her husband Carmen Wilson II have a blended family of four children.
Robin Jennifer Woolery Robin Woolery graduated from Dillard University, where she pledged Delta Sigma Theta and majored in Chemistry. After graduation, she attended Northwestern University where she received her master’s degree in Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Molecular Biology. She began her career in Forensics in 1992- working as a Forensic Drug Chemist with the Drug Enforcement Administration. During this time, she met her husband- Charles- and they moved to Des Moines, IA where Charles pastored his first church. Robin began working for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations. In this position she worked as a Drug Criminalist and a Crime Scene Investigator. She specialized in Clandestine Laboratory Investigations for five years. While living in Des Moines, Robin and Charles had two children, Nia and Charles Jr. In 2000, Charles received his second church appointment in Illinois and the family returned to the Chicagoland area. Robin began her career with the Illinois State Police in 2001. She worked as a Forensic Analyst in the Drug Chemistry section at the Chicago Lab. Robin and Charles’ third child, Cameron was born in 2002. In 2003, Robin left the bench and moved into management. She became the Chemistry Group Supervisor at the Joliet Lab. Enjoying motherhood so much, she had her fourth child, Cayden, in 2004. In 2007, she was promoted to Laboratory Director of the Joliet Lab. In January 2017, she returned to the Chicago Lab as Laboratory Director. She was promoted to Assistant Deputy Director of the Division of Forensic Services in 2019. Currently, Robin is the Deputy Director of the Division. She is the first non-sworn person to hold this position in the Illinois State Police and the first black woman. The Division of Forensic Services (FSC) is comprised of two Commands- the Forensic Science Command and the Scene and Evidence Services Command (SESC). There are seven laboratories in FSC and approximately 400 non-sworn employees. The SESC is made up of Crime Scene Investigators, Traffic Crash Reconstruction Investigators and State Evidence Vault Technicians. The SESC has approximately 75 sworn employees. Robin is the very proud First Lady of Wesley United Methodist Church where her husband Charles Woolery Sr. is the pastor.
Hon. Karen A. Yarbrough Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough is the first African American and woman to serve as the Clerk of Cook County. As Clerk, she oversees one of the largest consolidated Clerk’s offices in the United States and serves as the Chief Election Authority for suburban Cook County. In December 2020, Clerk Yarbrough’s office assumed all official duties of the former Recorder of Deeds Office and now manages the recording of all deeds, property documents, and business forms for all of Cook County. The Clerk also maintains and administers all Cook County Vital Records including births, marriages, civil unions, and deaths. Clerk Yarbrough plays a crucial role in the property tax system, maintaining delinquent tax records, tax maps, and information regarding TIF Districts. She functions as the Clerk of the Cook County Board, preparing board agendas, post-meeting reports, and official County Board records. Clerk Yarbrough also operates a Veteran’s Service Division, providing the free recording of veterans’ DD-214 Military Discharge papers as well as a Military and Veterans Discount Card that offers all active-duty military and veterans reduced costs and benefits from hundreds of Cook County businesses. Before she was elected Clerk, Clerk Yarbrough served as the Cook County Recorder of Deeds and established herself as a national leader in efforts to confront property fraud and advocate for property owners. A former State representative and Assistant Majority Leader in the Illinois House or Representatives, Clerk Yarbrough has a B.A. in Business Management from Chicago State University, an M.A. in Inner City Studies from Northeastern Illinois University, a Certificate of Public Leadership from Pepperdine University School of Public Policy where she serves as the Legislative Committee Chair and has completed advanced leadership studies at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Recently, she received the nation’s top professional achievement for election officials, being designated a Certified Elections Registration Administrator (CERA) after completing a multi-year course of study from Auburn University’s Master’s in Public Administration program. She and her husband Henderson have a blended family of six, and they share 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Hon. Nikki M. Zollar, Esq. A graduate of the Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University Law Center, Zollar began her career by clerking for the Honorable James B. Parsons, the first and only African American Chief Judge of the Northern District Court of Illinois. While clerking, she met her husband of 40 years, William A. Von Hoene, Jr. (Bill). Leaving the courthouse, Zollar practiced law with the esteemed law firm of Lafontant, Jones & Ware where she specialized in proprietary rights. It was not long, however, before she and Bill began volunteering with the “Young Lawyers Committee to Elect Harold Washington Mayor,” with Zollar’s husband arguing the historic “Punch 10” case. Shortly after the mayoral election, Zollar began a practice of law with Kirkland & Ellis. She was soon appointed to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, where she rose to the position of Chairman of the Board. Zollar went on to serve eight years in the cabinet of Governor Jim Edgar as the Director of the Department of Professional Regulation. After leaving the State Government, Zollar began doing small projects with her mother at Triad Consulting Services, Inc. (Triad) while simultaneously serving as General Counsel to Gemini Electronics (Gemini). Although her mother was supportive of her work at Gemini, she encouraged Zollar to start taking on some of the day-to-day responsibilities of Triad. Not long thereafter, Zollar became the President and CEO, taking Triad from a traditional business consulting firm to a facilities management and janitorial company with just over 200 full-time employees and a $100,000,000 contract with the City of Chicago. Zollar started another venture. This start-up, SafeSpeed, was incorporated in 2007 as an Intelligent Traffic Systems provider in response to an increased need for public safety on the roads and highways. The company, now known as AllTech Tracking, has automated license plate recognition(ALPR), as well as red light cameras throughout Cook County, with approximately 70 employees. Zollar’s daughter, Branden T. Goodman-Zollar, and her goddaughter, Raquel (Rocky) Realmo, are intimately involved in running the day-to-day operations of AllTech Tracking. Among Zollar’s many civic and charitable activities, Zollar serves as the President of the Children’s Habilitation Center, a sub-acute care facility for children in need of lifelong care. She also serves as the President of the SafeLIGHT Foundation, an organization that supports safe driving for teens and seniors, in addition to fostering good relations between the community and law enforcement. Zollar and Von Hoene have two children: William L. Von Hoene, an attorney with the Chicago Board of Education, a graduate of Stanford University (where he pledged Phi Beta Sigma) and New York University Law School; and Branden T. Goodman Zollar, a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and Northwestern University Law School. Zollar has five grandchildren.
Congratulations The Lambda Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated would like to Congratulate
Ms. Cassandra Wadlington on continuing to Soar to Greater Heights by receiving the
2023 Crescent Moon Award
May you continue being the true definition of Service & Sisterhood. Robina Linear-King, President
Cassandra Wadlington, Vice-President
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Congratulations Chamus Burnside-Savazzini on behalf of your little brother from another mother, ADRIAN HANNA! You are an absolute blessing, and I am so honored to celebrate with you as the Upsilon sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated recognizes you with the Crescent Moon Award for your work in the area of Early Childhood! May God continue to order your steps as you pour into the next generation like you always do! Love you plenty! Adrian (Cooking with Ag Founder)
Congratulations
Tonya Byrd-Neeley
on your 2023 Entrepreneurship Award from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Upsilon Sigma Alumni Chapter
Visit at 2120 S. Halsted Chicago, IL
Stylist and Owner Chereese Hudson
The Men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Congratulations On Your Carnation Ball.
The staff of AllTech Tracking, LLC,
CONGRATULATES its President and CEO,
Nikki Zollar
,
upon receipt of the very prestigious
2023 CRESCENT MOON AWARD We also thank the
Men of Upsilon Sigma Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. for their continuous support and many contributions to our communities across Chicago and throughout Chicagoland.