StreetWise Announces the '20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans' of 2020

StreetWise is proud to announce its 20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans of 2020. Its third annual group of honorees includes Dr. Ngozi Ezike, comedian Chris Redd, the Dreadhead Cowboy, and famous folk singer Ella Jenkins, and an inspiring group of Chicagoans who are making the city a better place to live, work, and grow. StreetWise is a street paper and impact organization that empowers people to work with dignity, while giving the homeless and at-risk populations a hand up.

“Honoring the everyday heroes among us, who are making our amazing city even stronger, is so important, especially during these challenging and unprecedented times.” says Julie Youngquist, StreetWise executive director. “We received hundreds of nominations that show what we all already know- -- Chicagoans put to work the generosity of our hearts and minds. Our 20 honorees of 2020 represent a wide variety of courageous people who selflessly work on behalf of others and represent the philanthropic spirit of the city.”

This year’s 20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans are:

Aleta Clark, founder of Hugs No Slugs Foundation

Bryan Cressey, founder of Above and Beyond Recovery Center

David Dietz, Social Responsibility Program Director at National Basketball Association

Seth El-Jamal, program director for the Chicago chapter of Friends of the Children

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, board certified internist and pediatrician and Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health

Matthew Hoffman, Chicago-based artist & designer

Adam Hollingsworth, Dreadhead Cowboy

Ella Jenkins, “First Lady of Children’s Music" and GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award winner

Tonika Johnson, social justice artist and photographer and co-founder of Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.)

Kristi Katz, Chicago director of Field Operations with Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen

Diane Latiker, founder of Kids Off The Block, Inc.

Ed Marszewski, restaurateur, entrepreneur, cultural connoisseur, and unofficial Mayor of Bridgeport and Director of the Public Media Institute (PMI)

Lamell McMorris, founder and managing principal of Greenlining Realty USA

Julian Posada, founder and president of LiftUp enterprises

Dr. Izabel Olson, founder and CEO of Salt and Light Coalition

Chris Redd, actor, writer, stand-up comic and rapper and EMMY-award winning songwriter

Oboi Reed, founding president & CEO of Equiticity

Britney Robbins, founder The Gray Matter Experience

Jesse Teverbaugh, director of student and alumni relations at Cara Chicago

LaSaia Wade, founder and executive director of Brave Space Alliance

You can also meet them throughout the month as we release individual profile videos on our digital and social media platforms weekdays through September 30.

“The 20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans Award celebrates those who champion and empower our neighbors each day, many of whom are disenfranchised and without hope,” says Youngquist. “We found true catalysts for change during this process, much like StreetWise Magazine has been a catalyst for change for more 28 years. We look forward to recognizing these individuals at our virtual StreetWise Gala Celebration and appreciate the positive difference they are making in our city and surrounding communities.”

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