Former trial lawyer Ashley Kirkwood is preparing to welcome 1,000 Black women entrepreneurs and professionals to Black Women Sell Live® 2026, a three-day sales and business conference taking place Sept. 25–27 at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta. Kirkwood left a $300,000 partner-track legal career to become an entrepreneur and founded the sales training company Speak Your Way To Cash® in 2018. A Northwestern Law graduate, she previously worked as a federal trial attorney and at Kirkland & Ellis. Her first Speak Your Way To Cash Live event attracted just

After 45 years in the banking industry, former Vice Chairman of Northern Trust Lyle Logan retired in 2025 to enjoy a life of service on seeral different fronts. His professional career may be coming to a close, but his commitment to the community remains as strong as ever. As a lifelong Chicagoan, Lyle was raised in a family that gave back. “My parents were teachers, and we were actively involved in the community. We ended up working with organizations that had been supported by United Way,” Lyle said. Lyle

For Ashley LaLonde, returning to Chicago is a homecoming celebration. LaLonde, who previously performed in the national tour of Hamilton, is returning to the James M. Nederlander Theatrethis September with the new stage production of Dirty Dancing: The Musical. In the production, she plays Elizabeth, a brand-new character created specifically for this adaptation. The role also marks another meaningful chapter, as she made history in 2019 as the first Black woman and one of the first six women cast in Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals. In a conversation with The Chicago Defender, LaLonde opened

Off The Street Club recently announced the appointment of Maurice Fears, Sr. as its new Executive Director, effective August 3, 2026. Fears brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience – including multiple executive roles at major Chicago area youth service organizations – to Off The Street Club, a storied 125 yer-old nonprofit committed to the care and development of the Second City's young people. Off The Street Club provides hope, opportunity and guidance so that disadvantaged youth in Chicago and its nearby suburbs can unlock their

An 8-year-old Chicago track athlete is drawing national attention after delivering a record-setting performance at the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games held at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. Clifford Pointer III, a member of Chicago's Gately Park Athletic Club, captured the 9-year-old boys' 400-meter championship title at the AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa, running 58.70 seconds and breaking the previous AAU Junior Olympic Games record of 59.25, which had stood for 10 years. For Gately Park Athletic Club, however, Pointer III's record is just one part

Jemia Cunningham-Elder, Chief Executive Officer of North Lawndale College Prep, has been selected to join the 2027 Class of Signature Fellows with Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC). She is one of just 43 leaders chosen region-wide for the organization’s premier civic leadership development program. “I am honored to be named to the 2027 Class of Signature Fellows,” said Cunningham-Elder. “Leading North Lawndale College Prep has taught me that our scholars’ futures aren’t only shaped by what happens inside our walls. They’re shaped by housing policy, economic opportunity and decisions

25-Year Nonprofit Veteran Brings Deep Chicago Roots and Proven Youth Development Track Record to the Organization Off The Street Club today announced the appointment of Maurice Fears, Sr. as its new Executive Director, effective August 3, 2026. Fears brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience – including multiple executive roles at major Chicago-area youthserving organizations – to Off The Street Club, a youthcentered nonprofit in West Garfield Park. Off The Street Club provides hope, opportunity and guidance so that disadvantaged youth in Chicago and its

As the basketball world gathered in Chicago this week for WNBA All-Star Week, founding player Rushia Brown hosted her signature “Play Like a Girl” Basketball Skills Clinic at the South Side YMCA in Chicago. The event brought together up to100 middle and high school YMCA girl members, ages 7-16 for a day of basketball instruction, leadership development, and mentorship. Brown was joined by WNBA legends Monique Ambers, Redhead Bristol, Leslie Johnson, and Bridget Pettisto. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in shooting skills, ball handling, teamwork, and communication. Beyond