is a broadcast media executive and consultant with global experience in production, distribution, and digital transformation. Through her company, The G.A.P Group, she advises media organizations and serves as an Independent Board Director for Tagboard. Her leadership experience includes strengthening revenue strategies and managing multimillion-dollar capital and operating budgets.

She most recently served as Executive Vice President of Operations and Technology for NBCUniversal–Telemundo and Latin America. Previously, she led the Broadcast, TV & Film division at Production Resource Group and spent 19 years in senior leadership at Fox Sports and Fox Networks Group, supporting the launch of more than 10 networks, including Big Ten Network, FX, National Geographic Channels, FS1, and FS2.

A multiple-time Technical Emmy and Telly Award recipient, Andrea was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2016. She holds a computer science degree from Illinois Institute of Technology, where she is a lifetime Trustee. An advocate for STEAM education, she also serves on the boards of the Young Ambassadors Leadership Academy, the DuSable Museum of African American History, and the BLR Foundation for Flourishing Communities.

is the Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Director of the Esports and Digital Arts Center at Illinois Tech. Since 2013, she has fostered a competitive esports community of over 100 gamers and 1,200+ Discord members. A frequent speaker at events like C2E2 and IdeaCon, April also co-hosts the Warrior GMR podcast and has appeared on ABC 7 News and WVON Chicago to discuss esports.

April directs the Exelon Summer Institute (ESI), which promotes teamwork and college success. She also oversees Illinois Tech’s pre-collegiate programs, including Dual Enrollment and DevUp, helping the university qualify as a Hispanic Serving Institute.

April holds degrees from Boston University, Loyola Chicago, DePaul, and Illinois Tech, where she is currently a Ph.D. candidate. She also co-founded the Idea Shop and serves on the boards of Warrior GMR Foundation and ACE Mentor Program-Chicago.

is currently serving as the Assistant to the Chief of Staff for the Chicago City Council's Committee on Education & Child Development, where she contributes to policy development and education initiatives. Prior to this, she worked as a Community Advocate in the Office of Congressman Bobby L. Rush from 2020 to 2023, engaging with constituents and supporting community outreach efforts. Ayana also has experience as a Communications Liaison for Know1 Radio, where she managed communications strategies. In 2020, she played a crucial role as the Social Media Manager during Congressman Rush's re-election campaign, crafting social media content and maintaining a direct line of communication with constituents. Her career also includes roles in event coordination, education as a lecturer at Purdue University Northwest, and television production. Ayana's multifaceted experience demonstrates her commitment to community engagement, public service, and media communications.

is a prominent American politician, civil rights leader, and pastor, best known for co-founding the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in the 1960s. Born on November 23, 1946, in Albany, Georgia, Rush moved to Chicago, where he became deeply involved in the civil rights movement. He served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1968 before shifting to political activism.

Rush’s political career began when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992, representing Illinois's 1st Congressional District. He served in Congress until 2023, focusing on issues related to civil rights, economic development, and healthcare. He has also played key roles in major legislative initiatives, including healthcare reform and economic relief for underserved communities. In addition to his political career, Rush became an ordained Baptist minister and is known for his ongoing contributions to Chicago's community-based programs​

began his social justice work nearly two decades ago as a youth participating in Chicago community organizing efforts under the guidance of leaders from the Southwest Youth Collaborative. CP’s work has since developed into advocacy for Chicagoans as a recognized civil rights and injury law trial attorney at The Vrdolyak Law Group. Today, Ann and General Floyd’s son is the proud father to his own son Ari Rahman Davis. CP's history of executive leadership includes serving on the boards of other Chicago organizations that are committed to fights for adequate housing, health justice, economic empowerment, youth development and access to legal resources. As a member of the 20th Ward Community Planning Team, he assisted the Alder's office in its assessment of private developments proposed for community areas that included Englewood, Woodlawn, Washington Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville and New City.

Mr. Reniva is a commercial real estate attorney, business strategist, and civic leader with more than 30 years of experience advising developers, investors, businesses, financial institutions, and governmental entities. He serves as a board member and legal counsel of the Congressman Bobby L. Rush Center for Flourishing Communities and as a Commissioner of the Illinois International Port District.

His career includes senior leadership roles in law firms and real estate development, with expertise in finance, governance, and public-private partnerships. He brings a longstanding commitment to strengthening communities and expanding economic opportunity. He holds a finance degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a law degree from Loyola University Chicago.

is a global leader in food security, humanitarian assistance, and impact investing. She serves as Managing Director and CEO of FSF Ventures and CEO of its sister nonprofit, Food Systems for the Future Institute, advancing her vision of a world without hunger and malnutrition. She is also a Distinguished Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University’s Center on Food Security and the Environment.

From 2012 to 2017, Cousin led the United Nations World Food Programme, which provided food assistance to more than 80 million people annually during her tenure. Previously, she served as U.S. Ambassador to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture and as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of America’s Second Harvest, now Feeding America.

Cousin’s honors include recognition on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women lists, as well as Fortune’s Most Powerful Woman in Food and Drink. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Georgia School of Law, she brings extensive experience in corporate governance, public service, and efforts to end hunger.

Known as “Pastor Frank,” Frank is an ordained and licensed minister, experienced broadcaster, and civic leader with a passion for serving others. His background spans corporate finance, sales, customer relationships, nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and fundraising. His radio career includes broadcasting in Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Seattle-Tacoma.

A trained Intentional Interim Minister, he serves at Hyde Park Union Church and has served as Interim Pastor for congregations in Wheaton, LaGrange, and Warrenville. He is President of American Baptist Churches–Metro Chicago, representing more than 60 churches. His board and advisory service includes organizations supporting community development, gospel music, scholarships, and Alzheimer’s care and research.

An inductee of the Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Frank was named the 2009 GMWA/GAG Gospel Announcer of the Year and one of Illinois’ Most Distinguished Men in 2017. He and his wife, Pam, jointly received an honorary doctorate from GMOR Theological Institute of America in 2017. His honors also include the National Jitsuo Morikawa Evangelism Award from American Baptist Churches USA.

is the Senior Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, where he has served since 2001. Prior to this, he led the Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Houston for 16 years. With a passion for education and ministry, Dr. Dew holds a Doctor of Ministry and a Master of Divinity from Northern Theological Seminary, and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Houston Graduate School of Theology. He is also the Director of the Southside Center for Urban Leadership and an Affiliate Professor at Northern Seminary.

In addition to his pastoral work, Dr. Dew is a prominent leader in the Illinois Missionary Baptist State Convention and the National Baptist Congress, where he mentors pastors and religious leaders. He is also an accomplished author, with publications focused on leadership and ministry development.

Dr. Dew is deeply committed to the growth of his congregation and the wider community, particularly through evangelism and leadership training programs. He is married to Marva Dew and is the father of two children, Rev. Samuel and Eboni Dew.

is the CEO of i.c.stars, where she leads the organization’s national expansion efforts. A recognized leader in workforce development, Karin previously served as the founding CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, where she helped over 100,000 people secure employment and raised $150 million in philanthropic funds. With more than 30 years of experience in education, law, and community advocacy, she is committed to creating economic opportunities through technology and leadership training, particularly for underserved communities

is a resident in the Englewood Community and also an active member of The Beloved Community Church Of God in Christ. 

is a highly regarded Partner at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP, where she leads the Business Transactions Team. With nearly 30 years of experience, LaVon has played a pivotal role in some of the nation's largest public-private partnership transactions, including the $1.8 billion privatization of the Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge and the development of a major healthcare hub on Chicago’s South Side. Her expertise spans complex real estate, corporate transactions, and infrastructure projects, making her a sought-after advisor in these fields.

LaVon is also deeply committed to mentoring young attorneys and serves as an adjunct professor at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Recognized for her excellence, she was named the 2024 Woman of the Year by the Illinois Real Estate Journal

is a licensed minister of the gospel, a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. For more than 40 years she has served as an evangelist, teacher, and encourager, with nearly 20 of those years as a missionary, having traveled around the world spanning four continents, serving God’s people. Paulette is a retired licensed career social services delivery professional with 50 years of progressive experience in social service delivery and program management, specifically in the areas of adoptions, corrections, services to minority youth, family and community systems, substance abuse treatment, women’s issues and university field instruction. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master of Social Work degree and is currently working towards a Licensed Missionary Certification under the Church Of God In Christ. She is a bestselling author having authored three books and is a featured contributing author to a fourth book. She actively serves alongside her husband, former Congressman Bobby Rush, who serves as Pastor of Beloved Community Church Of God In Christ.

is a retired Director of Community Planning and Development for the Chicago office of HUD, where he oversaw a $1 billion annual budget across various housing and development programs. A Kansas State University graduate, Ray has also served in urban planning roles in Ohio and Kansas, and taught at Kansas State. He is a board member for several Chicago nonprofits, established a scholarship fund for minority students at his alma mater, and is involved in the Chicago Architecture Center and Toastmasters International. Ray is married with two children.