2024 Chicago Finalists
Outstanding Service Social Services/CBO
Proactive Community Services
Service Social OrganizationProactive Community Service is a 501(C) 3 community-based organization founded in 2005 to serve disadvantaged, under-resourced communities. The organization provides services in the south suburbs of Cook County.
Eula Burge is the Executive Director.
Visit websiteOutstanding Service, Male
Jerome Montgomery
ActivistIn 2015, Jerome Montgomery transitioned to Executive Director at Project VIDA, a non-profit organization in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago's southwest side. Under Jerome's leadership, the organization expanded from a small group to a team of over 30 dedicated professionals.
Outstanding Healthcare Professional
Maya Green
Healthcare ProfessionalDr. Maya Green has served as regional Medical Director for Howard Brown Healthy for the south and west sides of Chicago, where she ensures equity in healthcare and public health delivery services. In her practice, she serves many Black and Latinx LGBT Chicagoans with preventative, primary, gender-affirming healthcare.
Outstanding Service, Female
Stephanie Hart
Entrepreneur, Business PersonStephanie Hart is the Owner of Brown Sugar Bakery. She has been celebrating for over 20 years with one of the most notable bakeries on the South Side. Stephanie is known for giving back to her community.
Visit websiteArtistic Expression
Patric McCoy
ArtistPatric McCoy has been collecting contemporary African American art for over five decades. His collection has over 1,300 pieces of fine art. In 2003, he co-founded Diasporal Rhythms, a not-for-profit arts organization of art collectors from Chicago's African American communities.
Special Recognition
Art Sims
Broadcaster, Social Media InfluencerArt Sims, also known as "Chat Daddy," is a legendary broadcaster, social media influencer, and voiceover artist who has been entertaining audiences for 29 years through radio, television, print, stage, and online platforms.
He is the Executive Producer & Host The Real Chat Daddy Show The Urban Global Travelers Series
Radio Show Contributor BONNIE'S EYE with Bonnie DeShong and friends Every Saturday at 8AM on JAM98, Music For Your Soul
Visit websiteFuture Leaders
Marvin Thompson
Activist, People & Culture SpecialistMarvin Thompson has over 11 years of Human Resources/People and Culture experience and is committed to ensuring his staff's well-being. He is the Director of People, Culture, & Operations at Brave Space Alliance, merging his purpose for Social Work with his passion for Human Resources.