Chicago Defender Announces 2026 Women of Excellence Awards Honorees
CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Defender proudly announces the 2026 Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Awards & Induction Ceremony, celebrating extraordinary women whose leadership, impact, and influence continue to shape Chicago and the world.
The highly anticipated event will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, bringing together civic leaders, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, creatives, and community advocates to honor women who exemplify excellence across industries.
This year’s theme, M-FORCE: Masters of Momentum – Women Who Move the World Forward, recognizes leadership as a dynamic force—one that inspires, sustains, and accelerates progress. From global influence to cultural stewardship, financial mastery to visionary disruption, the 2026 honorees reflect the full spectrum of impact.
2026 Special Honorees
- Melody Spann Cooper – Lifetime Achievement Award A trailblazing media executive and civic leader, Melody Spann Cooper is recognized for decades of leadership amplifying trusted voices and preserving the power of Black media through stewardship of WVON-The Talk of Chicago.
- Toi Salter – Woman of the Year A respected financial strategist and philanthropic leader, Toi Salter is honored for defining excellence in the present moment—building generational wealth, empowering communities, and leading with mastery and purpose.
- Dee Robinson – Vanguard Award A bold social impact leader and entrepreneur, Dee Robinson is recognized for her fearless vision and forward-thinking leadership that challenge norms, open doors, and create new pathways for progress.
In addition to the special honorees, the Chicago Defender will induct 51 Women of Excellence, selected from hundreds of nominations, representing outstanding achievement in business, education, healthcare, public service, nonprofit leadership, arts, and entrepreneurship.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
- Location: Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
- VIP Reception: 5:30 p.m.
- Program Begins: 6:30 p.m.
The Women of Excellence Awards are a cornerstone of the Chicago Defender’s mission to uplift Black leadership, amplify excellence, and honor those whose work shapes the future.
“The Women of Excellence Awards are more than a celebration—they are a reflection of legendary legacy, leadership, and the power of women who move our communities and our world forward,” said Dyanna Knight Lewis, Publisher of the Chicago Defender and Regional Vice President of Real Times Media.
“Women’s History Month brings immense gratification to our team,” expresses Dyanna Lewis, Publisher of the Chicago Defender. “It perpetuates our tradition of recognizing the remarkable women in our community for their invaluable contributions. As we mark our 19th year, we eagerly celebrate the achievements of 950 women and look forward to many more.”
—Dyanna Knight Lewis, Publisher— The Chicago Defender
This year’s honorees include:
| FIRST NAME | LAST NAME | TITLE | COMPANY |
| Dr. Fareeda Shabazz | Anderson | Principal | Walter Payton College Prep High School |
| Tracy | Brown | Chief Partnerships Officer | Chicago Public Media |
| Tiffany | Burrell | Owner | Soul Food Lounge |
| Timnetra | Burruss | Chief Deputy Commissioner | Cook County Board of Review |
| Shirley | Coleman | Bishop / Former 16th Ward Alderman | Wholistic Alliance |
| Cecilia | Cuff | Co-Owner/Managing Principal | Bronzeville Winery |
| Doris | Davenport | PR Account Executive | Broadway in Chicago |
| Dr. Crystal | Davis | Senior Program Manager | Walker-Miller Energy Services |
| Lamekia | Davis | Executive Director of Chicago Operations | The Community Blood Center |
| Myrna | Farmer | Executive Director, Board Relations | World Business Chicago |
| Dr. Allison H. | Foster | Physician | University of Chicago |
| Honorable Leisha | Gray | Circuit Court Judge | State of Illinois |
| Vivian | Harper | Workforce Initiatives Manager | CVS Health |
| J’Arnay | Harris | Founder and Principal Consultant/Prairie State College trustee | Lifestyle Legacy Strategies |
| Dr. Briana | Hicks | Clinical Pharmacist | OptumRX |
| Sherneron T. | Hilliard | Senior Vice President of Programs and Impact | Family Focus Chicago |
| Dr. Tamra | Hoff Pope | Chief Strategy Officer | Chicago Scholars |
| Dr. Alfreda | Holloway | Director of Epidemiology, Cook County Department of Public Health | Cook County Department of Public Health |
| Justice Sharon Oden | Johnson | Presiding Justice – 6th Division | Illinois Appellate Court, First District |
| Guyna | Johnson | Managing Director, Head Global Fund Ratings | S&P Global |
| Kirstin | Jones | Vice President, Digital Marketing & Community Engagement | First Women’s Bank |
| Essence | Keys | Co-founder/Vice President Of Operations | Expedient Tax Service |
| Amber | Kirk | Chief Deputy of Operations & Child Programs | Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Cook County |
| Valencia | Koker | Senior Vice President and Executive Director | City Year Chicago |
| Natasha | Lawson | Captain | Illinois State Police |
| Dr. Desiree | Leach | Clinical Specialist | Roche Diagnostics |
| Kendria Harris | Lee | Poet & Speaker | K Love the Poet |
| Dr. Annise | Lewis | Deputy Chief of Teaching and Learning | Chicago Public Schools |
| Shavonne | Mayfield | CEO/Compass/ElevaRE Group | CESAM Construction/Real Estate Advisor |
| Priscilla | McCants, | CEO/Owner | McCants Insurance Agency |
| Dr. Kimberly L. | Miller-Griffin, Ph.D. | Educator/Mental Health Professional | Noble School Network |
| Kudzai B. | Mutasa | Senior Marketing Consultant & Visual Artist | Kudzai B. Mutasa Consulting |
| Yvette | Nelson-Pittman | Government & Community Relations | People’s Gas |
| CaTanya | Norwood | Director of Pharmacy, Cook County Health | Cook County Health |
| Dr. Gwendolyn | Oglesby-Odom | Vice President of Community Engagement, Enterprise, Consumer & Social Impact Division | Advocate Health |
| Dr. Tonya | Payton-Campbell | CEO | Onyx 360 NFP Inc / Walgreens |
| Allison | Perkins-Caldwell | CEO | Allison Inspires LLC |
| Jacquelyn | Price Ward | Vice President | Chicago Teachers Pension Fund |
| Monique | Roberson | Transformational Life and Business Coach, Author, and Speaker | ImWithCoachMo |
| Chartay | Robinson | Associate State Director, Advocacy & Outreach | AARP |
| Shantenae | Robinson | Head of U.S. Strategic Partnerships | Aon |
| Nicole | Robinson | CEO | YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago |
| Monica | Scott | VP Community Engagement | Bally’s Casino Chicago |
| Brianna | Sharpe | First Lady | Fellowship Chicago |
| Kemi | Solade | Managing Director and Regional Sales Leader | BMO Bank |
| Dionne | Tate | Director of 311 City Services | City of Chicago |
| Tonya | Trice | Executive Director/Owner | South Shore Chamber of Commerce |
| Dr. Tania | White | Chief HR & Leadership Strategist | Canary HR Consulting |
| Tyra | Whitney | TV News Producer | ABC 7 Chicago |
| Allyssa | Wilson | Special Projects Manager | Ujaama Construction |
| Brittany N. | Wilson | Senior Manager, NA Social Impact | Pepsico |
Since its inception in 2007, the Women of Excellence Awards and Ceremony has recognized Black women entrepreneurs, corporate executives, community leaders, educators, and media members who are at the forefront of their respective fields and blaze trails for the younger generation. With each year, more talented Black women join this growing community, connecting and sharing their stories of overcoming and accomplishment with others.
The Women of Excellence Red Carpet Awards Presentation Reception will occur on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611, at 5:30 p.m. ComEd and Aon are the presenting sponsors. The emcees are ABC 7 News anchor, Samantha Chatman and Radio personality, Marseil Jackson.
For ticket and table information, please visit www.chicagodefender.com.
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About the Chicago Defender Women of Excellence: Each year, the Chicago Defender takes great pride in recognizing African American women in our community who inspire others through their excellence, vision, leadership, achievements, and commitment to empowerment. We are proud of the accomplishments of these men who are doing amazing things across broad spectrums of society.
About the Chicago Defender The Chicago Defender is a multimedia news and information provider that offers marketing solutions, strategic partnerships, and custom events for the African American market. Our platform equips us to leverage audience influence to reach, connect, and impact the Black Community with culturally relevant content not often serviced by mainstream media.
Founded in 1905, The Chicago Defender celebrated its 120th Anniversary on May 5, 2025. The Chicago Defender is the Black civic publication of record in Chicago. Nielson and Essence Survey 2014 recognized it nationally as the second most widely read and best African American Newspaper. In July 2019, the Chicago Defender transitioned from a printed newspaper into a digitally focused, high-traffic content platform dedicated to online editorials, premiere events, sponsored advertising, custom publishing, and archival merchandising. We distribute relevant and engaging news and information via multiple platforms daily.
