“Black girls defy the odds.” Those were the opening words from Jamila Trimuel, Founder and President of Ladies of Virtue (LOV), and they instantly grounded the room in purpose. Though the space was already filled with love, laughter, and an unmistakable sense of joy, Trimuel’s message reminded everyone why they gathered for the 2025 Leading With Virtue Cocktail Reception—to invest in the brilliance, resilience, and future of Black girls.
From the moment guests entered the venue, it was clear they were in for a special evening. Volunteers and staff cheered as attendees arrived, registration flowed seamlessly, and servers weaved through the room with beautifully crafted hors d’oeuvres. If the night had a theme song, it would have been “A Night to Remember”—because that’s exactly what it was.
Celebrating the Women Who Lift Communities
The night honored a lineup of phenomenal women making an impact across the city and beyond. Among the distinguished honorees were:
- Dr. Tameeka Christian, Program Officer, J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation
- Amber Johnson, Global VP Commercial/CPO, Mars Wrigley
- Valencia Koker, Executive Director & Senior VP, City Year Chicago
- Aris Singleton, CEO, Thank God It’s Natural (TGIN)
- Barbara Bates, Founder, Barbara Bates Fashions, Inc.
- Dyanna Knight Lewis, Publisher, Chicago Defender & Regional Vice President, Real Times Media
For nearly two decades, Dyanna Knight Lewis has uplifted women throughout Chicago through the Women of Excellence initiative. Seeing her honored by an organization committed to empowering girls felt like a full-circle moment—an affirmation of her influence on the generations rising behind her.
A Testimony That Moved the Room
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came from a LOV participant Tamyra Loggins who shared her journey from childhood bullying and emotional pain to confidence and purpose. Once struggling with suicidal thoughts and feeling unseen both at home and in school, she found safety, affirmation, and a new sense of self in Ladies of Virtue. Today, she stands as a military veteran, a mother, a wife, and a college student—proof that support and access can transform a life.
Community Support at Its Strongest
The generosity in the room spoke volumes. Through enthusiastic giving, heartfelt pledges, and community unity, LOV raised over $271,000—and counting, pushing toward nearly $300,000 to expand access, programming, mentorship, and opportunities for Black girls across Chicago.
Trimuel’s words echoed throughout the night:
“Our Black girls are brilliant, but brilliance alone does not protect them. Our Black girls are confident, but their confidence is labeled as defiance. Our Black girls are leaders, but their leadership potential often goes unnoticed. And so many of our Black girls’ dreams are deferred, not because of lack of ability, but because of lack of access.”
Her message ignited a renewed commitment—one that extends beyond the reception walls. The funds raised will fuel LOV’s mission: developing confident, creative, career-ready Black girls who lead in their communities and beyond.
A Legacy of Love and Leadership
As Ladies of Virtue celebrates 14 years of impact, the organization continues to prove a simple truth:
When one Black girl rises, she lifts her family, her community, and generations after her.
Saturday night wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a declaration of possibility. A testament to what happens when a community shows up, gives boldly, and believes in the power of Black girls to change the world.
