At its best, excellence doesn’t announce itself with fanfare. It’s forged in the unseen moments—late nights at the office, bold leaps of faith, or quiet decisions to keep going despite every reason to quit. Each year, The Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence awards shine a light on those who embody that spirit. This year’s honorees include trailblazers who’ve turned personal trials into triumphs and who continue to reshape industries, uplift communities and inspire the next generation. Below, we highlight five powerful women—each with a story that shows us what it means to live with purpose.
Tonita Cheatham: A Two-Time Honoree and a Beacon of Resilience
Tonita Cheatham’s story isn’t linear. It weaves through hardship—losing a job after a debilitating illness—before rising into purpose. Now the executive director of community relations for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Cheatham remains driven by the power of connection and the need for accessible healthcare. She’s been honored before—once by the Michigan Chronicle—and now again, in her hometown of Chicago. For Cheatham, the road to excellence involved redefining what success looked like, getting up after each setback, and sharing her story so others know they’re not alone. “If you can get up, you can move forward,” she says. That’s a mantra—and a mission.
Link: Tonita Cheatham’s Journey of Resilience: A Two-Time Woman of Excellence Honoree
Calmetta Coleman: Rewriting the Rules and Setting Her Own Standard
For Calmetta Coleman, the lesson came early: excellence isn’t always rewarded unless you ask for it. The Chicago Urban League’s Chief Operating Officer learned that promotions don’t always follow effort—that sometimes, you have to advocate for yourself. Today, she manages the League’s programs, operations and external affairs with that same fearless energy. A former journalist, Coleman’s next chapter might be in fiction writing. But whether she’s crafting narratives or leading legacy organizations, her message remains: define your own limits, lead fearlessly, and never wait for permission to rise.
Link: Calmetta Coleman: Chicago Urban League COO Honored as a 2025 Women of Excellence
Christy George: From Overcoming Test Anxiety to Leading Illinois’ Economic Development
Christy George didn’t just arrive at the helm of Intersect Illinois—she earned it through grit, faith, and a deep commitment to public service. Originally from the Bay Area, George arrived in Chicago as an intern and never looked back. Her journey—from struggling with standardized tests to passing the bar exam on her first try—is a testament to relentless perseverance. Influenced early by mentors like Azim Ramelize, she found purpose in policy and community work, eventually leading initiatives at the Department of Business Affairs and the DNC Host Committee. Now, as a 2025 Women of Excellence honoree, she hopes her story reminds others: you can belong at the table—and it’s your duty to make room for others once you’re there.
Angela Martin: A Life Built on Faith, Media and Unshakable Focus
Angela Martin’s voice carried across Chicago’s airwaves for years. Now, it’s her faith that carries her—and the ministry she built after leaving both corporate America and a decorated radio career behind. From co-hosting gospel mornings to launching Angela Martin Ministries, she’s used every chapter of her life to inspire and uplift. Her advice to younger generations? Focus. Don’t let distractions derail your purpose. And when you leave something behind—be it a job, a career or a comfort zone—make sure you did your best, so regret never follows. Martin’s excellence is not just about accolades, like her 2025 Women of Excellence honor. It’s about impact—and she’s just getting started.
Link: Meet Angela Martin, 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree: A Journey of Faith, Media and Ministry
Judge Chantelle Porter: Breaking Barriers on the Bench with Purpose
Judge Chantelle Porter made history as the first Black woman judge in DuPage County. But her real power lies in how she uses the bench—as a place for advocacy, reform, and healing. From her early days as a Guardian ad Litem for foster children to her current work leading juvenile court reform, Porter has always been more than a jurist. She’s a community builder. She’s faced rooms where no one looked like her, and rather than shrink, she stood taller. Her advice to rising professionals: take up space, move with integrity, and find mentors who open doors. With her Women of Excellence recognition, Porter’s story reinforces a larger truth—excellence multiplies when rooted in service.
In these women, we see five different paths—but one powerful throughline: each chose not just to succeed, but to serve. That’s what excellence looks like. And that’s what we celebrate.
About Post Author
