By: Julie Youngquist
August 13, 2019
For Immediate Release
STREETWISE ANNOUNCES ITS “20 MOST INSPIRING CHICAGOANS” HONOREES FOR 2019
August 13, 2019 (Chicago) – StreetWise is pleased to announce the 20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans of 2019.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Wilco front man Jeff Tweedy, Second City Alum Heather Whinna and Local R&B sensation Jamila Woods among 20 Most Inspiring of 2019. All of the honorees are making the city a better place to live and work. The honorees were nominated from by the public and selected by a committee of Streetwise Board of Directors and affiliated partners. They will be celebrated at the annual StreetWise Gala Celebration on September 26th at Galleria Marchetti.
“Honoring those heroes among us who are making our city even stronger is so important as I believe it will inspire others to think about ways, they can make a positive impact in the community as well,” says Ben Swartz, StreetWise Board Chair. “We received hundreds of nominations from the public, which demonstrate the enduring spirit of philanthropy and empowerment baked into the culture of Chicago. Our 20 honorees represent a wide variety of courageous people who inspire all of us at StreetWise and our great city.”
Here is this year’s 20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans (short bios for each are included below):
Michael Airhart, CEO All Kids Matter Foundation and Taste for the Homeless
Adam Alonso, CEO BUILD
Dr. Pat Angelo, Found CCH Wellness and Angel of Wacker Drive
Tracy Baim, Publisher of the Chicago Reader and Co-founder of Windy City Times
Lisa Dietlin, Philanthropy Expert and Transformational Change Agent
Liz Dozier, Founder and CEO, Chicago Beyond
Jessica Droste-Yagan, CEO, Impact Engine
Jan Anne Dubin, CEO and Founder of Jan Anne Dubin Consulting, Chairman Emeritus, Public Allies
Amy Francetic, CEO, The Energize Fund
Candace Henley, Founder Blue Hat Foundation
Tuan Huynh, Senior Art Director at Leo Burnett
Constance Jones, CEO, Noble Network of Schools
Jim Kales, CEO Aspire
Dan Klaff, Community Development Attorney
The Honorable Lori Lightfoot, Mayor of Chicago
JD Miller: Founder, Care for Friends, CRO Motus, LLC
Rendel Solomon, Founder of One Stock One Future and Managing Director with Muller & Monroe Asset Management
Jeff Tweedy, Lead Singer of Wilco
Heather Whinna, Founder, Unconditional Giving, and Poverty Alleviation Chicago
Jamila Woods, R&B Singer, Artist, and Activist
“The 20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans Award celebrates those who champion and empower our neighbors each day, many of whom are disenfranchised and without hope,” says Julie Youngquist, Chief Executive Officer. “We found true catalysts for change during this process, much like StreetWise Magazine has been a catalyst for change for more than 25 years. We look forward to recognizing these individuals at our annual StreetWise Gala Celebration and appreciate the positive difference they are making in our city and surrounding communities.”