These are leaders who aren’t just building businesses or nonprofits, but building a better future for us all.
Jump to the Full List of The Trailblazers
A Shared Commitment to Community HANA Center was introduced to First Women’s Bank (FWB) through Joy Thorne, FWB Assistant Vice President. Recognizing the alignment between HANA’s mission and the Bank’s purpose, Joy helped spark a relationship grounded in shared values and advancing opportunity through intentional action. A Relationship-Driven Approach From…
Watch the video and hear Nicole's story of opening her first BIGGBY Coffee location in Itasca, IL.
Nicole Cater had always dreamed of owning a coffee shop. From her early days as a barista to studying entrepreneurship at DePaul, the vision never left her. Life took her through corporate roles and motherhood, but the dream lingered, until she discovered the franchising opportunity with BIGGBY COFFEE. Its values…
Allison Randal has always believed in the power of economic opportunity. With a background in tech and publishing, she understood the uncertainty of those industries and wanted to build something more stable, something that could create pathways for others. When she discovered the chance to open PVolve franchises, it wasn’t just about fitness; it…
Soul & Smoke is a Chicago-based, women-owned restaurant founded by Heather Bublick and her husband, D’Andre Carter, who serves as the executive chef. More than just incredible BBQ and soul food, Soul & Smoke is a celebration of family, culture, and a shared love for flavorful meals. Heather and D’Andre’s journey began with a vision…
Dr. Kimberly Eide didn’t take the traditional path to medicine – or to business ownership. After earning a business degree and working in pharmaceutical sales, she felt a deeper calling: medicine. Inspired by her mother’s battle with breast cancer, she returned to school at night while raising a family, determined to care for others…
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready helped Dallas bookkeeper Misa Bacon grow her business by 50% using free online courses, SEO improvements, email marketing, and networking, boosting leads and revenue through practical digital skills. Read More Here.
Jasper Photography LLC owner Sam Wilson relaunched her luxury-photography business with support from Allies for Community Business, SCORE, IL SBDC and WBDC — using funding and resources to upgrade equipment, expand services, and strengthen her impact as a Black woman entrepreneur in Chicago. Check Out the Story Here…
Allison Jordan turned personal healing into purpose. With Allies for Community Business support — including a line of credit — she relaunched The Brain Truth podcast, upgraded equipment and staffing, and built a mental-health business that helps others heal and thrive. Read More Here…
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready empowered one coffee entrepreneur with a $10K grant and financial mastery courses—he hired a CPA, upgraded branding and scaled his business nationwide. Learn More Here.
Jessica House, founder of Just Dip It Tacos and graduate of Sunshine Enterprises’ Community Business Academy, turns heritage, faith and food into community impact. May Alumni Accolades — Sunshine Enterprises…
Sunshine Enterprises alum Ora Wardlow, founder of Café 322 Urban Bistro, leveraged the Community Business Academy and strategic coaching to elevate her catering brand and create community impact. Read More Here.
Bree Jones is turning abandoned structures within historically redlined neighborhoods into opportunities for Black homeownership and the revival of once-thriving Black communities.
