Join our team

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Jessika (Jessa) Cox is the founder of Sunflower Cabana, a local business that specializes in image development, personal style consulting, and luxury activewear (www.sunflowercabana.com). Additionally, she serves as the Blossom Campaign Coordinator at Lade University, where she actively participates in diversity initiatives. The annual nationwide Blossom Campaign encourages community empowerment by inspiring individuals to flourish in their personal lives and guiding them in nurturing their tangible goals. Jessika is passionate about creating immersive experiences that foster community engagement and lasting bonds. She graduated from the University of New England with a Masters of Public Health and holds a double Bachelor's Degree in Communications and African American Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Karen Shyne, with an official degree in Interior Architecture, now runs my own business but have spent significant time immersed in the healthcare environment. For the past six years, I have focused on food insecurity and am currently exploring food justice to further my understanding. As the executive director of a non-profit, my priorities have shifted towards community empowerment by addressing food insecurity and implementing diversity initiatives. I aim to find solutions that combat the negative effects of food scarcity on the physical and mental health of our youth while also supporting local businesses in providing healthier options.

Leia Bradford is a highly skilled people advocate and strategic communicator with nearly a decade of experience in human resources. She has dedicated her career to building meaningful and trusted professional relationships while actively engaging in community empowerment and diversity initiatives. Drawing on her diverse background in areas of operation, talent acquisition, and strategic communication, Leia also supports local businesses in creating inclusive environments. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she earned her Master of Science in Communication from Northwestern University.

Tiffany, affectionately known as ChefMama, has led a diverse range of kitchens, from corporate settings to fine dining, including offsite and backstage catering. Notably, she served as the Lead Chef for President Obama's second term fundraiser dinner and the 2012 NATO Summit. As Executive Chef for Backstage Catering, she has created exquisite dining experiences for renowned artists like Beyonce, Jay-Z, Chance The Rapper, Coldplay, Guns & Roses, and Lollapalooza. In 2017, Tiffany founded Exquisite Catering & Events, focusing on private events, corporate events, and festivals with a rich array of menus. Committed to community empowerment, Exquisite Catering & Events has actively partnered with organizations supporting diversity initiatives and local business support, aiming to provide fresh, healthy cooked meals to communities impacted by COVID-19. Through these efforts, they have delivered over 20,000 hot meals, driven by the mission that 'No One Goes To Sleep Hungry.' You can learn more about Exquisite Catering & Events at www.exquisitecateringevents.com.

CW Allen, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, grew up immersed in Hip Hop music, captivated by heart-pounding drums and bass lines. My journey as an artist began during my senior year of high school, when I was challenged to freestyle at an open mic event. The positive response I received sparked my passion for penning lyrics. By then, I had already developed a deep love for God and His word, which influenced my music as an expression of my heart and my surroundings. In 2009, I left Cleveland for Chicago to attend Moody Bible Institute, where I studied communications and the Bible. Now, 15 years into my musical journey, I'm finalizing my first book and my latest album, entitled CATALYST. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of sharing my music across the country in a variety of venues including bars, schools, camps, and conferences. I’ve also been involved in community empowerment and diversity initiatives, collaborating with local business support to uplift our communities. I've had the honor of opening for artists like Cannon, Da Truth, Sean C. Johnson, Shopé, This’l, and the legendary Curtis Blow.

Cindi M. Lindsey is the Founder and Artistic Director of Malone Studios Dance Academy, Inc in Nashville, TN. A native of Chicago, she has been dedicated to educating and teaching performing arts, as well as promoting community empowerment by exposing dance arts and theatre to urban communities for over 25 years. She obtained her Master's Degree in Health Education at Middle Tennessee State University. Cindi is also on the Board of the International Cultural Dance Exchange, where she helps develop diversity initiatives for dance arts programs both locally and abroad. As a former Chicago Public School teacher, she is acutely aware of the challenges facing the Woodlawn Community and is honored to serve on the board of a nonprofit that embodies her commitment to local business support and addresses the core of her life’s mission.