Ladies of Virtue (LOV), a South Side-based nonprofit, just celebrated 13 years of empowering Black girls through mentoring and leadership development.
One of this year’s highlights was the record-breaking “Leading with Virtue Annual Fundraiser Cocktail Reception,” held on Wednesday, November 13 at Carnivale Restaurant in Chicago. The event marked a major milestone, helping the organization raise over $229,000 during the week of the reception.
“We had over 50 sponsors, which was the highest in the history of our organization,” said Jamila Trimuel, Founder of LOV, in a Facebook post.
Photo credit: Carl Ankrum
What began as a small community of six girls with a mission to create opportunities for young Black girls in Chicago has grown into a transformative force. Today, LOV serves over 2,000 girls and young women annually through its impactful programs and community outreach initiatives.
During the fundraiser, alumna Treazure Owens captivated the audience with her story, later recapping it in a LinkedIn post: “I know what it’s like to feel like the odds are stacked against you,” she shared.
Photo credit: Carl Ankrum
“But Ladies of Virtue stepped in and gave me more than hope—they gave me a vision for my life, mentors who cared, and the tools I needed to rise above my circumstances. LOV didn’t just shape my path; they shaped the woman I am today—a proud veteran, a business owner, and now a mentor, pouring back into the same community that built me. And trust me, I’m only getting started,” she added.
Mentorship has the power to transform lives, and Imani Lewis, Host Committee Chair for the Leading with Virtue fundraiser, embodies that impact. For over a decade, she has been a devoted advocate for LOV, championing its mission to instill purpose, passion, and perseverance in girls—preparing them for college, careers, and leadership roles.
Photo credit: Imani Lewis via LinkedIn
Recognized as the 2015-2026 LOV Mentor of the Year and a 2022 Leading with Virtue Honoree, Lewis celebrated the event’s success in a LinkedIn post: “Yesterday marked my second year as event chair for the Leading with Virtue fundraiser supporting Ladies of Virtue (LOVChicago), and I’m thrilled to announce that we surpassed our fundraising goal. As a mentor with LOV for over 10 years, I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported this annual event and supported me on my mentorship journey.”
The Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception honored a remarkable group of women for their contributions to the community and their fields. The 2024 honorees included the following:
- Marlo J. Gaal, Chief People and Diversity Officer at Oncourse Home Solutions
- Candice M. Smith, PMP, an Engineering Executive
- Natasha Miller Williams, VP of Culture and DE&I at Ferrara Candy Company
- Vachon Harper-Young, Senior Regional Manager of Business Banking at BMO Financial Group
- Kenya Merritt, Deputy Mayor of Business, Economic, and Neighborhood Development for the City of Chicago
- Cherita Ellens, President and CEO of Women Employed
The Girls Opportunity Alliance of the Obama Foundation also received the Legacy Builder’s Award.
Trimuel credited the event’s success to the dedication of LOV’s staff, board of directors, and volunteers, who have poured their time and energy into the cause. LOV’s staff include the following:
- Ashley Jones, Director of Operations and Signature Events
- Charla Travis, Program Facilitator
- Cassandra Cross, Senior Program Administrator
- Kenya Mercer, Senior Program Manager
- Erica Bell, Executive Affairs Manager
- Brittany Taylor, Program Manager of Saturday Institute, Outreach, and Summer Programs
- Janet Pollock, Sr. Manager of External Affairs and Special Initiatives
- Thee Love, Manager of College and Beyond
- Mary Renee Presley, Program Facilitator
- Jaidin Ross, Program Facilitator
- Christen Mocha, Program Facilitator
- Angelina Rose, Event Planner
- Debra Earl, Senior Program Specialist
- Arista Slate, Program Facilitator
- Jasmine Guy, Program Facilitator
- Rachel Caldwell, Program Facilitator
- Tot Jones, Social Media Manager
Photo credit: Carl Ankrum
The organization’s board of directors includes the following:
- Elsie Cardell, Board Chair/President
- Jamila Trimuel, Board member
- Tiana Conley, Governance Chair
- Risa Davis, Vice President
- Averil Edwards, Secretary, Interim Treasurer
- Sheilina Henry, Development Chair
- Bose Akadiri, Board Member
- Colleen Thomas, Board Member
- Danielle Neveles, Board Member
- Melanie Sillas, Board Member
- Charmaine Rickett, Board Member
- Mironda Ross, Board Member
Photo credit: Carl Ankrum
The evening featured Val Warner, Emmy Award-winning host of ABC Chicago’s “Windy City Weekend,” as the Pink Carpet Host, and Audrina Sinclair, CBS Chicago News Anchor, as the event’s emcee.
Featured: Jamila Trimuel and Val Warner, Photo credit: Carl Ankrum
Photo credit: Carl Ankrum
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Trimuel thanked everyone who supported the fundraiser, saying, “If you shared our post or donated in any way, you are a part of Ladies of Virtue’s success as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
Learn more about Ladies of Virtue.
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