ESSENCE: Chicago, IL – The Chicago Sky, home to many legends, including the inevitable Angel Reese, just triple-dunked when the foundation congregated last week by providing the keys to economic freedom amongst an audience full of women business owners. Though no WNBA ballers were present, the foundation showed true sportsmanship by uplifting the Chicago community with a team of four women leaders who embraced future entrepreneurs willing to provide for their community.
Former NBA player, veteran WNBA coach, and executive director for the Chicago Sky, Awvee Storey, praised the intentionality behind pouring into the league and small women-owned organizations since taking over the program almost a year ago.
“These ladies humble the hell out of me, and understanding the importance of what they do on the court and what you do in the community, he expressed.”
Storey highlighted the foundation’s key pillars: economic development, health and wellness, youth education, and women’s empowerment. By doing so, the Chicago Sky Foundation welcomed prospective leaders to enjoy an evening dedicated to exponential growth and womanhood.
Moderator and ABC News anchor, Jasmine Minor, affirmed to the group that they “make up the fabric of the city.” The Emmy award-winning journalist complimented the eight cohorts and the remaining audience, stating their businesses provide advocacy for change in the community. She directed everyone to repeat, “I am proud of me,” as a reminder of the intentionality each woman poured into their establishments.
BIPOC Women Leaders Breaking Barriers In Nontraditional Circumstances
Minor introduced panelists Anna Valencia, Nicole Lee, and Melissa Conyears-Ervin. The three powerhouses provide communal and economic value to Chicago’s residents. Valencia is the second woman to hold the position of City Clerk. Lee is the first Chinese-American woman to serve as the 11th District Alderman. Conyears-Ervin is an Englewood-born and Westside-raised native who climbed the corporate ladder that now serves as Chicago City Treasurer. Each woman solidified their stance in politics by breaking barriers, optimizing their expertise, and contributing to society. Valencia was inspired by civic engagement as a college graduate during Obama’s first presidential campaign. She got involved in the campaign since Obama sparked her interest in electing the first African American president. Despite being a helpful force to change our democracy, she noticed a lack of women leaders as she climbed the political ecosystem.
“I saw less and less women in the room. I said, ‘That has to stop,’ she expressed to the group.”
Conyears-Ervin’s dedication to serve Chicagoans is “rooted in purpose.” Raised by a single mother, her core values were fighting for the “underdog.” Though growing up in a predominantly Black, marginalized neighborhoods, Conyears-Ervin’s nonlinear path gained her a seat in local government. She rejoices in her position in public service; however, understands the complexities of being a woman leader.
“We don’t know the energy that we feed off of one another, because we’re all going through the same thing,” she said. “What motivates me is you. My adoration for women is through the ceiling, because I know each and every day what you go through.”
Content courtesy of ESSENCE
Article by Ayeshah Plummer
Photo Credit: Emma Falk Via The Chicago Sky
