Others expressed reasonable concerns with the plan that we can address. I have managed more than $9 billion of our public funds on an annual basis over the past six years across two administrations. I am intimately familiar with our portfolio, my responsibility to taxpayers and the risks embedded in my decisions. I am eager to collaborate further and look forward to modernizing outdated restrictions that actually limit our ability to earn more for Chicagoans.

But let’s be clear: This is a safe move that poses no financial risk to the taxpayer, it will earn an appropriate return, it is consistent with our liquidity obligations and, most importantly, it is consistent with our values.

That’s why I was elected and what I’ve done for the past six years. We’ve outperformed previous treasurers, we’ve divested from fossil fuels, and we’ve still maintained competitive returns and strong liquidity.

Ald. Raymond Lopez, 15th, called this move “reckless,” and others reminded me that Treasurys are “the most liquid and secure debt instrument in the history of the world.” I’m well aware, but any financial expert also knows that Treasurys are not the only high-quality, secure and liquid option available.

We can and do invest in agency securities. We can and do invest in investment-grade corporate bonds. We can and do invest in municipal bonds, mortgage-backed securities and fully secured cash vehicles. These instruments are all permitted under our existing policy, widely used by large institutional investors and compatible with our fiduciary duty to keep the city’s money safe and accessible. 

This is not gambling with taxpayer dollars. It’s a choice not to write a blank check to an administration that is violating our rights.

It’s also wholly transparent. The municipal code gives me authority to adopt and amend our investment policy, including the ability to direct no new purchases of Treasurys, but the next phase of this plan requires council approval. I’ve already begun those conversations, and changes will be reported publicly, fully consistent with our collateral and liquidity requirements, and voted on after an open debate.

Some suggest that by taking this stand, I’m somehow turning my back on America or violating my oath. Let me tell you what I believe as a Black woman, as a daughter of Englewood and Austin, and as a proud American: The most patriotic thing you can do in this country is to use your voice, your vote and, yes, your public office to protest your government when it is wrong.

The idea that we must silently underwrite policies we believe are unconstitutional and immoral is what’s un-American. 

Finally, to those that question the impact of this decision, I say every major act of divestment, from apartheid South Africa to fossil fuels, has started with “just” one institution. I believe Chicago is in a unique position to lead.

To every resident, whether you agree with this plan or not, I want you to know I am not making this decision lightly. I know what it means to be responsible for billions of dollars. I know what it means when payroll has to be met, when pension checks have to clear, when a city has to ride out a crisis. My first obligation is to keep your money safe and accessible.

But I will not separate that obligation from our moral responsibility to ensure that our own dollars are not weaponized against us.

Content courtesy of The Chicago Tribune
Melissa Conyears-Ervin is the Chicago city treasurer and running for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District. 

Greg Austin, owner of GCA Unlimited Apparel in Mt. Greenwood, was recently honored with the Chicago Star Award for Small Business, presented by the City of Chicago Treasurer’s Office. The Chicago Star Award honored him for his hard work, creativity, and dedication to serving the community with quality uplifting apparel, and for being an outstanding person.

Austin was among 25 Amazing Business Entrepreneurs to receive the 2nd Annual Chicago Star Business Award, joining only three other male entrepreneurs in the City.

Austin expressed that this award has inspired him to take GCA Unlimited Apparel to the next level.

He thanks the Mount Greenwood Community and Business Association for the nomination and the City of Chicago for the honor.

At the 5th-annual “Building for Wealth Today & Tomorrow” Summit in Chicago, hosted by Melissa Conyears‑Ervin in her role as City Treasurer, prominent women in sports gathered to share how they’re turning athletic achievement into business leadership, community investment, and generational wealth.

The summit was opened and guided by Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, reinforcing the theme of financial empowerment and equitable investment in women’s sports and communities.

A panel moderated by Shari Nicole featured:

• • Linnae Harper (guard for the Washington Mystics)

  • Rena Wakama (assistant coach for the Chicago Sky and head coach of the Nigerian national team)

  • Karen Leetzow (President of the Chicago Stars)

  • Jessica Carrothers (2025 NAIA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year)

  • Renée Montgomery (former Chicago Sky player, now VP and co-owner of the Atlanta Dream)

More than just athletes, these women are stepping into leadership roles — coaching, team-management, ownership and business investment — and using their platforms to build generational wealth and community uplift.

Treasurer Conyears-Ervin’s role is especially significant: by convening this summit and centering the conversation on wealth-building, financial literacy and community reinvestment, she underscores that the movement isn’t just about sports performance — it’s about economic power, representation and legacy-building.

For example, Linnae Harper shared how overcoming setbacks—such as working in retail during the COVID-19 pandemic despite being a WNBA player—shaped her resilience and commitment to helping younger girls believe in their possibilities. The conversation emphasized the importance of roots and representation. Harper spoke about being present in her south-side Chicago community, providing hope and visibility for young girls often lacking role models.

As a Chicagoan, Nicole noted that despite public figures giving back to their community and having an impact on the city, their presence often remains fleeting. Harper understands her role as a southsider and that is being present—literally. She believes being heavily rooted in her community gives young girls a chance to cherish each opportunity and overcome their adversities. “I want to make sure that these girls have the hope and every opportunity to dream big and do anything, she said.” During draft night, Harper knew she would be a WNBA player—she left disappointed.

The narrative is shifting. Women in sports are no longer just competing — they’re leading, investing, and driving generational change, translating the court into corporate boardrooms, local businesses, mentorship programs, and community wealth. With the right partnerships and programming, sport becomes a conduit for economic equity and legacy-building.

Content courtesy of ESSENCE

Content courtesy of Crain’s Chicago Business

Content courtesy of ESSENCE
Article by Ayeshah Plummer
Photo Credit: Emma Falk Via The Chicago Sky