Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative

As CFW enters its next strategic chapter, we will sunset the Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative as part of a refinement of our focus on strengthening community leadership through grassroots organizations, which means the program will not host additional cohorts moving forward. This decision was made with care and deep appreciation for what the program has meant to so many.

CFW’s new strategic plan calls us to focus more deeply on community leadership embedded within grassroots organizations. This includes deepening our investment in our grantee community and ensuring the leaders advancing gender equity have the resources, stability, and support needed to sustain and scale their impact. More information about this update is available here.

Celebrating a Legacy of Bold Leadership

Rev. Willie Taplin Barrow

Reverend Willie T. Barrow was a civil rights activist, minister, co-founder of Operation PUSH, and mentor to multiple generations. As a leader in Chicago’s Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Barrow believed in breaking barriers and challenging the status quo, mentoring an ever-expanding pipeline of leaders. She helped to build connections with others working for change, often saying, “We are not so divided as we are disconnected.” Rev. Barrow believed in bringing women together to support and learn from each other.

That work continued through Willie’s Warriors, a leadership development cohort of Black women and gender-expansive leaders in the Chicago region. Rev. Barrow’s legacy and fierce commitment to justice lived on through The Willie Taplin Barrow Fund for Black Women’s Leadership at Chicago Foundation for Women. Willie’s Warriors was created to honor and continue the legacy of the Rev. Barrow.

Willie’s Warriors was launched to address a clear gap. Black women and gender-expansive leaders were already at the forefront of civic leadership and movement building, yet they often lacked spaces designed to address the unique challenges that arise at the intersection of race and gender. These achievements reflect the strength of the leaders who participated and the community they built together.

127 Leaders Supported

across sectors, including education, government, healthcare, and more.

7 Cohorts

of Black women and gender-expansive leaders building community across Chicago.

$1.1M Invested

in support of leadership development and programming.

$175,000 Awarded

through the Willie T. Barrow Emerging Leaders Award, funding that supported Black-led organizations.

The Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative was made possible by the vision, generosity, and commitment of many people who believed deeply in investing in Black women and gender-expansive leadership across Chicago.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pat Carey, Amina Dickerson, Deborah Harrington, and Willie Taplin Barrow Leadership Institute and Museum for their leadership and support in bringing this initiative to life and sustaining its growth. We are also deeply grateful to the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, members of the African American Legacy Fund at The Chicago Community Trust, and the late Rev. Calvin S. Morris, whose partnership and belief in the importance of this work helped strengthen the program’s foundation.

Our deepest appreciation goes to the seven cohorts of Willie’s Warriors whose leadership, courage, and commitment to justice shaped this program into the vibrant network it is today. We are also grateful to the many alums who continued to stay engaged, support one another, and contribute to the broader movement for gender equity across Chicago.

Finally, we thank all members of the Willie’s Warriors Advisory Board, whose guidance, wisdom, and dedication helped steward the program and support each cohort of leaders along the way.

Together, you have helped build a powerful legacy of leadership, connection, and collective impact that will continue to inspire our work and our community for years to come.

Yomika Alexander

Owner, The Alexander Institute, LLC

Desire Bernard

Senior Research Portfolio Manager, The University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab

Gizelle Clemens

Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Impact, National Medical Fellowships

Gizelle Clemens is a builder of systems, a disruptor of norms, and a unifier of people. Gizelle’s journey took a pivotal turn when a misdiagnosis concealed a spinal cord tumor, resulting in an incomplete spinal cord injury. This experience did not defeat her; it ignited a mission to dismantle systemic barriers. Informed by her personal experiences of ableism and systemic neglect, along with her strategic vision, she deliberately creates spaces of belonging for marginalized communities. Equity and inclusivity have been core principles of her nearly two-decade career that began in Newark, NJ, and continues in Chicago. Her transformative leadership, grounded in authenticity and vulnerability, demonstrates that lived experience can drive meaningful change and shift paradigms.

As Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Impact at National Medical Fellowships (NMF), Gizelle strengthens alumni connections and amplifies their impact to advance health equity. Through strategic initiatives, she fortifies a healthcare workforce committed to delivering culturally empathetic and vital competent care.

Through She Sparks Genius, her consultancy, she guides organizations and individuals in addressing disabling and isolating inequities. Through research, strategy, coaching, storytelling, and empathetic facilitation, she transforms workplaces and communities into spaces where people are seen, valued, and empowered. Her initiative, Pretty Ugly Grief, emerged after her mother’s senseless and tragic death. Frustrated by the lack of culturally relevant grief resources and inadequate community support, she created a space where grief can be fully acknowledged—embracing both the pain and unexpected beauty. In doing so, she redefines and transforms how grief is held and witnessed.

Gizelle’s influence is amplified through her philanthropic leadership. As Co-Chair of the Chicago Foundation for Women’s South Side Giving Circle, an Advisor to The Chicago Community Trust’s Disabilities Fund, and a member of the Borealis Disability Inclusion Fund Participatory Grantmaking Committee, she advocates for equitable resource distribution and systemic change. She is also a proud member of Disability Lead, Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy, Chicago Women in Philanthropy, Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy, and the Association of Black Funders and Executives. In these roles, Gizelle ensures historically overlooked voices are centered in decision-making and resource-sharing.

Gizelle graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University, where she studied sociology and nonprofit/public administration and further pursued a Master of Public Administration (MPA). Gizelle was a 2023 Disability Lead Fellow and an inaugural Change Collective Fellow. These programs deepened her expertise in disability justice, civic education, and inclusive leadership.

Gizelle is committed to fostering joy, curiosity, and reflection in her personal life. Whether writing, exploring the arts, traveling, or savoring culinary experiences, she approaches life with intention. She understands that rest and renewal are essential to sustaining her capacity to lead, create, and inspire.

Gizelle’s work is a testament to the belief that profound challenges are not endpoints but beginnings. From deliberate marginalization, personal loss, and systemic ableism, she crafts transformative leadership, new systems of justice, and spaces of genuine inclusion. She redefines what is possible in every endeavor, proving that authenticity and strategic action are the catalysts for lasting change.

Dr. Mariann Jordan

Chief Executive Officer and Joint Owner and Principal Consultant, J & P National Youth Empowerment Network, NFP and J & P Consulting Group LLC

Dr. Mariann Jordan is a dynamic leader with over 35 years of experience in the nonprofit and business sectors, specializing in community development, economic empowerment, and organizational growth. As the CEO of J & P National Youth Empowerment Network, NFP, she leads initiatives that provide at-risk youth with resources to achieve personal and professional success. Her work emphasizes strategic program development, service delivery, and building strong partnerships to further the organization’s mission.

In addition to her role as CEO, Dr. Jordan serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Principal Consultant at J & P Consulting Group LLC, which focuses on minority entrepreneurship and economic development. Since 2020, her firm has helped economically disadvantaged clients scale their businesses and achieve sustainable growth. Her consulting work has led to measurable improvements in organizational performance and business expansion.

Dr. Jordan has held impactful leadership roles throughout her career. At TCA Health Inc., NFP, she has served as Consultant and Director of Programs since 2012, designing initiatives to improve health outcomes in underserved communities and managing significant grant-funded projects. From 2005 to 2012, she was the Senior Director of Economic Development and Support Programs at Jane Addams Hull House Association, where she implemented workforce development and small business support programs that transformed economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Human Services Administration from Spertus Judaic College, dual degrees in Christian Counseling from Logos Christian College, and an Associate Degree in Human Services from Kendall College. She also holds a Leadership Certification from Loyola University and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism from the Global International Alliance in 2024.

Dr. Jordan extends her leadership to various boards, including as Former Vice President of Rucker Academy NFP and board member of the South Holland Business Association. She also supports community initiatives as part of the NSBA Leadership Council and Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) board. Her passion for community service is evident in her extensive volunteer work in underserved areas of Chicago.

Recognized for her contributions, Dr. Jordan received the Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Award in 2024. She is a published author of Finding Hubby Love and Companionship: A Woman’s Guide to Dating After 50 and a sought-after speaker, presenting on topics such as business development, entrepreneurship, community engagement, and grant writing at events like the National Public Housing Conference and the TPRIC 2024 Education Summit.

With a career defined by her commitment to equity and empowerment, Dr. Mariann Jordan continues to lead transformative efforts to strengthen communities and create opportunities for individuals to thrive.

Jennifer Larry

Inclusion Strategist, The Gust Foundation

Imani Lewis

Director | Adjunct Professor, Sellers Dorsey | University of Illinois at Chicago

Imani R. Lewis is a seasoned healthcare leader with extensive expertise across provider and managed care organizations. Currently serving as Director of Managed Care Business at Sellers Dorsey, she provides strategic and tactical guidance to managed care organizations (MCOs), provider-led entities (PLEs), and community-based organizations nationally.

Imani also serves as Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, where she teaches the graduate-level course Socio-cultural Dimensions of Health Disparities Research. The course focuses on defining health disparities, health equity, and social/structural determinants of health; exploring models and techniques for planning, implementing, and evaluating health disparities research; and applying these concepts to real-world challenges.

Imani’s leadership journey includes serving as Chief Strategy Officer for a prominent network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Chicago. In this role, she spearheaded initiatives to address health disparities, enhance access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services, and improve the nutritional and social outcomes for underserved communities. Previously, as Vice President of Quality Improvement for Centene’s Illinois Health Plan, Meridian, she oversaw accreditation, regulatory processes, and quality performance for over one million members across Medicaid, Medicare, Foster Care, and Marketplace products.

Her career also includes leadership roles in FQHCs and hospital systems in Illinois, where she excelled in clinical operations, data strategy, practice transformation, and quality improvement.

Education

Imani’s academic achievements underscore her commitment to advancing healthcare equity. She earned a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) with a focus on Health Informatics and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Policy and Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health. Additionally, she completed the prestigious IMPACT Leadership Development Fellowship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in partnership with the Chicago Urban League.

Her certifications include Patient-Centered Medical Home Certified Content Expert (PCMH CCE) from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Imani holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana.

Awards and Honors

Imani has been widely recognized for her leadership and contributions to healthcare and mentorship. She received the Leading with Virtue Award, which honors women executives who lead with purpose, passion, and perseverance; the National Minority Quality Forum, 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health Award; and the Ladies of Virtue Mentor of the Year Award. She was also inducted into the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health Lambda Chapter.

Imani is deeply committed to mentoring and community service. She is a member of the MHA Alumni Council at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is active with Ladies of Virtue, a mentoring and leadership program for young girls in underserved communities, where she serves as Fundraising Host Committee Chair and serves as a mentor.

Imani is also a former Board Member for Heartland Alliance Health and past Community Representative for the Chicago Public Schools Local School Council. Her dedication to healthcare equity and mentorship reflects her mission to transform care delivery and empower communities.

Dr. Delphine Rankin

CEO, One Family Illinois

Dr. Erica Reaves

Director of Retention & Student Success, Chicago State University

Joli Robinson

CEO, Center on Halsted

LaKeisha Robinson

Associate Director, Student Basic Needs, University Illinois Chicago

LaKeisha Robinson is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a diverse background in mental health, education, and leadership, driven by her passion for equity and mental wellness. With over a decade of experience, she has dedicated her career to supporting underserved communities, addressing basic needs, and advocating for mental health in higher education and clinical settings.

As the Associate Director of Student Basic Needs at the University of Illinois Chicago, Lakeisha leads efforts to address food insecurity, housing instability, and other critical needs that impact student mental health. She combines her counseling expertise with her role, ensuring students receive the emotional support and resources they need for academic success. Her innovative work has created impactful programs that promote resilience and well-being across the student body.

LaKeisha also works as a Clinical Therapist at TRUE SPACE private practice, offering therapeutic services to individuals facing anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. She is passionate about working with African American clients and other marginalized groups, providing culturally responsive care that empowers individuals to navigate systemic challenges. Her counseling approach is rooted in empathy, healing, and empowerment, reflecting her deep understanding of the emotional complexities her clients face.

LaKeisha’s academic journey includes a bachelor's Degree from Tennessee State University,  MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University, and an MBA in Business Administration from St. Xavier University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision at Governors State University, focusing her research on the intersection of grief and basic needs in African American higher education students. Her research highlights the profound impact of unmet emotional and material needs on academic success, reflecting her commitment to advocating for holistic student support.

Throughout her career, Lakeisha has demonstrated leadership in developing mental health initiatives and supporting individuals’ overall well-being. She has been instrumental in creating programs that integrate mental health services with broader support systems, ensuring that those she serves have access to comprehensive care.

Lakeisha’s work is fueled by her belief that everyone deserves access to mental health resources and opportunities for success. Her ability to blend clinical expertise with a deep sense of social responsibility makes her a powerful advocate for change in the mental health field. Whether through her leadership in higher education, private practice, or academic research, Lakeisha continues to inspire and uplift those around her, making a lasting impact on her community and the profession.

Remona Sanders

Founder and Executive Director, Inellas Restoration Center

Shameka Simon

Health Aide Advocate, Carole Robertson Learning Center

Christy Smith-Hall

Director of Development, Deborah's Place

Taryn Smith-O'Neil

Corporate Communications Manager, United Airlines

Tyler Stratton

Director of Community Asset Building, Greater Chicago Food Depository

Danielle Wallace

Executive Director, Kingdom Avenue Inc.

Danielle Wallace is a dedicated educator, community advocate, and founder of Kingdom Avenue Inc., an organization committed to creating a village for every child one avenue at a time. With over 16 years of experience in education and social services, Danielle has been a tireless advocate for systemic change, particularly in underserved communities. Her work focuses on addressing inequities in education, fostering youth development, and creating safe spaces where children can thrive.

Under Danielle's leadership, Kingdom Avenue Inc. has achieved significant milestones, including serving as the Action Champion for the Englewood Quality of Life Plan’s Education and Youth Development Taskforce. The organization has provided essential resources—such as scholarships, school supplies, clothing, and food—to over 5,000 families. Notable initiatives include Saturday Academies in collaboration with The Salvation Army, community resource fairs, and the B.U.I.L.D.E.R.S. Summer Internship Program, which offers hands-on work experience to local youth. Kingdom Avenue is also known for its Operation: Get Home Safe program, which focuses on reducing violence and creating safe spaces for students.

Additionally, Danielle founded F.L.O.W., a girls’ mentoring program under Kingdom Avenue that focuses on leadership, self-esteem, and personal development for young women. F.L.O.W. provides mentorship and guidance to help girls navigate challenges, build confidence, and aspire to success in their personal and academic lives.

In addition to her work with Kingdom Avenue Inc., Danielle is currently running for a seat on the Chicago Board of Education, where she plans to bring her deep understanding of educational inequities and her passion for advocacy to the forefront. Her campaign emphasizes the importance of community partnerships, mental health services, and trauma-informed practices in schools, all aimed at ensuring that every child has access to a quality education. As a board candidate, Danielle is committed to representing the voices of students, parents, and educators while advocating for systemic change that uplifts all Chicago communities.

Danielle’s unwavering dedication to equity, her extensive experience, and her focus on creating long-term, sustainable change make her a powerful leader in both her community and her campaign for the Chicago Board of Education.

Nhemya Ward

Associate Dean, Malcolm X College, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

Tanya Watkins

Director of Student Development Projects, City Colleges of Chicago Olive-Harvey College

Lakiesha "Mama Africa" Williams

Owner, Mama Africas Marketplace

Tyharrie Woods

Manager, Special Projects, The Chicago Community Trust