Welcome to Applause: Salute to Standout Non-Profit Leaders in Chicago

Presented by The Chicago Defender

At a time when leadership, compassion, and community commitment matter more than ever, The Chicago Defender is proud to present Applause: Salute to Standout Non-Profit Leaders in Chicago—a tribute to 25 extraordinary individuals who are shaping the city’s future through service. These leaders represent the best of Chicago’s nonprofit community—organizations and individuals who are building bridges, creating opportunities, and meeting urgent needs with innovation, care, and resilience.

Curated and published by Dyanna Lewis, Publisher of The Chicago Defender, Applause shines a much-needed spotlight on the people and programs working behind the scenes to move our communities forward. From housing to health care, youth mentorship to food justice, these honorees are transforming lives and neighborhoods—often without headlines, but never without heart.

We invite you to flip through the pages of this powerful publication. Each profile tells a story of impact, perseverance, and purpose. Let these stories inspire you, challenge you, and remind you of the incredible work being done every day across Chicago’s nonprofit landscape.