FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3.2.2024
The Woodlawn Community Summit Advisory Committee is excited to announce the 15th Annual Woodlawn Community Summit, a community-driven forum aimed at fostering unity, engaging in thoughtful discourse, and creating lasting connections among residents of Chicago.
The goal of the Summit is to bring together residents, business owners, and stakeholders to create a united vision that will strengthen and develop Woodlawn and its surrounding communities.
Date: Saturday, March 9, 2024
Time: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
8:00 am: Breakfast Reception Hosted by Exquisite Catering
9:15 am: Main Session: Our Community: Past, Present and Future
- Felicia Dawson, Vice President, Preservation of Affordable Housing
- Dorri C. McWhorter, President/CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
- Chef Tiffany Williams, Owner, Exquisite Catering Company
- Joel Hamernick, Founder, The Coach House Solutions Group
10:45 am: Breakout sessions
- Economic Development: Principles and Strategies to Start and Grow Your Business
- Estate Planning: Wills and Trusts
- Youth and Public Safety: University of Chicago Public Safety Advisory Council (PSAC) Spring Community Listening Session
- Housing and Bus Tour: Creative Ways to Increase & Stabilize Homeownership in Woodlawn
- Blacks in Green: Environmental Justice Technical Assistance Center
Place: University of Chicago, Edith Abbott Hall, Lobby. 969 E. 60th Street Chicago, IL 6063
Registration: https://wcs15.eventbrite.com
Fifteen years ago, Woodlawn residents convened with neighbors, business owners and stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in our community. The Woodlawn neighborhood and surrounding communities are beginning to see progress. We have looked to the past to prepare for the future. We are looking for change and to see Woodlawn as a community of choice for everyone.
“The University of Chicago has been a partner since the Summit’s inception. We believe this is one of the longest running initiatives on the South Side of Chicago; we encourage everyone to attend,” stated Wendy Williams, Executive Director, Office of Civic Engagement, The University of Chicago.
Associated Bank, one of the Summit’s lead sponsors, will host the breakout session on housing, which has been a critical topic in the changing socio-economic landscape of Woodlawn. A bus tour of homes for sale will be offered to those interested in purchasing a new home. Through the Summit, Associated Bank has offered various mortgage products to interested residents in need of financing. “Purchasing a home in a great community is still part of the American Dream. Associated Bank has provided counseling, housing assistance and mortgages for residents who want to own homes within communities on the mid-southside of Chicago,” stated Paula M. Grantt, Vice President, Associated Bank.
Blacks in Green will host an Environmental Justice Technical Assistance Center. Attendees will be able to learn and apply for historic Biden-Harris Funds that are designed to transform our underserved places into thriving communities.
Confirmed Elected Officials: Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson, Illinois 1st District; Senator Robert Peters, Illinois, 13th District; President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board of Commissioners; Commissioner Bill Lowry, Cook County, 3rd District; Assessor Fritz Kaegi, Cook County; Alderman Desmond Yancy, 5th Ward; Alderman Jeanette Taylor, 20th Ward.
Register: https://wcs15.eventbrite.com
Cost: Free, Complimentary Access with Registration
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/woodlawnsummit
Hashtag: #woodlawnsummit2024
About the Woodlawn Community Summit:
The Summit is led and organized by resident volunteers and has continued its growth since its inception in 2009. It is the largest event of its type on the South Side of Chicago. Visit woodlawnsummit.com for additional details.