CIVIC LEADERSHIP
WOODLAWN COMMUNITY SUMMIT
The Woodlawn Community Summit is a collaboration of neighbors, youth groups, elected leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders seeking to promote the comprehensive growth and well-being of Woodlawn and its surrounding communities.
With leadership from the South East Chicago Commission, the Summit has grown from its infancy into a standing-room-only community leadership model worthy of recognition and replication as a model for civic engagement.
The Woodlawn Community, including communities on Chicago’s mid-south side, is undergoing a historic transformation. The Obama Center has begun construction, new housing developments and important infrastructure is planned; all for a new and exciting opportunity for residents, stakeholders and business owners.
Join us for this annual event, designed by residents for residents. You are invited to learn more about the proposed improvements for community engagement, safety, housing, sustainability and overall development. And the Summit is a great connection for a strong network of resources and support.
16th Annual Woodlawn Community Summit
The Woodlawn Community Summit Advisory Committee is excited to announce the 16th Annual Woodlawn Community Summit, a community-driven forum aimed at fostering unity, engaging in thoughtful discourse, and creating lasting connections among residents of Chicago.
16th Annual Woodlawn Community Summit
Celebrating 16 Years of Service
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Coffee and Conversations
Safety Meet and Greet
The safety of residents in Woodlawn and its surrounding neighborhoods is always a priority. The Summit offers an informal meet and greet with officers and leadership from the 3rd District Chicago Police Department and University of Chicago Police Department to continue building trust, confidence and collaboration in protection of the community.
Opening Session
Rebuild, Resolve, and Resilience: A Round Table on Policy, Inclusion, and Economic Growth
Join us for a dynamic round table discussion with community leaders as we tackle the pressing issues impacting residents and businesses at the Federal, State, City, and Community levels. This interactive session will explore key strategies for rebuilding economic strength, resolving critical challenges, and fostering resilience in our communities.
Key discussion topics include:
- Navigating Our Economic Future – A look at where we stand today and how Federal, State, and Local policies can help strengthen our communities. What can the community do to move forward? What policies could we help shape?
- The Role of DEI Programs in Economic Growth – How diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are shaping workforce development and expanding opportunities. How can we keep those programs relevant?
- The Economic Impact of the Arts – Exploring how arts and culture contribute to job creation, tourism, and local economic sustainability.
This is an opportunity for community members, business leaders, and policymakers to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and collaborate on solutions that will build a more inclusive and resilient economic future.
Round Table Perspectives:
- Leslie Hairston (Moderator)
- Colleen Connell, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- Peri Irmer, President, DuSable Museum
- Mykel Selph, Deputy Chief of Staff, DEI, Cook County
Workshop Sessions
Economic Development
Unlocking Small Business Opportunities: Navigating the City’s 2025 Approved Budget
Join us for an insightful workshop designed to help small local businesses understand and leverage the City of Chicago’s 2025 approved budget.
This workshop is a must-attend for small business owners looking to expand their operations and take advantage of the opportunities presented by the city’s budget. Learn how to navigate the city’s financial landscape and secure valuable contracts for your business.
Health and Wellness
Rebuilding Health and Wellness: A Path to Resilient Communities
Discover actionable ways to enhance your well-being and build resilience in your community. This engaging workshop explores accessing healthcare resources, managing stress, improving nutrition, and incorporating gardening as a creative wellness tool to help you thrive.
- Learn how to prepare balanced, affordable meals using accessible ingredients, no matter your budget.
- Explore techniques to reduce stress and support mental well-being in your daily routine.
- Explore simple and fun ways to incorporate exercise into your routine, regardless of space or resources.
- Discover how plants and flowers can promote relaxation, mindfulness, and resilience.
- Understand your options for affordable healthcare services and navigating resources in your community.
Featured guests include:
- A’Vents by August + The Honest Hostess – Floral and gardening therapy for emotional and physical wellness
- Black Midwifery Collective NFP – Maternal health, reproductive care, and community wellness
- Growing Boundlessly – Mental health strategies for resilience and well-being
- Unique Expressions by Nicole Toni – Natural wellness and self-care
- Woodlawn Botanical Nature Center – Food is Medicine: The connection between nutrition and healing
Sustainability
Sustainable Square Mile
The Sustainable Square Mile concept embodies BIG’s 8 Principles of Green Village Building, from neighbor-owned green enterprises to locally produced clean energy. Building on the “Grannynomics” values of the proud, hard-working Great Migration families who started businesses, bought homes, and kept dollars circulating in this neighborhood, we are growing specific economic sectors within our West Woodlawn pilot project.
Naomi Davis, Founder/CEO of Blacks in Green, will help attendees learn more about increasing community wealth and wellbeing in the context of a changing climate.
Estate Planning
Wills and Trusts
In this informative session, a seasoned attorney will break down the essentials of estate planning, with a focus on wills and trusts. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the key differences between wills and trusts and how to determine which option best suits your needs.
This session will be led by Candace Hansford, estate planning attorney, The Hansford Firm.
Housing
Homebuying and Credit Repair
This empowering workshop gives new homebuyers the knowledge and tools needed to succeed. Industry experts will deliver essential information on programs available for first-time homebuyers, including down payment assistance, credit counseling, and mortgage options. Attendees will:
- Understanding Credit Scores: Learn what credit scores are, how they are calculated, and why they are crucial for homebuying.
- Credit Enhancement Strategies: Discover practical steps to improve your credit score, including managing debt, disputing errors, and building positive credit history.
- Homebuying Process: Get a comprehensive overview of the homebuying process, from pre-approval to closing, including tips on finding the right property and negotiating the best deal.
- Financing Options: Explore different mortgage options, down payment assistance programs, and how to choose the best financing for your situation.
- Budgeting and Saving: Learn how to create a budget, save for a down payment, and manage your finances to ensure long-term homeownership success.
Expert Guest Speakers:
- Housing Counselor: Elvira Maya, Education Coordinator, Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS)
- Real Estate Agent: Nicole Wheatley, Consulting, Associate Broker & President, EXIT Realty & Steps Inc.
- Mortgage Advisors: Johnita Herndon, Assistant Vice President, Associated Bank
Elesia Martin, Senior Mortgage Loan Originator, Neighborhood Lending Services (NLS)
Open House Tours
South Side Open House Scavenger Hunt:
- Guided tours by real estate agent who will walk potential buyers through various Open Houses in the Woodlawn and neighboring communities, pointing out features and answering questions.
- Neighborhood amenities will be shared including information about nearby parks, schools, or community centers, encouraging participants to explore the area.
- Box lunches will be provided at the Open House day of the event.
- The Open House tours will be held 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
- After attending and securing stamps for at least three (3) property tours, attendees are eligible for a special gift.
- Participants will be provided the address locations and parking details.
Summit Advisory Committee Members
|
Alicia August Wright |
Owner |
A’Vents by August |
|
Sandra Bivens |
Executive Director |
51st Street Business Association |
|
Diane Burnham |
Executive Director |
South East Chicago Commission |
|
Naomi Davis |
Founder, Executive Director |
Blacks in Green |
|
Felicia Dawson |
Vice President |
Preservation of Affordable Housing |
|
Liz Gardner |
Co-Founder |
Woodlawn Community Summit |
|
Paula M. Grantt |
Vice President |
Associated Bank, N.A. |
|
Jawanda Hairston |
Community Leader |
Woodlawn Community Summit |
|
Terri Kilbane, PhD |
Professor Emeritus |
Loyola University |
|
Deidre McGraw |
Co-Founder |
Woodlawn Community Summit and D’Luxe Connections |
|
Kamaria Ngozi |
Community Leader |
Woodlawn Community Summit |
|
Alice Smith Jones |
Community Leader/Artist |
Woodlawn Botanical Nature Center & International Spirit |
|
Raymonde Vance |
Office Manager |
South East Chicago Commission |
|
Suzanne Waddell |
Communications |
Blacks in Green |
|
Wendy Walker Williams |
Executive Director, Community Partnerships |
University of Chicago, Office of Civic Engagement |
|
Ticina Williams |
Owner |
Creativiti Custom Solutions |
|
Tiffany Odeh |
Vice President |
Associated Bank |
Founded in 2009
Featured Speakers
Participation
History of the Summit
In the Fall of 2009, resident of the Kenwood Homeowners Association saw a need to connect with other neighbors in Woodlawn. After attending a meeting with the Woodlawn Neighbors Association, the two groups worked together and organized the first Woodlawn Community Summit: Building Bridges One Block Club at a Time. The University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement was the first stakeholder who offered resources in order to make the first event a success.
On Saturday, March 31, 2012, the Woodlawn Summit Steering Committee convened the Third Annual Woodlawn Community Summit “A Call to Action” at The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. The Summit brought together a coalition of residents, neighborhood associations, visionaries, community and civic officials to discuss safety, urban agriculture, local business districts, and the Green Healthy Neighborhoods Land Use Plan during summit.
Within seven years, the Summit grew from 100 attendees to over 450 participants. Special guests have included national television personality, the Honorable Judge Greg Mathis; the late Bishop Arthur M. Brazier; Dr. Brazier; representatives from the Mayor’s Office City of Chicago and Michael A. Strautmanis as Vice President of Civic Engagement, all of whom are interested in the vitality and growth of the Woodlawn Community.
As an outgrowth of the Summit, The Woodlawn Peace Project and The Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce were born. The Woodlawn Peace Project is a jobs-for-youth program and received its first round of funding. The Chamber is a business advocacy, education and support organization that works in partnership with its members, residents and local officials to increase economic development and competitiveness for the Woodlawn community.
Woodlawn is now a stronger and essential community in the rebuilding of Chicago’s southside. We know we are stronger when we work together, and we are excited about the next five years of development.