Power Hope Award Winners 2024
Carol Blendowski
Carol Blendowski
With ears and heart always open
for what others need, Carol
imagined the earliest form of
CFF’s Foot Clinic. It has now
blossomed into a wide-ranging
health screening clinic. Carol
eagerly volunteers to provide
meals and friendship to any in
need.
Amity Carrubba
Amity Carrubba
The Rev. Amity Carrubba co-founded Magdalene House Chicago, providing a residential program and social enterprise for women survivors of sex trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Amity is dedicated to building a supportive community around survivors and inspiring hope for healing and change.
John Carruthers
John Carruthers
Through Crust Fund Pizza, John sells tavern-style pizza out of a Chicago alley monthly to benefit direct service organizations making Chicago a better place to live.
Fredrick Dennis
Fredrick Dennis
The founder of Boss Boxing Club, Fredrick Dennis uses his past experiences to combat early childhood trauma. The club aims to reduce violence, foster resilient leaders, and build self-confidence in its young participants, empowering them to thrive.
Dr. Chelsea Dorsey
Dr. Chelsea Dorsey
Dr. Chelsea Dorsey regularly teaches, advises, and mentors learners at all levels with the hope of having an impact and supporting the next generation of medical professionals. Beyond this invaluable training critical for all healthcare workers, she hopes to improve representation in the medical field such that our diverse patients are able to interact with diverse providers.
Ofelia Figueroa
Ofelia Figueroa
Ofelia Figueroa began advocating for healthcare at 15, helping her grandmother navigate the system. Today, she is Director of Community Engagement at Esperanza Health Centers where she leads a team of professionals who connect uninsured individuals to care.
Matt Forte
Matt Forte
Matt Forte spent 8 seasons as a history-making running back for the Chicago Bears. Through the What's Your Forte Foundation, he promotes the equitable economic advancement of youth and families that is creating transformational development on the south and west sides of Chicago.
Aaron Galeener
Aaron Galeener
Aaron Galeener leads the largest Medicaid health plan in Cook County. He champions an innovative food care program and supports immigrant residents in renewing their health coverage and has tripled utilization of certified minority-owned vendors. He also serves on the Advisory Board of a program for students with dyslexia.
Ian Gerard
Ian Gerard
As co-founder of The Curio, Ian Gerard is a driving force in the Chicago fashion scene. He champions local talent and helped launch Chicago's first Fashion Week. His commitment to the arts extends to his previous ventures with Gen Art, Syndicate-5, and IVY. Beyond fashion, Ian is a community builder dedicated to enhancing Chicago.
LaTanya Gray
LaTanya Gray
Dedicated to supporting families at Primo Center, LaTanya Gray ensures compassionate care for those facing trauma and homelessness. She inspires hope through impactful programs addressing early learning and maternal, physical, and mental health. LaTanya empowers families to architect their lives, going the extra mile to provide therapeutic support in an uplifting community.
Luis Gutierrez
Luis Gutierrez
Luis Gutierrez founded Latinos Progresando with just $200 in 1998. Under his leadership, it has grown to be the largest Latino-led immigration legal services clinic in the State of Illinois today – providing thousands of immigrants from 40 countries with the tools they need to achieve economic and work legally in the United States.
Imran Khan
Imran Khan
Realizing that systemic inequities impacting his students’ lives, Imran Khan co-founded Embarc – an education program that has served more than 10,000 students across 29 CPS high schools with a 97% graduation rate. Embarc inspires students to build their social capital, stretch the boundaries of their neighborhood, and seize opportunities in school and life.
Morgan McLuckie
Morgan McLuckie
As CEO of Orange Tent Project, Morgan McLuckie provides essential aid, including tents, clothing, and hot meals 5 days a week, to the unhoused community. She leads with empathy, compassion and determination, providing immediate relief and long-term solutions.
Tracy Rhodes
Tracy Rhodes
Tracy is a passionate advocate for both her professional and personal communities. She excels in business development at The Paramount Group and is a strong supporter of local Roscoe Village businesses. She actively fundraises for various charities and thrives on connecting people and building community.
Vanessa Sanchez
Vanessa Sanchez
As Director of Yollocalli Arts Reach at the National Museum of Mexican Art, Vanessa Sanchez empowers youth in Chicago's Little Village through free arts programs. She rebuilt the youth program to increase its range of offerings, including a youth council and leadership opportunities, and is converting a firehouse into a second facility to expand programming.
Dr. Mark Shields
Dr. Mark Shields
A Board Certified Internist, Dr.
Mark Shields has over 40 years
of experience in clinical practice
and medical management. A
consultant to health systems
across the country, he has also
organized health care initiatives
at Care for Friends for over 10
years.
Christopher Watts
Christopher Watts
Christopher Watts, raised on the southside of Chicago, leads The Kindness Campaign as it dismantles systemic, structural racism to ensure equitable participation of all community members. 75th St Fresh Foods Market, K Fresh Foods, Everyone Against Racism and Putting Chicago To Work are a few ways he influences the community to find healthy perceptions of themselves to become strong people and strengthen their lives so they can be happy, peaceful, complete, whole and safe.