Thank you for joining us at the 20th Annual Sweet Beginnings Tea!
The event was a massive success thanks to all of our amazing supporters. We cannot wait to see you at the rest of our 25th anniversary events and next year's Tea!
A Legacy of Hope, A Future of Prosperity
Please join us for the 20th Annual Sweet Beginnings Tea!
About the 20th Annual Sweet Beginnings Tea
The Sweet Beginnings Tea is NLEN's largest annual fundraising event, playing a crucial role in supporting our mission. Now in its 20th year, this event raises unrestricted funds that are vital for our programs and services, empowering us to address the most pressing needs of the North Lawndale community.
As we celebrate 25 years of impact, the funds raised this year will help us continue providing essential workforce development and reentry services, support young adults and justice-impacted individuals, and foster economic empowerment. Join us in making a difference and celebrating a quarter-century of transformative work.
Honorees
We are pleased to honor the following:
Leslie Williams
Debra Wesley Creating a Community That Works Client Award
Shermann “Dilla” Thomas
Sarah Bernstein Creating a Community That Works Partner Award
Charles "Coach" Rice
Robert Steele Creating a Community That Works Client Award
Microsoft
Dr. Michael A. McAfee Voice of the Voiceless Award
We're creating a community that works!
Help NLEN by attending the event or making a donation
Featured Emcee and Moderator
LeeAnn Trotter, NBC 5 Chicago
We are honored to host this panel conversation of esteemed executive leaders whose voices and actions are shaping the course for new and broader pathways to advancing Fair Chance Hiring nationally and here in Chicago.
The featured speaker will share about their inspiration for investing in fair chance hiring, the most surprising challenges and benefits of doing so, and more.
Join us and enjoy a candid and informative conversation with Peter Scher, Mark Hoplamazian, Juliana Stratton, and Brenda Palms. This will be a conversation to remember; you will not want to miss!
Sweet Beginnings Tea Committee Members
Deborah E. Bennett
Fellow, University of Chicago Leadership & Society Initiative
Jessica N. Butler
Chief Development and External Relations Officer, NLEN
Tiana Conley
VP, Global Portfolio Strategy, Mars Wrigley
Greg Faulkner
Business Development Executive
Pat Ford
Executive Director, Steans Family Foundation
Elayne Granger
Director of External and Legislative Affairs AT&T (Retired)
Kimberly Owens
Director of Sales & Marketing, DAMRON
Brenda M. Palms
President & CEO, NLEN
Natashee Scott
Chief of Staff, Office of Illinois Lt. Governor
Joanna Trotter
Executive Director/Senior Program Officer, Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase
Whitney Smith
CEO, Schreiber Philanthropy
Kim Van Horn
Managing Director, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
Event Coordination by Empowered Nonprofits
Video Production by p3 mediaworks
Thank you to our sponsors!
Tickets
Purchase your tickets before the event
Donate Ticket for Scholarship
$250.00Donate entry ticket for one NLEN participant, alumni or community member to the Sweet Beginnings Tea. (If you would like to pay with stock, DAF, or ACH please contact Shari Franklin - sharif@nlen.org)
Generous Donors
Free
Activity
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