Leaders in Sports
This athlete dominated tennis for over a decade, breaking records while also speaking out about equity, motherhood, and the treatment of Black women in sports.
Serena Williams
This leader inspired millions with messages of hope and unity and became the first Black President of the United States.
Barack Obama
This artist is known for precision, discipline, and transforming live performances into cultural moments that celebrate identity and excellence.
Beyoncé
This livestreamer built a massive audience through high-energy content and has redefined how creators engage with fans in real time.
Kai Cenat
This global artist expanded her influence into the beauty industry by prioritizing inclusivity and ensuring products worked for a wide range of skin tones often overlooked.
Rihanna
This basketball player used his success to invest in his hometown by creating a school that supports students and their families beyond academics.
LeBron James
This former First Lady used her platform to promote education, health, and confidence, while becoming a bestselling author and global speaker.
Michelle Obama
This young actress didn’t just star on an ABC hit sitcom; she stepped into leadership early by helping create and produce her own film projects as a teenager.
Marsai Martin
This creator turned everyday humor into a brand, using skits to reflect real-life situations and build strong industry connections.
Druski
This historical figure, was an early entrepreneur who built a hair care empire and became one of the first self-made Black female millionaires in U.S. history.
Madam C. J. Walker
This Olympic gymnast shifted global conversations by choosing her mental health over competition during one of the biggest stages in sports.
Simone Biles
This leader broke barriers as the first Black and South Asian Vice President and has a background as a prosecutor and senator.
Kamala Harris
This director is known for telling layered stories centered on Black identity and community, bringing both independent and blockbuster films to life.
Ryan Coogler
This creator/Actress built a loyal following by consistently spreading encouragement, authenticity, and messages centered around joy and purpose.
Tabitha Brown
This founder from Chicago created a widely recognized hair care line focused on natural ingredients and empowering women to embrace healthy hair journeys.
Monique Rodriguez
This former NFL quarterback risked his career to protest injustice, turning a silent act during the national anthem into a global movement.
Colin Kaepernick
After a high-profile election, this leader shifted her focus toward organizing efforts that expanded voter access and civic participation in her home state of Georgia.
Stacey Abrams
This artist is known for deeply personal music that explores vulnerability, growth, and self-reflection, influencing how a generation talks about emotions and healing.
SZA
This content creator gained national attention by visiting small businesses, giving honest reviews, and often helping increase their visibility and success.
Keith Lee
This legendary singer expanded her brand beyond music when she created a famous pie that is connected to her name. Her pies became a nationwide seasonal phenomenon.
Patti LaBelle
This young tennis champion quickly rose to prominence and uses interviews and public moments to speak thoughtfully on race, identity, and youth voice.
Coco Gauff
This pioneering woman challenged both racial and gender barriers in politics, famously running for president decades before it was common.
Shirley Chisholm
This Chicago-born creative built a reputation by shaping the visual identities of major celebrities while also speaking openly about confidence, identity, and overcoming barriers.
Law Roach
This personality from Love Island USA gained a following for being authentic and relatable, showing how personality can translate into influence.
Olandria
Name a Black-owned business in your in Chicago and explain how it demonstrates leadership through impact or service.
(Open answer)