On November 6, 2025, Ladies of Virtue (LOV) will celebrate its 14th Annual Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception in Chicago. This event brings together over 200 local professionals and community leaders to support LOV’s mission of empowering Black girls to become confident, purpose-driven leaders.
Event Highlights and Honorees
The reception will take place from 18:00 to 21:00 at Venue West Chicago. CBS Chicago News Anchor Audrina Sinclair will serve as the event’s emcee, while Val Warner, an Emmy Award-winning host from ABC 7 Chicago, will be the pink carpet host. Attendees can expect an elegant evening featuring hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, a live auction, and music provided by a DJ.
This year, the organization will honor six remarkable women with the 2025 Leading with Virtue Awards. These distinguished leaders include:
- Aris Singleton, Chief Executive Officer, tgin (Thank God It’s Natural)
- Barbara Bates, Owner, Barbara Bates Fashions, Inc.; Founder, Barbara Bates Foundation
- Dr. Tameeka Christian, Champion for Community-Driven Change, J.B. & M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation
- Amber Johnson, Global Vice President, Commercial/CPO, Mars Wrigley & PepsiCo
- Valencia Koker, Executive Director and Senior Vice President, City Year Chicago
- Dyanna Knight Lewis, Regional Vice President/Publisher, Real Times Media, Chicago Defender
LOV will also present the Legacy Builders Award to PepsiCo, recognizing the company’s commitment to empowering communities.
Supporting Girls’ Leadership Development
The 2025 Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception is chaired by Sheilina Henry, a board member and one of LOV’s original mentors. Since its inception in 2011, the annual fundraiser has expanded from 40 supporters to over 200 attendees. Last year, the event raised over $244,000, which facilitated the expansion of programs that empower girls to thrive in academic, professional, and personal spheres.
Funds raised at this year’s event will continue to support LOV’s mission. For every $1,200 generated, one participant will be matched with a mentor, receive career preparation, and lead a community project. Last year, LOV served over 3,000 young women and girls through its programs, including 643 participants in mentoring and leadership initiatives and 2,397 served through community outreach.
“Ladies of Virtue has been committed to helping Black girls see themselves as leaders of today,” said Jamila Trimuel, founder and CEO of Ladies of Virtue. “The Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception is a celebration of 14 years of strong impact in Chicago. It is also a testament to the power of community investment in the potential of our girls. Every dollar raised helps create pathways for the next generation of confident, purpose-driven women.”
Tickets for the event are priced at $175 and can be purchased at lovchicago.org/leadingwithvirtue.
For more information about Ladies of Virtue or to learn how to become a sponsor, visit www.lovchicago.org.
