#United States #Chicago #LOV #Ladies of Virtue #Leading with Virtue

Celebrating 14 Years of Impact

On November 6, 2025, the Ladies of Virtue (LOV) will host its much-anticipated 14th Annual Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception at Venue West in Chicago from 6 PM to 9 PM. This elegant evening will bring together over 200 professionals and community leaders to celebrate the transformation and empowerment of Black girls as they step forward as confident leaders of tomorrow.

The gala will feature notable personalities including CBS Chicago News Anchor Audrina Sinclair, who will serve as the emcee for the event. Adding to the evening's allure will be Emmy Award-winning Val Warner from ABC 7 Chicago, who will welcome guests on the pink carpet. Attendees can look forward to a night filled with delicious hors d'oeuvres, an open bar, a DJ, and the excitement of a live auction.

Tickets for this engaging evening are priced at $175 and can be purchased online at lovchicago.org/leadingwithvirtue.

This year’s fundraiser will recognize six extraordinary women with the prestigious 2025 Leading with Virtue Awards, honoring their dedication to leadership and community service. The awardees include:

• - Aris Singleton, CEO of tgin (Thank God It's Natural)
• - Barbara Bates, Owner of Barbara Bates Fashions, Inc. and Founder of the Barbara Bates Foundation
• - Dr. Tameeka Christian, Advocate at the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation
• - Amber Johnson, Global VP at Mars Wrigley
• - Valencia Koker, Executive Director at City Year Chicago
• - Dyanna Knight Lewis, Regional VP/Publisher at Real Times Media, Chicago Defender

Additionally, PepsiCo will receive the Legacy Builders Award for its continuous support and significant contributions to community empowerment.

Since its inception in 2011, the Leading with Virtue event has seen tremendous growth, expanding from just 40 attendees to more than 200 each year. The funds raised during this gala are crucial for supporting LOV's various programs that aim to prepare girls for college, careers, and leadership roles within their communities.

Last year alone, the fundraiser raised over $244,000, making it possible for LOV to serve more than 3,000 girls in the 2024-2025 program year. This included 643 girls enrolled in mentoring and leadership initiatives, and 2,397 young women reached through community outreach efforts. The impact also extends to presenting at the National Mentoring Summit in Washington, D.C., expanding programming to eight new schools, and building beneficial partnerships with organizations like CVS Health and Starbucks.

By participating in the upcoming cocktail reception, attendees will further amplify LOV’s mission to empower young girls through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. Specifically, every $1,200 raised at the event will provide one girl with a mentor, career preparation, and leadership project opportunities.

Jamila Trimuel, the founder and CEO of Ladies of Virtue, highlighted the organization's commitment by stating, “Ladies of Virtue has been dedicated to helping Black girls see themselves as leaders of today. We celebrate 14 years of significant impact in Chicago, showcasing the importance of community investment in the potential of our girls. Every dollar raised enables us to forge pathways for the next generation of confident women.”

Event Details

• - Event: Leading with Virtue Annual Fundraiser
• - Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
• - Time: 6 PM - 9 PM
• - Location: Venue West, 221 N. Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60612
• - Tickets: $175 (includes hors d'oeuvres, open bar, live auction, and DJ entertainment)
• - Purchase Tickets: lovchicago.org/leadingwithvirtue
• - MC: Audrina Sinclair, CBS News Chicago
• - Pink Carpet Host: Val Warner, ABC 7 Chicago
• - Event Chair: Sheilina Henry

About Ladies of Virtue: Founded in 2011, Ladies of Virtue is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization committed to preparing Black girls to become confident and purpose-driven leaders. Through mentorship and leadership training, LOV equips girls with skills necessary for academic and personal success, ensuring they lead with purpose and virtue. More information on LOV can be found at www.lovchicago.org.