Rising Star Award
Recognizing emerging leaders who show exceptional promise and dedication to community service
Corey Dooley Johnson
Rising Star AwardCorey Dooley Johnson is an Entrepreneur who established CommunityCorey LLC in 2023. Corey served as Corridor Manager for Chicago Avenue's corridor revitalization project Soul City, generating multi-million dollar developments. Corey is a creative, authoring and publishing a book, Lil Shorty Love. Currently, he co-leads The Austin Experience, a Project Exploration initiative, in partnership with My Chi My Future. His vision is to create PRIME29 CHICAGO, a youth-led business organization whose focus is on developing the next generation of leaders in the 29th Ward - City of Chicago.
Kobey Lofton
Rising Star AwardKobey is a proud advocate for peace and nonviolence, hailing from the West Side of Chicago. With seven years of dedicated practice in nonviolent conflict resolution, he is a Nationally Certified Kingian Nonviolence Level 2 Trainer and Ambassador of Peace. In 2017, Kobey embarked on a journey across 27 states and over 150 cities, advocating and raising awareness for peace. During this journey, he spoke in Washington DC, New York, and other places akin to Chicago. His commitment to promoting empathy and resolving disputes peacefully has earned him recognition, including membership in the National Honors Society and the Phenomenal Man Award. Kobey is deeply passionate about empowering communities through youth engagement, education and advocacy for nonviolence.
Exceptional Leadership Award
Honoring leaders who demonstrate outstanding vision, innovation, and impact in community development
Crystal E. Gardner
Exceptional Leadership AwardCrystal E. Gardner, a Chicago Westside native and CPS alum, is a community organizer and activist dedicated to social justice and progressive organizing. With a background in public service, union organizing, and civic engagement, she has led impactful initiatives, including voter registration campaigns and community-focused programs. Currently serving as Deputy Political Director for SEIU Local 73, Crystal continues to empower working-class communities through advocacy, policy work, and grassroots organizing.
Johnnie Mae Mordican
Exceptional Leadership AwardJohnnie Mae Mordican is an exceptional community leader, deeply committed to outreach, youth advocacy, and fostering partnerships. A passionate advocate for community empowerment, she works closely with schools to support and inspire young people. Her dedication to building meaningful relationships and creating positive change has made her a trusted and impactful figure in her community.
Kenya Johnson-Brown
Exceptional Leadership AwardKenya Johnson-Brown is a dedicated community leader whose tireless work has made a lasting impact on the Greater West Side. Through her commitment to community development and advocacy, she has championed initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and empower residents. Her visionary leadership and collaborative approach have inspired meaningful change and brought people together to build a more vibrant and resilient community.
Community Impact Award
Celebrating individuals whose work has created measurable, lasting positive change in our communities
Sharif Walker
Community Impact AwardSharif Walker, a leader in social innovation and community sustainability, has over 20 years of experience transforming underserved Chicago communities through equitable resources and impactful programs. Specializing in conflict resolution and neighborhood revitalization, he collaborates with stakeholders to address urban inequalities. His work has earned recognition from organizations like the Black United College Fund, Taproots Inc., and Chicago Public Schools.
Pastor Phil
Community Impact AwardPhil and his wife Kim have been married since 1987, raising three children and enjoying their role as grandparents. Since 1994, Phil has worked in urban youth ministry in Chicago, founding The House Covenant Church in 2003 and The Firehouse Community Arts Center to transform lives through the arts. A former Youth Pastor, he is also a published author with degrees from Trinity International University and Northern Theological Seminary. Phil remains dedicated to disrupting cycles of violence through faith-based, community-driven initiatives.
Anthony Raggs
Community Impact AwardTony Raggs and his brother Sylvester co-founded Boxing Off the Block, a youth boxing club in West Garfield Park, to teach discipline and provide a safe space for teens aged 13-18 in an area plagued by gun violence. Based in Bethel Lutheran Church since 2022, the club also welcomes mothers and younger children. Tony, a 2021 Chicago Peace Fellow, has worked in violence prevention since 1981, using outreach, music, and now boxing to foster community and provide positive role models.
Jermaine Harris
Community Impact AwardJermaine Harris, a Chicago Police Department Lieutenant and Marine Corps veteran, develops community-based violence prevention strategies and collaborates with law enforcement and nonprofits. He has served on public safety transition teams for both Mayor Brandon Johnson and former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and holds leadership roles in policing reform and racial profiling prevention initiatives. A University of Chicago Civic Leadership Academy alum and Eisenhower USA Justice Fellow, Jermaine is recognized for his efforts in improving safety outcomes and fostering police-community partnerships.
Black Men United
Community Impact AwardBMU creates an alliance of African-descended men to empower communities through economics, safety, and spirituality, fostering pride in Black families while promoting inclusivity. Its youth program focuses on summer employment, workplace skills, and career exploration, while the Peacekeepers Program addresses gun violence, trauma, and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. BMU aims to build community resilience, reduce recidivism, and support personal and professional growth.
Albert Stinson
Community Impact AwardAlbert Stinson, a former gang member and drug dealer, transformed his life through personal growth and development. Understanding the dangers of street life, he now dedicates nearly 20 years to mentoring underserved youth, helping them recognize and overcome unconscious behaviors that lead to violence. As the founder of G.A.N.G. (Gaining Awareness 2 Nullify Genocide) and Executive Director at Yrudition, he is committed to fostering sustainable relationships and empowering the next generation. Albert's mission is to create lasting change in his community by investing in the lives of young people.
Legendary Leadership Awards
Honoring individuals whose lifetimes of service have profoundly shaped and strengthened our community
Dr. Mary Nelson
Legendary Matriarch AwardDr. Mary Nelson has been a key figure in movement building for decades, grounded in faith and serving actively at Bethel Lutheran Church. She was the President and CEO of a pioneering faith-based CDC in Chicago for 26 years and now teaches on community development topics. A Civil Rights Movement veteran who marched with Dr. King, she writes blogs and articles and has been nationally recognized for her contributions. Mary has dedicated her life to faith-based development, community building, and social justice advocacy.
Congressman Danny Davis
Legendary Patriarch AwardDanny K. Davis has represented Illinois' 7th Congressional District since 1996, serves on key committees like Ways and Means, chairing the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee. Known for strong community engagement and effective legislation, he champions democracy, social justice, health care, and education. Before Congress, he served on the Chicago City Council and Cook County Board, with a background in education and civil rights advocacy. Born in Arkansas in 1941, Davis holds advanced degrees and has received numerous awards for his contributions.
Celebrating Our 2025 Awardees
Join us in honoring these exceptional leaders at our Better Together Holiday Soirée on December 4, 2025
