LIGHTING THE WAY | BLC Newsletter Q1 2025
Message from the Executive Committee Chairman,
Charles Smith
Building on Our Success--Moving with Momentum
2024 was a year of amazing success for BLC members. The power and influence of our organization was showcased as public and private sector business leaders came before us to share their plans. We proved that we are ready, willing and most importantly, able to do business.
As Chairman of the BLC Executive Committee, it is extremely gratifying to watch BLC businesses grow and members become principal decision-makers. BLC members were named to chair and sit on major civic boards including the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Board of Education and the Regional Transportation Authority.
Some of the largest contracts for the Democratic National Convention were earned by BLC members. The Obama Presidential Center, being built by BLC members, is set to open this year. These teams perform with excellence on a world stage and their masterful efforts position us for more exciting projects now in the pipeline. We are building on our successes and moving with momentum.
Several more important projects and economic empowerment opportunities await n 2025. Bally’s Casino Investment team, led by BLC Founder Jim Reynolds, is creating investor opportunities, the Chicago Bears continue to work on a new stadium and Advocate Health Center is planning a major new center on Chicago’s south side. We intend to participate in those projects as well.
The work of the BLC is not over once the last brick is laid or concrete is poured in any of these facilities. We are working hard to ensure that our members are engaged to provide operational support through goods and services where needed.
We are also working to ensure that the BLC is collaborating on projects that will provide the jobs of the future in technology. PsiQuantum is coming to Chicago to build and operate quantum computers. This project will bring up to 150 jobs in the first five years through a billion-dollar investment for a massive quantum campus to be developed at the former US Steel South Works site on Chicago’s Southeast Side.
While many corporations are pulling back from diversity, equity and inclusion, we know that no one will ignore businesses that add value. We have earned the right to be at the table when major projects and decisions are made. The future for the Business Leadership Council is bright and we are more than ready for what lies ahead.
Charles Smith,
Chairman, Executive Board
Civic Leaders Spotlight
Marlon Everett, MD
Board President, Chicago Park District
"Becoming the Board President of the Chicago Park District is truly a humbling experience. I find myself following in the footsteps of some of Chicago’s most esteemed leaders and visionaries. It’s not just a position; it’s a profound honor to serve the city I adore and cherish deeply. “
Born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Marlon Everett dedicated his life to public service and been a practicing cardiologist in the Chicagoland area since 1999. Dr. Everett is devoted to treating the underserved population on Chicago’s south and southeast side as a physician at Roseland Community and currently at Advocate Trinity Hospital.
Along with ensuring equity in medicine, especially for minorities and the underserved, Dr. Everett has been passionate about public safety throughout his career and used his B.S. in Chemistry and medical knowledge to open Grace Analytical Laboratory. The lab’s focus is to test water and soil for harmful toxins at construction sites and is one of five state-authorized labs that test medicinal or recreational cannabis for poisonous substances, once again ensuring public safety.
Dr. Everett was recently appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson to serve as the President of the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners. Despite his busy schedule, he has continued to be active with Chicago’s youth and sports as the the Co-Executive Director of the Chicago Elite Classic since 2011, a non-profit organization focusing on providing life skills coaching and advocacy support to student-athletes in Chicago through basketball.
Dr. Everett also was an active board member on the Cook County Justice Advisory Council from 2019-23, and served as an advisory board member of the Cook County Complete Census Committee in 2019.
Sean Harden
Board President, Chicago School Reform Board of Education
“As a product of Chicago Public Schools, I’m incredibly proud to have been appointed by Mayor Johnson to serve as Board President for CPS. For me, I really hope it serves as an example of how moving with integrity and a strong work ethic can lead to significant opportunities to make a difference!”
Sean Harden is a product of the South Side of Chicago, a trusted community leader and compassionate advocate for positive change. Over the past 20 years, he has held many leadership roles, including that of Chief Executive Officer and President of Goodcity, a nonprofit focused on developing social entrepreneurs in under-resourced communities; Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Community Affairs for Chicago Public Schools; and Director of Workforce Development for the City of Chicago, where he helped thousands of individuals secure employment.
He is currently chairman of Inner Voice, an organization dedicated to uplifting the homeless with essential services and resources and for Friend Health, the sixth largest federally qualified health center in Illinois. Harden also serves as Chairman at the Revolution Institute which offers technical training, certifications, apprenticeships and job placement assistance.
Harden is the founder of Harden Wright Consultant Group, which encourages community engagement while assisting nonprofits and businesses with strategic planning, grant administration, and organizational development. Harden, who studied Business Administration and Marketing at Morehouse College and holds numerous certifications, also founded Hard Wright Development where he focuses on developing residential housing in low to moderate income neighborhoods.
Mechie Nkengla, Ph.D.
Board Member, Illinois Taskforce for Generative AI and Natural Language Processing
“I’m thrilled to contribute to this forward-thinking initiative,” said Dr. Nkengla. “Generative AI and NLP are redefining the boundaries of what’s possible. Our task is to ensure Illinois emerges as a leader in this space—leveraging AI for economic growth, workforce development, and equity.”
Data Products, CEO and Chief AI & Data Strategist, Mechie Nkengla, Ph.D., was appointed to the established Illinois Generative AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) Task Force. She was formerly a director at EY Analytics Center of Excellence and taught courses in the Master of Data Science program at the University of Chicago. Dr. Nkengla has a PhD from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Applied Mathematics and a master’s degree in Mathematical Computer Science. As a pioneer in AI and Data Innovation, Dr. Nkengla will help shape the future of AI governance, ethics, and technology adoption across the state.
Dr. Nkengla’s deep expertise—spanning two decades in AI, Data, and Digital Transformation—positions her as a key player on this high-impact task force. As a trusted advisor to governments, academia, and industry, she has led large-scale AI initiatives that align technological advancements with human and societal needs. Her expertise will be crucial in guiding Illinois to foster innovation while building frameworks for safe and ethical AI use.
With Illinois at the crossroads of technological leadership, the task force promises to be a game changer in establishing the state as a hub for AI talent and development.
Natasha Jenkins
Board Member, Regional Transportation Authority
Natasha Jenkins is an experienced and versatile senior attorney at Clark Hill., P.C., who specializes in resolving complex labor and employment disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation. She has represented both unions and employers in various industries, including transportation, aviation, health care, and law enforcement.
Jenkins received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College in 2007 and a Juris Doctor from UIC Law School in 2012. Before attending law school, Jenkins served as a Congressional Intern for the Honorable Bobby L. Rush (ret.) in Washington D.C.
Jenkins was formerly an attorney at Littler Mendelson, P.C., where she focused on employment litigation involving matters arising under Title VII, ADA, FMLA, OSHA, FLSA, the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act and served as Labor Relations Manager & Arbitration Counsel for United Airlines, Inc., where she handled mediations and arbitrations arising under the Railway Labor Act.
In addition to her private sector experience, Jenkins also served as General Counsel of Teamsters Local 700 where she negotiated collective bargaining agreements, handled unfair labor practice charges and grievance proceedings on behalf of public sector workers. She also served as Senior Attorney for the Chicago Transit Authority, Labor & Employment Counsel for the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, and is a former Assistant Attorney General of Illinois.
Jenkins was the 108th President of the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), the oldest association of African American lawyers and judges in the nation, founded in 1914. She is the youngest woman president in the organization’s history. Before becoming President, she also served as CCBA’s President–Elect, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. In addition, she has served on the Associate Board of Providence St. Mel School and continues to mentor students from the Link Unlimited Scholarship Program and Chicago Scholars Program.
Opportunities for BLC Members
Q1 2025
Bally’s Casino Investment
"The fact that Bally’s is making investment opportunities available to even the smallest investor demonstrates their commitment to minority ownership of this casino. It is a once-in-a-lifetime offering that I am happy to bring to BLC members and the broader Chicago community."
BLC Founder Jim Reynolds has been given the responsibility of attracting investors for Bally’s Chicago’s first land-based casino. The temporary gaming center opened in 2024 on the site of what once was Medina Temple in downtown Chicago. The permanent site is being developed along the shoulder of the Chicago River in River North.
Chicago’s long-awaited casino is expected to be very successful and Reynolds is determined to ensure that African American businesses and civic leaders capitalize on the opportunity to own a share of the wealth.
Reynolds hosted an investment information strategy session on January 15th to share details on how investors can get in on ground floor with investments of as little as $250.
As a part of its Host Community Agreement with the City of Chicago, 25% of Bally’s Chicago and Resort has to be owned by minorities and women. Loop Capital Markets is the lead placement agent for this initial public offering/private placement which is a $250 million dollar raise. The offering is designed to provide opportunities for a broad array of minorities and women to participate at cash levels that fit their financial ability.
Information on the deal and orders will be taken via this web portal: www.ballyschicagoinvest.com.
Advocate Health Invests $1B to Reduce Life Expectancy Gap Between North and South Sides
Advocate Health announced its aim to invest $1B to reduce the 30-year life expectancy gap between Chicago's north and south sides. Next week, they will begin hosting community talks to understand how this is resonating with the community and how they can continue to partner on this journey.
Advocates community-driven plan to expand care for the whole family, includes new Neighborhood Care sites, expanded outpatient services, chronic disease management programs, and a brand-new state-of-the-art hospital.
Special Promotion from BLC Member Ismael El-Amin and PiggyBack
Our Established Member, Ismael El-Amin has created two promotions for BLC members. One is for individuals who are parents themselves and can take advantage of growing our service. The other is for BLC members who have employees that they can promote PiggyBack to.
Parents.
For members of the BLC who are also parents or those who may have employees raising young children, this is for you. PiggyBack Network is revolutionizing family carpooling by offering a safe, reliable, and community-driven solution. We partner with families, schools, and community organizations to provide flexible transportation options that strengthen community ties and reduce traffic congestion. Our platform, already supporting hundreds of families, is now looking to expand through strategic partnerships. Join us in creating a more connected and sustainable future for our communities. To learn more about partnership opportunities, explore PiggyBack's Partnership Deck or contact concierge@piggybacknetwork.com.
Parents who are members of BLC who sign up for PiggyBack will receive 150 PiggyBack Points when they submit an Offered Route in the platform
www.piggybacknetwork.com.
Business Owners.
Business Owners who are members of BLC can earn 100 PiggyBack Points for all of their employees who join PiggyBack and submit an Offer or Request when they onboard 10 or more employees.
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