Ladies of Virtue (LOV) is set to celebrate its 14th Annual Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception on November 6, 2025, at Venue West Chicago. This event will unite over 200 professionals and community leaders to support the organization’s mission of preparing Black girls to become confident, purpose-driven leaders. The reception will take place from 18:00 to 21:00 and promises an evening filled with elegance and impact.
Emceeing the event will be CBS Chicago News Anchor Audrina Sinclair, while Emmy Award-winning host Val Warner of ABC 7 Chicago will welcome guests on the pink carpet. Attendees can look forward to an evening featuring hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, a live auction, and music provided by a DJ. Tickets are available for $175 at lovchicago.org/leadingwithvirtue.
During this year’s fundraiser, LOV will honor six remarkable women with its 2025 Leading with Virtue Awards. The honorees include leaders from various sectors who exemplify excellence, integrity, and service:
– 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
Additionally, LOV will present the Legacy Builders Award to PepsiCo for its commitment to empowering communities. The event is chaired by Board Member Sheilina Henry, who has been involved with LOV since its inception and played a vital role as one of its first mentors.
Since its founding in 2011, the Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception has grown significantly, expanding from 40 attendees to over 200 each year. The funds raised during this event are crucial for sustaining LOV’s programs, which prepare girls for college, careers, and leadership roles in their communities. Last year’s event raised over $244,000, allowing LOV to enhance its outreach and support for young women.
In the 2024-2025 program year, Ladies of Virtue aims to serve over 3,000 young women and girls, with 643 enrolled in its mentoring and leadership program and 2,397 served through community outreach initiatives. The organization has also presented at the National Mentoring Summit in Washington, D.C., and expanded its programming into eight new schools through strategic partnerships with organizations such as CVS Health and Starbucks.
Funds raised at the upcoming reception will continue to support LOV’s mission of empowering girls through mentorship, leadership development, and community action. For every $1,200 raised, one participant will be matched with a mentor, receive career preparation, and lead a community project.
“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 impactful work in Chicago. It also demonstrates the significance of community investment in the potential of our girls. Every dollar raised helps create pathways for the next generation of confident, purpose-driven women.”
For more information about Ladies of Virtue or to become a sponsor of the Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception, visit lovchicago.org.
