Honoring the 2025 Chicago Defender Women of Excellence: Empowering Stories of Resilience, Leadership, and Transformative Influence

Excellence flourishes subtly, forged by dedication and resilience. The Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence awards celebrate extraordinary women who uplift communities and redefine achievement. This year’s honorees, such as Tonita Cheatham and Judge Chantelle Porter, embody service and leadership, demonstrating that authentic excellence is deeply connected to purpose.