Public Allies Chicago

Our Mid-Year Retreat left us feeling empowered, energized, and ready to take on the rest of the year! We gathered at the stunning 18th Street Casa de Cultura in Pilsen, where our Allies embraced the power of community and reflection. Through Gift Seats, they received insightful feedback from their peers, sparking meaningful conversations and fresh perspectives. We also took a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate our journey so far. Adding a creative and calming touch to the day, we dove into candle-making with Still + Flame Apothecary, tapping into our artistic side while finding a moment of relaxation. A huge shoutout to Chef Nicole Henry for a delicious breakfast and Karen Roberts from Jus Sandwiches for keeping us fueled at lunch! Here’s to growth, leadership, and the amazing work ahead! #EveryoneLeads #PublicAlliesChicago

This #AmeriCorpsWeek, let's throwback to our roots. We’re celebrating our team members who started as #AmeriCorps members—some even serving right here before joining our staff! ??? Their dedication to service didn’t stop when their AmeriCorps term ended—it grew into a career of making an impact. Check out these throwback photos from their service days! ?? Mark Payne, Bianca Cotton, AJ Owusu, Kassandra Esparza thank you for your continued service to Chicagoland communities ?? #AmeriCorpsAlum #FromServiceToCareer #MakingAnImpact #GetThingsDone #EveryoneLeads #PublicAlliesChicago #ServeIL

This #AmeriCorpsWeek, we’re highlighting Shylin Kabat and their journey of service in Chicago! From witnessing the direct impact of their work to overcoming challenges along the way, Shylin shares what inspires them to serve and how they’re making a difference. ? Check out the graphic to get a peek of their story! ?? #AmeriCorps #GetThingsDone #ServiceMatters #EveryoneLeads #ServeIL

?? Continuing #AmeriCorpsWeek! ?? We’re celebrating the power of community—our incredible partners, dedicated supporters, and passionate champions who make service possible. ???? Your commitment fuels our impact, and together, we’re creating real change. Thank you for standing with us, serving alongside us, and believing in a brighter future. Let’s keep building stronger communities—together! ?? #MadeToServe #AmeriCorps #EveryoneLeads #PublicAlliesChicago #ServeIL

Happy #AmeriCorpsWeek! ??? Our Allies are making an impact and proudly showing off their 'A' as they serve communities across Chicago. Service isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are! How do you show YOUR ‘A’? Drop a pic or comment below! ?? #MadeToServe #AmeriCorps #ServeIL #EveryoneLeads #PublicAlliesChicago

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting an inspiring?Leadership Speaker Series: Champions Across Generations?featuring a dynamic panel discussion with leaders: Brenda Palms?– President & CEO of the North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) & CEO of Sweet Beginnings, LLC Jarell Kelly,?– Fitness Center Director, Lawndale Christian Fitness Center Kendra Parks?– Public Ally, Lawndale Christian Health Center Moderated by AJ Owusu?– Public Allies Chicago The conversation sparked powerful reflections on leadership, resilience, and impact. A few key takeaways: ? Step outside your comfort zone—growth happens in discomfort. ? Honor the shoulders you stand on and the legacy that paved your path. ? Use your unique gifts and talents to drive the change you want to see in your community. A huge thank you to?School of the Art Institute of Chicago?for hosting us at?Nichols Tower, and to everyone who joined us to build community and share in this transformative discussion. Let’s keep this conversation going—let it inspire action, leadership, and lasting change. Are you a Champion for your neighborhood? Reach out and partner with us: [email protected] #Leadership #CommunityImpact #PublicAllies #Changemakers #EveryoneLeads

?? Happening Tomorrow! Don’t Miss Out! ?? Join us for the kickoff event of our Leadership Speaker Series—Champions Across Generations! This powerful panel discussion will highlight how leaders in North Lawndale have united across generations to drive growth, resilience, and leadership in their community. ?? What to Expect: ? Hear from influential changemakers making a real impact ? Gain inspiration and insights on community leadership ? Connect with leaders, allies, and partners shaping North Lawndale’s future Our Panelists: ? Brenda Palms – President & CEO, North Lawndale Employment Network | CEO, Sweet Beginnings, LLC ? Jarell Kelly – Fitness Center Director, Lawndale Christian Fitness Center ? Kendra Parks – Public Ally, Lawndale Christian Health Center ?? Moderator: AJ Owusu – Director of Pathways and Network Relations, Public Allies Chicago ?? Nichols Tower | 906 S Homan Ave, Chicago, IL 60624 ?? Tomorrow – 10 am -Noon Seats are limited! Register now and be part of the conversation. Don’t miss this chance to engage with inspiring leaders and celebrate the power of community-driven change! ?? https://lnkd.in/gES-6E5B #ChampionsAcrossGenerations #LeadershipSpeakerSeries #NorthLawndale #CommunityLeadership

Don't miss out! Join us this Thursday at Champions Across Generations, an inspiring discussion featuring one of our panelists, Kendra Parks, a passionate storyteller committed to uplifting her community. As a North Lawndale Service Corps Ally placed at Lawndale Christian Health Center, Kendra plays a vital role in amplifying the voices and stories through her role on the marketing and communications team. Kendra believes in the power of diverse storytelling through the lens of a communications?major?amplifying the voices of those who need to be heard. Through her work, she continues to champion the power of communication as a tool for change in North Lawndale and beyond. Also featuring panelists: ??Brenda Palms - President & CEO, North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN); CEO, Sweet Beginnings, LLC ?? Jarell Kelly – Fitness Center Director, Lawndale Christian Fitness Center ?? Moderated by: AJ Owusu, Public Allies Chicago ?Thursday, February 20th ?Nichols Tower | 906 S Homan Ave, Chicago, IL Be part of this powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and creating lasting change. Tag a colleague and register today! ?? https://lnkd.in/gES-6E5B #EveryoneLeads #ChampionsAcrossGenerations #LeadershipInAction #NorthLawndale #CommunityPower

Join us at Champions Across Generations, an inspiring discussion featuring one of our panelists, Jarell Kelly, a former athlete with over a decade of experience in the fitness industry. As the Fitness Center Director at Lawndale Christian Fitness Center,?Jarell?has made it his mission to enhance both the physical and mental well-being of the North Lawndale community. His work goes beyond fitness; he strives to create a supportive environment that fosters personal growth, resilience, and community connections.?Jarell’s passion for promoting active lifestyles is matched by his commitment to empowering individuals to take control of their health, and he works tirelessly to bridge gaps in access to fitness resources for underserved communities. With a focus on community engagement,?Jarell?continues to inspire those around him to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives? Also featuring panelists: ??Brenda Palms –??President & CEO of the North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) and CEO of Sweet Beginnings, LLC ??Kendra Parks – Public Ally, Lawndale Christian Health Center ??Moderated by: AJ Owusu, Public Allies Chicago Thursday, February 20th Nichols Tower | 906 S Homan Ave, Chicago, IL Be part of this powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and creating lasting change. Tag a colleague and register today! ??https://lnkd.in/gES-6E5B #EveryoneLeads #ChampionsAcrossGenerations #LeadershipInAction #NorthLawndale #CommunityPower #ChicagoNonProfits

Join us as we launch our Leadership Speaker Series with an inspiring discussion featuring one of our panelists, Brenda Palms, a visionary leader driving impact in North Lawndale! As President & CEO of the North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) and CEO of Sweet Beginnings, LLC, Brenda has been a champion for economic opportunity, workforce development, and second chances. Her leadership has transformed lives through job training, social enterprise, and community-driven solutions. Also featuring panelists: ?? Jarell Kelly – Fitness Center Director, Lawndale Christian Fitness Center ?? Kendra Parks – Public Ally, Lawndale Christian Health Center ?? Moderated by: AJ Owusu, Public Allies Chicago Thursday, February 20th Nichols Tower | 906 S Homan Ave, Chicago, IL Be part of this powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and creating lasting change. Tag a colleague and register today! ?? https://lnkd.in/gAHxg5yX #EveryoneLeads #ChampionsAcrossGenerations #LeadershipInAction #NorthLawndale #CommunityPower