Chicago Defender Honors 50 +1 Women of Excellence
By Kai EL’ Zabar
Every year the Chicago Defender honors 50 women of excellence who are nominated by their various communities where they work, pray and play. The nominations cover a spectrum of types–women in the private and public sectors representing different industries from municipalities, finance, banking, education, Real Estate, Arts and Culture, Non profit, Healthcare, Law, Marketing, Special Events, Journalism, Sports, Energy and more. The women selected to represent excellence for 2016 have defined their excellence through demonstration and performance both on the job and in their community as leaders mentoring, advising or volunteering, and donating time, energy and oftentimes money.
The 50 honorees chosen are amongst Chicago’s most outstanding women whose lives exemplify the spirit of performing at the top of their game and giving back to the community. They are women who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and grace. They are women who stare adversity in the face with hand on their hips and a smile on their face, set the pace and finish the race in first place.

This year the Chicago Defender is humbled by the opportunity to salute two great women who truly serve as examples of excellence – as women and as journalists. We honor legendary broadcaster Merri Dee with the first annual Theresa “Teesee” Fambro Hooks Lifetime Achievement Award, in acknowledgement of the Chicago Defender columnist for whom the award is named. This special acknowledgement is “Women of Excellence,” honoree 51. “With this award we get to pay tribute to two great women who have made a profound impact in our community. As a medial trailblazer, Merri Dee continues to carry the torch with style and grace in the manner Teesee set as precedence,” says Cheryl Mainor, President and publisher. A special salute to Ms. Hooks will be shown at the luncheon.
“Women of Excellence,” 2016 will be held Friday March 25, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The event opens with a reception at 11 am followed by the Luncheon and program at 12:00 pm For more information please call 312.225.2400.
We hope that you are able to join us in celebrating these 2016 Women of Excellence.
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Women of Excellence is a Real Times Media Inc., event.