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 gather over 200 professionals and community leaders dedicated to supporting LOV’s mission of empowering Black girls to become confident and purpose-driven leaders.
The evening, scheduled from 6:00 to 21:00, features CBS Chicago News Anchor Audrina Sinclair as the emcee, alongside Val Warner, an Emmy Award-winning host from ABC 7 Chicago, who will serve as the pink carpet host. Attendees will enjoy an elegant atmosphere featuring hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, a live auction, and music from a DJ. Tickets are available for $175 and can be purchased at lovchicago.org/leadingwithvirtue.
Honoring Inspiring Women and Community Impact
During this year’s fundraiser, LOV will present the 2025 Leading with Virtue Awards to six distinguished women recognized for their leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence. The honorees include:
– 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, PepsiCo will receive the Legacy Builders Award in recognition of its ongoing impact and dedication to empowering communities.
Since its inception in 2011, the Leading with Virtue event has evolved significantly, expanding from just 40 supporters in its early years to over 200 attendees each year. The fundraiser plays a crucial role in supporting LOV’s essential programs, which prepare girls for college, careers, and leadership roles in their communities.
Impact and Community Engagement
Last year, the event raised over $244,000, enabling LOV to expand its reach and effectiveness. The funds supported initiatives that served over 3,000 young women and girls during the 2024–2025 program year, including 643 participants enrolled in mentoring and leadership programs, and 2,397 residents served through community outreach.
LOV aims to continue this momentum in 2025, with the funds raised at the cocktail reception going towards mentorship, leadership development, and community action projects. For every $1,200 raised, one participant can be paired with a mentor, receive career preparation, and lead a community project.
Jamila Trimuel, founder and CEO of Ladies of Virtue, expressed the organization’s commitment: “Ladies of Virtue has been dedicated to helping Black girls see themselves as leaders of today. The Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception is a celebration of 14 years of impactful work in Chicago, demonstrating what can be achieved when a community invests in the potential of our girls. Every dollar raised helps us create pathways for the next generation of confident, purpose-driven women.”
The Leading with Virtue Annual Fundraiser will be held at Venue West Chicago, located at 221 N. Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60612. For more information or to become a sponsor, visit www.lovchicago.org.
