Ladies of Virtue (LOV) will celebrate its 14th Annual Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception on November 6, 2025, at Venue West in Chicago. This event aims to unite over 200 professionals and community leaders to support LOV’s mission of empowering Black girls to become confident, purpose-driven leaders.
The reception will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. and feature CBS News Chicago Anchor Audrina Sinclair as the emcee. Emmy Award-winning host Val Warner from ABC 7 Chicago will welcome guests on the pink carpet. Attendees can expect an evening filled with elegance, including hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, a live auction, and music from a DJ. Tickets are priced at $175 and can be purchased through LOV’s website, lovchicago.org/leadingwithvirtue.
This year, the event will honor six exceptional women with the 2025 Leading with Virtue Awards. The honorees include notable figures such as:
– 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 recognize PepsiCo with the Legacy Builders Award for its commitment to community empowerment.
The event is chaired by Board Member Sheilina Henry, one of Ladies of Virtue’s original mentors. Since its inception in 2011, the Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception has expanded significantly, growing from just 40 supporters to over 200 attendees each year. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser are critical for sustaining LOV’s programs, which prepare young women for college, career, and leadership in their communities.
Last year, the event raised over $244,000, enabling Ladies of Virtue to enhance their outreach and impact. In the 2024–2025 program year, LOV aims to serve over 3,000 girls, with 643 enrolled in mentoring and leadership programs, and 2,397 benefiting from community outreach efforts. The organization was also invited to present at the National Mentoring Summit in Washington, D.C., and has expanded its programming into eight new schools through partnerships with organizations like CVS Health and Starbucks.
Funds raised at the upcoming cocktail reception will further support LOV’s mission of mentorship and leadership development. 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,” stated Jamila Trimuel, founder and CEO of Ladies of Virtue. “The Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception is a celebration of 14 years, making a strong impact in Chicago. It is also a testament to what happens when a community invests in the brilliance and potential of our girls. Every dollar raised helps us create pathways for the next generation of confident, purpose-driven women.”
Event details are as follows:
– **Event**: Leading with Virtue Annual Fundraiser
– **Date**: Thursday, November 6, 2025
– **Time**: 6–9 p.m.
– **Location**: Venue West Chicago, 221 N. Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60612
– **Tickets**: $175—Includes hors d’oeuvres, open bar, live auction, and DJ
– **Purchase Tickets**: lovchicago.org/leadingwithvirtue
– **MC**: Audrina Sinclair, CBS News Chicago
– **Pink Carpet Host**: Val Warner, ABC 7 Chicago
– **Event Chair**: Sheilina Henry
Founded in 2011, Ladies of Virtue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing Black girls for leadership roles through mentorship, leadership training, and community service. LOV’s programs equip girls with the necessary tools to excel academically, professionally, and personally, ensuring they lead with vision, confidence, and virtue. For more information about Ladies of Virtue or to become a sponsor of the Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception, visit www.lovchicago.org.
