This issue is a wonderfully uplifting and inspiring issue. The writers, photographers and creative team have worked with me to pull together features highlighting some of Chicago’s greatest organizations, brands and individuals who are making a positive impact on their community.
We open up the issue with a feature from Jennie highlighting State Bags’ work with Chance the Rapper this school year. The organization worked to give school bags and supplies to some of the most financially unstable communities in the city. Michelle also highlights some Chicago based bloggers are who truly making an impact through their work and we give out our First Annual Halfstack Community Award. As the weather get’s colder, it can be hard to get out and do things, but Stella has some great indoor options to help you beat cabin fever this winter. As if we didn’t miss the warm weather as it is, Jennie pulls together one last festival recap for you in the music section.
This issue is dedicated to the unsung heroes, the people whose work is changing people’s lives every day. The people who don’t expect a thank you and still throw their heart and soul into their service based work. Kandy highlights a Florida based organization doing just that: Rescue and Restore. I feature a couple Project Entrepreneur Alumni in this issue as well. Led By HER works to empower women through education and entrepreneurship. Healing Heels focuses on empowering and helping cancer patients through fashionable footwear. Hiral also pulls in a feature on a fashion brand giving back: World Vision and Jennie spotlights a Chicago based brand that gives back: SELA Fit.
Our features include a strong lineup of amazing organizations that are based right here in Chicago. Our cover story feature Donnie Smith, the Executive Director of Donda’s House, Inc. Named after and inspired by the mother of Kanye West: Dr. Donda West, the organization was Launched in 2013 by multi Grammy-award & Oscar winning artist Che “Rhymefest” Smith and distinguished educator, Donnie Smith. Donda’s House, Inc. provides unprecedented access and education from leading experts in the music, fashion, and entertainment industry to Chicago’s creative youth and young adults.
We also highlight a grassroots effort that was coordinated to aid in the relief funding after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico called: Puerto Rico Rising. Louis showcases an Aurora, IL based non-profit: The Light in the Heart Art Therapy Program. Stella has an incredibly inspiring feature on the Salt & Light Coalition. With 25,000 women and girls falling prey to trafficking every year in Chicago alone, Salt & Light Coalition manifests change by providing a volunteer-driven, one-year long program for survivors of trafficking with the dual goal of healing and empowering women to get jobs in the wellness sector. You will find some great fashion features and beauty features from Danielle and Michelle as well to get you excited for the holiday season. And Nisha closes us out with a beautiful sentiment on giving and making an impact in the community through teaching.
You can check out a behind the scenes recap of our cover shoot and video interview with Donnie Smith, Executive Director of Donda's House on our YouTube channel below!
I hope these stories inspire you to go out and do some good. Our greatest strengths as the human race is our ability to love, empathize and connect with one another. I hope this issue empowers you to empower others to make this world a better place.
Happy Holidays readers and as always thank you for your support!
Jennifer M. Veguilla-Lezan | Editor-in-Chief
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