West Side Women of Wisdom Celebration Returns for 7th Year Honoring Community Leaders 

A longtime West Side leader is preparing to honor a new class of community builders whose impact is felt across generations. 

Deborah Williams-Thurmond, founder of DW Provision Consulting Services and a board member of organizations including the Leaders Network, Austin Coming Together, and Project Exploration, will host the 7th Annual Recognition of West Side Women of Wisdom & Inspiration on April 26 at Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane in west suburban Oak Brook Terrace. 

The event, themed “A Legacy in Burgundy: Showcasing Power, Purpose and Passion,” will celebrate 32 women whose work has helped shape communities across the West Side and nearby west suburbs.

Williams-Thurmond, who is set to begin a new role as associate director at Great Lakes Credit Union on April 21, said the annual recognition grew out of a deeply personal mission.

“I started seven years ago trying to go back and recognize some of the women who have poured into my life — my mentors over the years, people I’ve worked closely with, people I’ve admired,” she said. “They’re passionate about what they do. Some are volunteers, some are doing their jobs, but going above and beyond.”

What began as a small recognition of about 20 women has since evolved into a marquee community event. By its fourth year, the initiative expanded to honor 100 women annually, earning its name: 100 Women of Wisdom & Inspiration. In total, nearly 150 women have been recognized since the program’s inception.

This year’s class is smaller by design, Williams-Thurmond said.

“These women represent resilience, brilliance, and heart,” she said. “Each one has faced challenges with courage and continues to uplift others through service, compassion, and leadership.”

Honorees span a wide range of professions and community roles, including educators, faith leaders, nonprofit executives, elected officials, and grassroots organizers.

Among those being recognized this year are Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, noted for her leadership amid the federal escalation of force at the detention center in the western suburb.

Margaret Acree, the wife of Rev. Ira Acree, the pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church in Austin, where Williams-Thurmond attends, will also be honored.

“Margaret is a walking miracle, and so we’re honored to lift her,” Williams-Thurmond said. 

Williams-Thurmond said she plans to honor Barbara Deer, the wife of the late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, for her major support and service over the years. 

This year also marks a new chapter for Williams-Thurmond’s initiative. In February, she formally incorporated the 100+ Westside Women of Wisdom as a nonprofit. The organization will focus on advancing “health and wealth” initiatives, including physical and mental wellness, financial literacy, homeownership, and economic empowerment, while also expanding mentorship opportunities for young people. 

DW Provision Consulting Services, the parent organization, provides support to community-based and faith-based groups across Chicago, specializing in nonprofit management, grant writing, board development, and civic engagement.

As preparations continue, Williams-Thurmond said sponsorship opportunities are still available and encouraged community members to support the event.

“Our goal is not just to celebrate these women,” she said, “but to build something lasting — a network of support, recognition, and resources that continues to pour back into our community.” 

Click here to purchase tickets and for additional information about the event.

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2026 Honorees 

Tonya Francisco, WGN news anchor 

Veronica Harrison, publicist 

Katrina Thompson, Broadview mayor 

Kari Steele, president, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago 

Ashlee Horton, executive assistant to Mayor Brandon Johnson 

Arewa Ekua, 15th Chicago Police District Council member

Marquetta Smith, Deputy District Director for Cong. Danny K. Davis 

Mary Gardner, Chicago Board of Education member 

Rev. Dr. Diana Body, pastor, Life of Peace International Ministries Inc.

Pastor Lisa NewMan, pastor, Walking in the Shekinah Glory Ministry 

Vanessa Brown-Dukes, singer/founding member of the Brown Sisters of Chicago

Kathy Lockett, host of the Kathy Lockett Radio Show on AM 1390 

Krystal Kyles, executive director of HOPE Excel Reaching the World Academy

Margaret Acree, first lady of St. John Bible Church in Austin 

Tasha Wilkerson, first lady and co-owner of Urban Essentials Cafe 

Dr. Mekita Whitfield, first lady of New Life Holiness Church

Barbara Meschino, Malcolm X College West Campus dean 

Sgt. Danielle Brown, 11th District, Chicago Police Department 

Charlotte Myers, director of Graduate Support and Family Engagement, Catalyst Schools 

Alexis Strong, mentor at Chicago LAMP, community-engaged recruitment specialist at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) 

Pamela Price, director, Pamela Price, Parent University & Engagement Center at Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School 

Barbara Deer, executive director, Juneteenth Illinois 

Jai Jones, Chicago Fund project manager, United Way of Metro Chicago 

Jackie Reed, founder of Westside Health Authority 

Shevon Johnson, realtor 

Michelle Jefferson, outreach coordinator, Black Men United 

Fanya Berry, executive director of West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force 

Dionne Harris, executive administrator, Black Men United 

Catherine Jones, community representative, Frederick Douglass Academy High School’s Local School Council (LSC) 

Diane Graham, president, Lotus Neighbors for Action block club 

Rosie Dawson, property director, Westside Health Authority 

Shantel Franklin, 8th District State Representative-elect