In a powerful gathering that brought together faith, community leadership, and women’s empowerment, God First Ministries hosted its annual Signatures of Prolific Women breakfast event in the grand ballroom at the Hilton Hotel, 720 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL.
This event created a space where accomplishments met inspiration and service intersected with celebration.
The event, held under the spiritual guidance of Dr. Mildred C. Harris and organized by God First Ministries, honored individuals who have made significant contributions across various sectors of the Chicago community. The morning began with a foundation of faith, featuring the Horns of Healing Shofar Ministry, led by Apostle Dr. Melvin Crawford, which set a tone of reverence and spiritual grounding that would carry throughout the program.
Elder Lakita Cagle delivered the prayer and scripture reading, anchoring the celebration in biblical wisdom from Habakkuk 2:2, reminding attendees to “write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” This passage served as a powerful metaphor for the honorees’ lives—people who have not only envisioned change but have made their impact visible and actionable in their communities.
Center Stage
The honorees represented a diverse cross-section of community leadership, each bringing their unique expertise and passion to Chicago’s landscape. Dr. Carol Adams, President and CEO of Urban Prescriptives, was recognized alongside Dr. Renee Allison, founder and President of Woman By Design Global. These women exemplify how professional excellence and community commitment can create lasting change.
Media representation was provided by 3:16 Magazine, while political leadership was honored through Alderwoman Pat Dowell of Chicago’s 3rd Ward and Alderwoman Michelle Harris of the 8th Ward. Their presence underscored the importance of women’s voices in shaping municipal policy and governance.
Special honorary guests included: Mayor Brandon Johnson, Toni Preckwinkle, Juliana Stratton, Alexi Giannoulias, Mattie Hunter, and Michael Frerichs.
Building Bridges Across Sectors
The honoree list revealed the multifaceted nature of community impact. Ms. Merry Green, Founder of Black Women’s Expo, has created platforms for Black women entrepreneurs and professionals to connect and thrive.
Mr. Sean B. Harden, President of the Board of Education Chicago, and Mr. Larry Huggins, CEO of Riteway-Huggins Construction Services Inc., represented the intersection of education and economic development—two critical pillars of community advancement. Congressman Danny K. Davis received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Faith-based leadership was prominently featured through Dr. Angela Martin, Founder and CEO of Angela Martin Ministries Inc., and Apostle Dr. Bridget Outlaw, Founder of Global Alliance Kingdom International Network Ministries. Their inclusion highlighted the integral role that faith communities play in social justice and community support.
Ms. Lisa Rollins, Regional Development Director for Chicago’s United Negro College Fund (UNCF), brought attention to the critical importance of educational access and scholarship funding for African American students. Ms. Marion Shuck, Executive Vice President of Governmental Relations and External Affairs at Gift of Hope, rounded out the honorees, representing the nonprofit sector’s vital work in organ and tissue donation advocacy.
A Program Rich in Worship and Recognition
The event’s program seamlessly wove together worship, recognition, and community building. Powerhouse Chicago, under the direction of Archbishop William D. Hudson III, provided musical selections that uplifted and energized attendees. The Praise Dance Ministry, led by Shekinah Walton with Apostle Dennis Walton from Faith Temple of Christ in Merrillville, Indiana, added a dimension of artistic worship to the proceedings.
Evangelist Crystal Hudson-Jones delivered the welcome, while Dr. Angela Martin served as Mistress of Ceremonies, guiding attendees through a program that included gift giveaways, offerings, and an altar call with benediction led by Rev. Dr. James M. Moody Sr., Presiding Elder of the Chicago North District of the AME Church.
Events like the Signatures of Prolific Women breakfast serve multiple purposes beyond simple recognition. They remind communities of the often-overlooked contributions women make daily to civic life, business development, education, and faith communities.
