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THURSDAYJULY 27, 2023SPONSORED BY
2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORSBESLA 2023 OFFICERSLERON E. ROGERS, ESQ.ChairmanCHIQUITA WOOLFOLK BANKS, ESQ.President ANGELA Y. BALL, ESQ.Vice PresidentVANYA G. ALLEN, ESQ. Treasurer ADRIENNE WILLIAMS, ESQ.Secretary AZIZA BOWSER, ESQ.TONY BRACKETT, ESQ.BRIAN K. BROUGHTON, ESQ.WENDY CREDLE, ESQ. INGA DYER, ESQ. NYASHA FOY, ESQ. LAWRENCE C. HINKLE II, ESQ.ALLISON HOBBS, ESQ.DARRICK J. HOOKER, ESQ.JAKGEEM MAYS, ESQ.CLARENCE A. NESBITT, ESQ.ENDI PIPER, ESQ.LITA T. ROSARIO, ESQ. KHADAH SHARIF-DRINKARD, ESQ.DARRELL THOMPSON, ESQ.JOSEPH K. WEST, ESQ.MARJORIE WILLIAMS, ESQ.
HENDERSON BANKSHenderson Banks LawWALTER DALEWalter R Dale & Assoc., PCYOSHI HAYNIEKirkland & Ellis LLPDARRICK HOOKERBarnes and Thornburg LLPKIMBERLEE JONESGolan Christie Taglia LLPDEMETRIUS McCLOUDKirkland & Ellis LLPSHAMEEKA QUALLOWashington SpiritCHYNNIQUE ROSSEccleston Law LLCESTHER SANDLINDinsmore & Shohl LLP MAACAH SCOTT Chicago White SoxKEVIN SLAUGHTER Levenfeld Pearlstein LLCKERIANNE STRACHANFitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery LLPVOLUNTEERS2023 PLANNING COMMITTEEARIANNA GRIFFINAVERY BOLDEN CORINTHIA HICKSDEVANTE D. JOHNSONDI’VINE DAVENPORTFRANK BREFOGUYLIANA PLANTAINHEAVENLY AGUILARJADA NNEJIJONATHAN EMMANUELKEVOHN MCMAHONKEISHA ANN LOPESMACEO DILLARDMARSHALL WALKERNATASHA BROWNSPENCER JACKSON STELLA MCMILLANSUWA ABURIMETHURMAN FOREMANTROY EDWARDSWILL IRVIN
ORDER OF EVENTSVIP Reception Performances | Ron Gilbert (Violinist), Taylor Iman (Singer), and Angelica London (Artist)Networking Reception Live Band Performance | Revelation Music Silent AuctionWelcome, Event Overview, & Statement by Merrill LynchPanel | LEGACY BUILDERS: CREATING A LEGACY OF GENERATIONAL WEALTH Panelists: Jennifer Norton (Moderator), Marisa Bozovic, Gary Harris, John Rogers, Jr., and Antoine Walker Awards Presentation Corporate Excellence Award Presented to Ariel Investments Corporate Trailblazer Award Presented to BMW North America BMW Ultimate Achiever Award ScholarshipsCall for DonationsAnnouncement of Actors Workshop WinnerClosing Remarks Performance | Peter Collins Reception | DJ Joe Kollege
This panel will provide a dynamic discussion and interactive Q&A session with a distinguished group of inuential leaders in various elds, including nancial experts, attorneys, entertainers, and athletes. With their exceptional talents, visibility, and nancial success, they possess the power to shape culture, challenge norms, and inspire others. Drawing from their lived experiences, successes, and challenges, each panelist will offer their own valuable unique perspective and insight into how they effectively utilized their platform to build generational wealth in the black community. LEGACY BUILDERS:CREATING A LEGACY OF GENERATIONAL WEALTHThey will also offer practical strategies and innovative approaches to strategic investments, nancial literacy, asset protection, and other best practices to inspire and guide attendees toward nancial empowerment and legacy building.
Who am I? Simply put–I am a passionate, outgoing, dedicated, caring, god-fearing woman that LOVES estate planning.Although my educational background does not even begin to scratch the surface of who I am, my values, or the passion I possess for estate planning, the milestones I’ve outlined below are what allow me to share my practice with present and future clients.I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. I am a proud 2001 graduate of Cathedral High School, a school that prides itself on academic excellence, faith, and service. With this foundation, I then attended Indiana University-Bloomington to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.From there, I entered the Maurer School of Law (formerly Indiana University School of Law- Bloomington). Since graduating in 2008, I have conned my practice to the area of estate planning. In 2009, I became a member of the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys (NNEPA), uncovered my passion, and gained substantive legal training in estate and tax planning. I worked for the CEO for 4.5 years and then started my own practice. I have ran my own practice since 2013.My practice is concentrated on providing fully-funded trust-based estate plans (currently servicing over 350 client families); however, we are a full service estate planning rm, providing Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney (Health & Financial), Living Wills, Guardianship/Conservatorship assistance, Probate Administration and strategic Medicaid Qualication.As a member of the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, I have developed relationships with leading authorities in the estate planning eld. Experiencing this organization’s unique collegiality has called me to join in their mission of “Changing the Way America Plans, For the Better.”I am currently the Vice President of Trust & Estates Section of the National Bar Association, and the President of Marion County’s Citizen Police Complaint Board. I also serve on a number of non-for-prot boards that service the community and State of Indiana.JENNIFER NORTON (MODERATOR) Founder | Norton Estate Planning | Elder Law Firm, LLC
As a Certied Financial Planner® professional and Retirement Income Certied Professional®, I provide comprehensive wealth management strategies that will help you accumulate and protect your wealth and manage and distribute it during retirement. Focused on the Unique Needs of Medical Professionals, Senior Executives and Business Partners Working with hundreds of medical professionals, primarily surgeons and fellows, in both private practice and academia, I have developed a deep understanding of their unique nancial considerations. Their intellect, attentiveness and empathy are always evident. However, their expertise lies in the physical well-being of their patients. They look to me for guidance in their nancial well-being. For time-pressed senior executives and business partners, complex compensation and benet plans create distinct opportunities and challenges. They look to me for direction in bringing together their life of professional achievement and personal aspirations.MARISA BOZOVIC Wealth Management Advisor, CFP®, RICP®, ChFC®, CLU® | Bozovic Wealth Management Group
JOHN ROGERS, JR. Chairman, Co-CEO | Chief Investment Ocer | Ariel InvestmentsJohn’s passion for investing began at age 12 when his father started buying him stocks as Christmas and birthday gifts. His interest in equities grew while in college and over the two-and-a-half years after graduation he worked as a stockbroker at William Blair & Company. In 1983, John founded Ariel to invest in undervalued small-and medium-sized companies. While our research capabilities have since expanded, his patient approach still anchors the rm today.He received an AB in economics from Princeton University, where he was also captain of the varsity basketball team. John is active civically and professionally based on his belief that these engagements make him a better leader and a better investor. Beyond Ariel, he is a member of the board of directors of NIKE, The New York Times Company, Ryan Specialty Group Holdings and the Obama Foundation, and was a board member of McDonald’s for over 20 years. John also serves as Vice Chair of the board of trustees of The University of Chicago.
ANTOINE WALKER Co- Founder of M3 | Retired NBA PlayerWith his winning spirit and the heart of a champion, Antoine Walker has inspired people around the world sharing his story of trials, tribulations, and success. As a professional athlete, Antoine’s career highlights include accolades, such as NCAA Champion (Kentucky Wildcats 1996), All Rookie NBA First Team (1996-1997), 3-time NBA All Star (1998, 2002, 2003), Boston Celtics Team Captain, and NBA Champion (Miami Heat 2006). Antoine’s mission is to help educate young adults and athletes on the importance of nancial literacy on the court. He is a featured speaker for the NBA Rookie Transition Program which consists of seminars on topics, including nances, drugs, time management, and media training. Antoine’s dedication to education also extends outside the paint through his roles as a media personality, philanthropist, public speaker, and consultant for Morgan Stanley Global Sports and Entertainment, a division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the unique and sophisticated needs of professional athletes and entertainers. As a consultant, Antoine has visited over 60 universities, 8 NFL teams and 8 NBA teams each year to deliver a comprehensive nancial educational program that begins with a short clip from his documentary, “Gone in an Instant.” Antoine embraces the opportunity to use his vast knowledge of sports on several national programs, including Fox Sports Network’s “First Things First”, ESPN Radio’s “The Locker Room”, ESPN’s SEC Network, and the Chicago Podcast “Southside Heat”.
GARY A. HARRIS Investment Advisor Representative | (IAR), CEO, GH | Private Wealth Management, Inc.Gary Harris is Founder and CEO of GH Private Wealth Management, Inc. GH Private Wealth Management, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and one of only a handful owned by an African American in the U.S. His rm has curated relationships with some of the most prestigious institutions in the country including:• The Charles Schwab Corporation, an American multinational nancial services company. It offers banking, commercial banking, investing and related services including consulting, and wealth management advisory services to both retail and institutional clients. Schwab serves as the custodian for GHPWM client assets.• Dimensional Fund Advisors, with over $800 billion in assets under management, which serves as their portfolio managers.• Western and Southern Life Insurance Co., a $77 billion-dollar Fortune 500 Insurance Company and the highest Comdex rated company in the country, which provides insurance products for their clients. Prior to starting GH Private Wealth Management Inc., Gary served as an Arbitrageur for the Strategic Opportunities Hedge Fund and as a Proprietary Trader for a Chicago based brokerage rm. While at the Strategic Opportunity Hedge Fund Gary was solely responsible for doubling prots the rst year by expanding the spectrum of stocks traded. As a Proprietary Trader, he increased prots by negotiating lower interest on borrowed securities. Gary’s experience extends beyond nancial markets, as an insurance producer he is a top producer as well. As a Mass Mutual Insurance Agent, he was the #1 producer in the Midwest. In 2015, he was simultaneously the #1 producer in the Midwest for both Penn Mutual and Assurity Life. Nationally, he was the #7 and the #5 producer for each respectively. In 2018 & 2020 out of the thousands of producers with Western & Southern, Gary became the only African American to qualify for their highest honors of both Joint Chiefs of Staff and The President’s Circle. Furthermore, in 2020 he was the no.5 producer in America for Western & Southern. Gary considers this work his “calling” and there are few in his eld as dedicated as he is to teaching and sharing their nancial acumen with those who have not historically had access to this information.With over two decades of experience as a nancial professional, he has worked with a wide range of public and private sector organizations within the United States.
2023 BESLA CHICAGO ACTORS WORKSHOPThis year, we conducted the 2nd annual BESLA Chicago Actors Workshop in connection with our Chicago regional event. This program provided emerging actors the opportunity to attend a masterclass taught by celebrity/acting coach Jossie Harris. Twelve actors were selected to perform material in front of a panel of industry judges, Michelle Hayes, Tina Fakhrid, Dan Adams, and Jossie Harris. The winner will be announced during this event and will receive three months of free acting classes. This program was created and produced by Dan Adams, 2021 BESLA lm festival nalist. Thank you to the organizers, judges, and participants.TINA FAKHRIDJudgeJOSSIE HARRISWorkshop Instructor | JudgeDAN ADAMSCreatorMICHELLE HAYESJudge
MICHELLE HAYESOwner Of Hayes Talent AgencyMICHELLE HAYES is a graduate of Hampton University who earned her MBA from National Louis University. The Chicago native is the owner of Hayes Talent Agency. Hayes made history as the only African African woman to have three SAG Franchised agencies in Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles. From the beginning, Hayes’ focus has been showcasing the vast talent Chicago has to offer. Many of her clients have booked roles on shows such as The Chi, Power, Empire, Insecure, Chicago PD, just to name a few. Most recently, her company’s stock rose to fame when she booked a series regular and 8 recurring roles on Power IV: Force starring Joseph Sikora. Hayes is also extremely proud of having several clients that have recurring roles on Showtimes “The Chi.”Michelle has been featured in several media outlets and publications and has received awards for being a pioneer in the entertainment industry. She has been featured on ABC, FOX and TV One as a change agent. Michelle attributes her success to her faith in God and feels her calling is to empower future generations.
TINA FAKHRID-DEENPlaywright | Author | ProfessorJudgeTINA FAKHRID-DEEN is a playwright, author, and professor. She is the author of Let’s Get This Straight: The Ultimate Handbook for Youth with LGBTQ Parents. Her play, Powerless Gods, was developed and produced at Oakton Community College. Powerless Gods was a semi-nalist for the Bay Area Playwriting Festival (2019) and O’Neill Playwriting Conference (2016/2018). Tina’s play, Dandelions, was commissioned for Theatre on the Lake - In the Works, and received a developmental production as part of their 2020 season. Her play, Pulled Punches, was developed through the Women’s Theatre Alliance of Chicago in 2019 and the Ma’at Production Association of African Centered Theatre (MPAACT). In April 2022, the world premiere of Pulled Punches was produced by MPAACT at the Greenhouse Theater. In 2021, Tina wrote and directed her rst children’s podcast play, Sankofa: A Journey into Bronzeville’s Poppin’ Past for the Chicago Children’s Theatre and the Chicago Park District. IN 2021, she was also commissioned to write a short play, Snow Black, for Rivendell Theater’s 8:46 Breathing Room Festival. Tina is a 2020 MacDowell Fellow, 2018 Kimbilio Fellow, and VONA Fellow in Fiction and Playwriting (2011/2017). She is also the recipient of Oakton Community College’s 2018 Ray Hartstein Award for Outstanding Professional Excellence in Teaching, where she teaches writing and literature. Tina’s essays, cultural commentary, and poetry have been published in anthologies and media outlets such as Without A Net: The Female Experience of Growing Up Working Class, Sometimes Rhythm, Sometimes Blues: Young African-Americans on Love, Relationships, Sex, and the Search for Mr. Right, Homegirls Make Some Noise: Hip-Hop Feminism Anthology, Families Like Mine: Children of Gay Parents Tell It Like It Is, Jet Magazine, Tidal Basin Review, Scott Foresman, The Root, NPR: Eight-Forty-Eight, News One/Amtrak, and The Laura Berman Show on Oprah Radio.
JOSSIE HARRISWorkshop Instructor | JudgeCOACH JOSSIE’S passion for teaching is undeniable. With over 15 years of experience as a premier acting coach to the stars is what sets Coach Jossie apart in her industry is 25+ years as an award-winning actress. Currently, Jossie is acting coach for Marsai Martin and Norman Vance’s new Disney series “Saturdays”. Norman Vance created “Girlfriends” and “Roll Bounce” and many other of our well known tv series and movies. She was also on set acting coach for Lebron James new movie. Jossie is currently a member of the Black Perspectives Program and works with their CineYouth Film Festival. Jossie is also Co-Director of the Cultural Arts Center at Victory Apostolic Church. Jossie’s passion is teaching. Known as a professional acting coach to the stars, Jossie has her own, “Respect for Acting Academy” for adults and “Kids W.A.Y. (Who Are You?) Acting Academy”, which was inspired by one of her sons who lacked self-condence. Born in Harlem, New York, former, In Living Color, “Fly Girl”, Jossie Harris Thacker, began her career as a dancer. Jossie’s motto is: Hard WORK + Immovable FAITH = Dreams ACTUALIZED.
DAN ADAMSScreenplay Writer | DirectorDAN ADAMS is an award winning screenplay writer & director. He was born and raised in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey and is 1 of 9 children. He sharpened his creative skills while working for Atlantic Record’s video production & promotions department. After transitioning from the music industry to the movie industry in 2006, Adams started his own production company, Dan Adams Films, LLC. Adams has directed short lms, docuseries, documentaries, web series, music videos and several industrial projects. In 2021 Adams wrote and directed a short lm entitled, Should I Stay or Should I Go. This family drama revolves around 3 siblings and their dying father who desires to be euthanized. The lm is currently enjoying a successful lm festival run and has been screened both domestically and internationally. In 2019, Adams made Mama Don’t Make Me, an urban crime drama that tackles the social issue of parents who force their children to help them commit crimes. This short was streamed on Amazon Prime and YouTube with over 43 thousands views. In 2018, wrote and directed a short lm entitled A Woman of His Own, an urban spin on a classic Twilight Zone Episode. Adams inuences include Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino and Sylvester Stallone. He said, “Those types of directors really put their all into what goes on in front of the camera, but also behind the camera.” Adams holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts from New Jersey City University(2010) and an Associate Degree in Music Business from The Art Institute of Philadelphia(1998).
2023 BESLA CHICAGO TALENTPeter Collins effortlessly melds R&B, Gospel, Folk and Jazz with a sincerity and tenderness that will take your breath away. Every note he sings tells a story as he masterfully weaves through soulful melodies. Collins is a supremely talented improviser with amazing musical instincts, making every performance unique. Peter’s voice is clear, sultry, and soulful. He possesses such a masterful command with his voice that he’ll have you singing along; and his guitar playing is remarkable in its own right. This rare, intimate acoustic performance is not to be missed!PETER COLLINSSINGER, SONGWRITER AND MUSICIANFEATURED PERFORMER
Angelica London is a mixed media artist based in Chicago, Illinois. She focuses on the beauty she observes among people of the African diaspora. As a former elementary school art teacher on the Southside of Chicago, she was very much inspired by her students. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Angelica has showcased her work in galleries among numerous notable Chicago artists and has been sought after by non-prot organizations for her skills in live painting. Her most recent accomplishments include showcasing during Art Basel Miami 2019 at Spectrum and an artist residency at Wndr Museum in Chicago (2019). The ultimate goal Angelica has for her work is to aid is improving the self esteem of the Black community. She aspires to create positive images that inspire self-love and showcase Black women and children in a regal manner.ANGELICA LONDONPainter/Mixed Media Artist2023 BESLA CHICAGO TALENT
With over 25 years in the business, Chicago native DJ Joe Kollege is known for being more than someone that spins records or ‘gets the party started’. On deck, he becomes the voice of the people; someone that ignites souls and paves the road to a listener’s fondest memories with unmatched selections of soul, house and hip-hop. Joe Kollege has played for such media giants as Essence and Uptown Magazines, Hidden Beach Recordings, and opened for artists such as The Roots, PJ Morton, Al B. Sure!, Rueben Studdard, Special Ed, KRS ONE, Robin Thicke, Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick. he has performed in front of thousands at TD Jakes’ “Woman Thou Art Loosed” conference and ONE Musicfest in Atlanta, GA. 2023 BESLA CHICAGO TALENTDJ JOE KOLLEGEIn addition, he has shared the turntables with Hip Hop Legends, Grandmaster Flash, Jazzy Jeff, Kid Capri, Questlove, Biz Markie and D-Nice. He has also opened for former President Bill Clinton and Hip Hop artist/actor Common. Joe Kollege has added ‘International DJ’ to his resumé, playing events in Montego Bay, Jamaica and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Founded in 2019, Revelation Music has been a dynamic new energy in the Chicago live music scene. In a short span of time, they have secured a residency at one of Chicago’s premier live music venues. Additionally they have graced many stages at several popular Chicago nightclubs and music venues. Revelation Music also provides live entertainment of private events such as corporate events, birthdays and weddings. The band specializes in cover music in the genres of R&B/Soul, Hip Hop, Pop, Rock and Top 40 hits. Revelation Music looks forward to providing the soundtrack for your next event!2023 BESLA CHICAGO TALENT
RON GILBERTVIOLINISTRon Gilbert has been playing the violin for 13 years and have extensive experience as an orchestral violinist, soloist, and with small ensembles. I’ve performed in several events including college graduations, weddings, intimate dates, parties etc. One of my favorite experiences in Chicago is playing violin with The Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra – an orchestra primarily comprised of lawyers, judges, and law students.2023 BESLA CHICAGO TALENT
Hailing from Gary, Indiana, Taylor Iman is sure to make a mark on the world of Arts & Entertainment. Her career began in high school, performing in local theatre productions. Thanks to her time at Disney Dreamers Academy as both an alumnus and ambassador, she believes in the importance of dreaming big. Iman has graced stages from LA to Africa. She’s even performed at the Manhattan home of CNN journalist Soledad O’Brien, Essence Fest, The Apollo Theatre, and more. This singer, writer, and actress has been seen on The Chi, Empire, PBS specials, Nike commercials, The Steve Harvey Show, The Wiz, and Les Misérables, just to name a few. 2023 BESLA CHICAGO TALENTTAYLOR IMANSINGER, SONGWRITERLately, she’s been in the studio songwriting and vocal arranging for amazing talents such as Amber Riley, Lukas Graham, Vic Mensa, and BJ the Chicago Kid. As she steps back into the spotlight, whether it’s on stage, on set, in the studio, or creating content with over 25K Instagram followers, Iman was born to perform. Stay tuned for album #2!
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR BOARD MEMBERS, PLANNING COMMITTEE, AND VOLUNTEERSFOR YOUR HELP IN MAKING THIS EVENT A SUCCESS.YOUR SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
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