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Black Law Students Association at DePaul University in Chicago, IL represents a cornerstone student organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the experiences of Black law students within the university community. This student-led organization creates a welcoming environment where members can build lasting friendships, share experiences, and support one another through the rigorous demands of legal education. Located at DePaul University's Chicago campus, the association serves as a vital resource for students seeking community, mentorship, and a sense of belonging within the law school.
The organization's mission centers on fostering connection and engagement among Black law students while contributing to a more inclusive and equitable legal profession. Members participate in curated events and activities designed to celebrate their identities, explore critical issues affecting their communities, and develop professionally in supportive spaces. Through participation in DePaul's campus engagement platform, the association maintains an active presence in university life and ensures that members remain connected to organizational activities and opportunities.
Serving the Chicago, Illinois area and the broader DePaul community, this student organization reflects the university's dedication to creating diverse, supportive campus environments. The association empowers its members to excel academically and professionally while building networks that will sustain them throughout their legal careers. By fostering meaningful relationships and providing spaces for authentic engagement, the Black Law Students Association contributes significantly to the overall well-being and success of its members within DePaul's law school community.
Chicago-Kent's Black Law Students Association represents a cornerstone student organization at the Illinois Institute of Technology's College of Law, located in Chicago, IL. This student-led group is dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive community for Black law students pursuing their legal education and professional aspirations in one of America's most prominent legal markets.
Founded on principles of solidarity, mentorship, and mutual advancement, the association brings together students who share a commitment to excellence and community service. Members engage in meaningful conversations about diversity in the legal profession, participate in professional development activities, and build lasting relationships that extend beyond their time at Chicago-Kent.
As part of Chicago-Kent's broader student organization landscape, which includes prestigious law journals and academic publications, the Black Law Students Association contributes to the institution's culture of intellectual rigor and social responsibility. The organization recognizes the unique experiences and perspectives that Black law students bring to legal education and the profession.
Operating within Chicago's dynamic legal environment, the association connects students with mentors, career opportunities, and community partnerships that advance their personal and professional growth. Through collaborative programming and active engagement with Chicago-Kent's student community, members develop the skills, networks, and confidence necessary to make meaningful contributions to the legal field and their communities. The organization's transition to the new 312 Community Hubs platform reflects its commitment to evolving with student needs while maintaining its foundational mission of supporting Black law students' success.
The Black Law Students Association at Loyola University Chicago represents a vital community within the School of Law, dedicated to creating pathways for African-American legal professionals and advancing social justice. This student-led organization serves the Chicago, IL area with a mission rooted in national purpose: increasing African-American representation in the judiciary and legal profession while championing issues of critical importance to African-American communities.
At its core, BLSA embodies the legacy of civil rights advocacy, particularly honoring the pioneering work of Donald L. Hollowell, a 1951 Loyola alumnus who became one of the Civil Rights Movement's most influential attorneys. This historical connection shapes the organization's commitment to excellence and social responsibility. BLSA members work collaboratively to build a supportive community where African-American law students thrive academically and professionally.
The organization fosters meaningful relationships between current students and African-American legal professionals through structured mentorship and networking activities. BLSA recognizes that success in law requires both academic achievement and professional connections, and the organization deliberately creates spaces where these connections flourish. Members benefit from exposure to diverse legal careers and practice areas through guest speakers, panel discussions, and professional events.
Under the guidance of Faculty Advisor Neil Williams, BLSA cultivates a culture of mutual support and shared purpose. The organization's programming—from the Race and the Law Symposium to the annual distinguished service award ceremony—reflects a commitment to intellectual rigor, professional development, and community impact. BLSA members attending the Welcome Picnic and alumni brunch represent a connected network spanning generations, united by their dedication to advancing African-American excellence in law and service to their communities.
Founded in 1941, the Dearborn Realtist Board represents the oldest African American real estate trade association in the nation, serving Chicago, Illinois with a legacy of community-centered advocacy and economic empowerment. The organization takes its name from the historic Dearborn neighborhood where African Americans established their community and where the board's founding presidents established their offices, creating a deep connection to the city's real estate history.
The Dearborn Realtist Board embodies the philosophy of 'Democracy in Housing,' working at the forefront of economic development within the African American community. The organization operates on three core pillars—educate, empower, and elevate—that shape every initiative and program. This commitment extends beyond professional development to address the broader community's need for expanded understanding and realization of housing and economic opportunities in real property.
As a professional real estate organization with diverse membership spanning multiple disciplines, the board serves as a vital connector between real estate professionals and the communities they serve throughout Chicago. The organization recognizes that its role extends beyond traditional real estate brokerage to encompass comprehensive community development and opportunity creation. Through events, partnerships, and member engagement, the Dearborn Realtist Board continues its mission of promoting equitable housing access and economic advancement for all people in the Chicago region.
Based in Chicago, IL, the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. Chicago Chapter is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to closing opportunity gaps for black professionals in accounting, finance, and related business professions. At its core, NABA's mission centers on developing, encouraging, and empowering African-Americans and other minorities to achieve success and leadership in the accounting and finance industries. The Chicago Chapter operates as part of a nationwide professional association with deep roots in community service and professional advancement, fostering meaningful relationships among members while creating tangible pathways into business leadership at every level. Members benefit from collaborative communities where professionals with similar interests and experiences connect, learn, and elevate industry standards together. The organization goes beyond traditional networking by offering discussion forums where members ask questions, share expertise, and build a supportive professional ecosystem. Through initiatives like the Accelerated Career Awareness Program, the Chicago Chapter extends its commitment beyond its membership to inspire the next generation of diverse business leaders. Rooted in the principle that we rise together, the Chicago Chapter embodies NABA's commitment to service, connection, and creating lasting impact both within the profession and throughout the broader community.
Founded in June 2020 in Illinois, the National Society of Black Certified Public Accountants, Inc. has established itself as the premier go-to resource for Black CPAs nationwide, with its headquarters serving the Chicago, IL community. The organization was created with a clear and purposeful mission: to increase the number of Black CPAs by providing the most relevant knowledge, resources, and advocacy while promoting cultural competence, diversity, and inclusion throughout the accounting profession. Recognizing that Black CPAs are drastically underrepresented in the field—comprising less than 1% of all CPAs in the United States—the NSBCPA works to dismantle barriers and create pathways for Black professionals to succeed in accounting. The organization functions as both a supportive community and a powerful advocate, bringing together Black CPAs, students, and allies who share a commitment to professional excellence and systemic change within the accounting industry. Based in Chicago, the NSBCPA has quickly become an invaluable network for members seeking mentorship, professional development, and meaningful connections with others who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing Black accountants. The organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond individual members to influence the broader profession, encouraging firms and institutions to embrace cultural competence and build more representative teams. For Black CPAs and accounting professionals in Chicago and beyond, the NSBCPA represents both a welcoming community and a catalyst for positive change in the accounting field.
Founded in 1911, the Cook County Physicians Association represents over a century of dedicated service to the Chicago, IL community and stands as a proud local chapter of the National Medical Association. CCPA was established with a clear and enduring mission: to address the racial, political, and economic barriers that impact healthcare delivery and medical education, particularly for African Americans. This foundational commitment continues to guide the organization's work today, making it a vital institution in the Chicagoland medical landscape.
At its core, CCPA recognizes that healthcare excellence must be rooted in community understanding and cultural competency. The organization describes itself as "the heartbeat of healthcare excellence tailored to our community's needs," bridging the gap between medical care and cultural awareness to ensure equitable access and healthier futures. With 147 active members and a track record of awarding 120 scholarships, CCPA demonstrates tangible impact in supporting aspiring African American physicians and strengthening healthcare within communities of African American descent.
The Cook County Physicians Association serves as more than a professional organization—it's a community institution committed to systemic change. Through annual events, mentorship programs, and collaborative initiatives with the National Medical Association's Region IV, CCPA works to increase physician diversity, improve healthcare outcomes, and empower the next generation of medical professionals. The organization invites physicians and healthcare advocates in Chicago to join in this important work of building a healthier, more equitable future.
Founded in 1914 by a bold group of Black attorneys in Chicago, IL, the Cook County Bar Association represents a legacy of courage, justice, and unwavering commitment to equality. The organization's roots trace back to 1896, when 32 Black lawyers began meeting informally to challenge discrimination and advocate for civil rights—long before the formal establishment of the CCBA. Throughout its history, the association has stood at the forefront of critical moments in Chicago's legal landscape, including defending Black residents during the 1919 race riots and initiating civil lawsuits for damages against unlawful arrests. Today, the Cook County Bar Association continues this proud tradition by serving as a catalyst for justice within the Chicago, IL community and beyond. The organization partners with renowned civil rights groups including Rainbow PUSH and the NAACP, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the legal and civic rights of African-Americans. With over 100 years of service, the CCBA has cultivated a community of legal professionals united by shared values of integrity, professionalism, and social responsibility. Members gain access to meaningful relationships with accomplished legal practitioners, career guidance through mentorship programs, and professional enrichment opportunities. The association's motto, "Fiat justitia" (Let justice be done), encapsulates the enduring mission that drives every initiative and every advocate within this historic organization.
Since 1987, the Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. has been a beacon of support and advocacy for African-American women in the legal profession. Rooted in Chicago's legal community, BWLA serves as a vital resource for attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and Midwest, addressing the unique intersection of race and gender that shapes their professional experiences. The organization's mission centers on identifying and addressing issues specific to African-American women lawyers, improving the administration of justice through increased minority participation in the legal system, and advancing civil and human rights. BWLA understands that barriers still exist for African-American female lawyers despite significant achievements, and the organization has remained steadfast and uncompromising in its commitment to supporting minority practitioners facing professional challenges. By bringing together a diverse membership of accomplished legal professionals, BWLA creates meaningful connections through mentoring relationships, networking events, and collaborative initiatives that foster both personal and professional growth. The association's comprehensive educational pipeline programs and scholarship initiatives demonstrate its dedication to cultivating the next generation of African-American women lawyers. Through its recognition programs, BWLA celebrates the achievements of outstanding women attorneys and civic leaders who embody excellence and service. Operating across Chicago and the broader Midwest, BWLA has built strategic coalitions with other organizations to amplify its impact and create systemic change in the legal profession. The organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond its membership to influence positive transformation throughout the legal workplace and broader legal system.
Founded in 1876 by thirteen visionary women in Chicago, IL, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago stands as the oldest women-focused social service organization in the city, with a legacy of pioneering change and advancing racial justice for nearly 150 years. From its inception addressing the needs of single women workers during Chicago's post-fire boom, the organization evolved into a transformative force—becoming the first to racially integrate its services and board in the 1940s, earning recognition from the Chicago Mayors Commission on Human Relations. Today, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago remains deeply committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Operating as part of a national network of more than 200 YWCAs, the organization embodies core values of creativity, authenticity, respect, and excellence in everything it does. The organization's work extends across individual and systems levels, collaborating with national, state, county, and city-level coalitions to advocate for policies that positively affect women and families. Serving the diverse Chicago community with compassion and urgency, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago continues its founding mission of supporting those most vulnerable while building an inclusive marketplace where everyone thrives.
Max Elliott began her legal career after spending more than 20 years in Corporate America. After working for a boutique tax litigation firm, she launched her own small firm, which focuses on providing estate planning, estate administration and wealth preservation for contemporary families. The firm's clients are typically women who are heads of household, women professionals, and members of the LGBT community. Taking lessons from the transformation of Corporate America and the burgeoning world of technology, The Law Offices of Max Elliott uses technology to provide clients with more efficient legal services delivery but works with clients in a collaborative and more transparent way than many of today’s traditionally-based firms.
