The Chicago Sky Foundation recently held an event focused on supporting women-led small businesses in the city. The gathering brought together women business owners and community leaders to discuss economic empowerment, with an emphasis on promoting equitable opportunities for women both within and beyond professional sports.
Awvee Storey, executive director for the Chicago Sky and a former NBA player and WNBA coach, spoke about the foundation's commitment since he assumed leadership nearly a year ago. “These ladies humble the hell out of me, and understanding the importance of what they do on the court and what you do in the community,” Storey said. He outlined the foundation’s main priorities: economic development, health and wellness, youth education, and women’s empowerment.
Jasmine Minor, ABC News anchor who moderated the event, addressed attendees by highlighting their impact in Chicago. She told them they “make up the fabric of the city.” Minor encouraged participants to recognize their own achievements by leading a group affirmation: “I am proud of me.”
The panel featured Anna Valencia, Nicole Lee, and Melissa Conyears-Ervin—three local officials who have each achieved historic milestones in public service. Valencia serves as City Clerk, Lee is the first Chinese-American woman to serve as 11th District Alderman, and Conyears-Ervin is Chicago’s City Treasurer. Each shared insights from their careers about breaking barriers in government.
Valencia described her inspiration to enter public service during Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign but noted that she saw few women represented at higher levels of politics. “I saw less and less women in the room. I said, ‘That has to stop,’” she told attendees.
Conyears-Ervin discussed how her upbringing shaped her approach to leadership. Raised by a single mother in Englewood and Westside neighborhoods, she said her motivation stems from serving others: “We don’t know the energy that we feed off of one another, because we’re all going through the same thing,” Conyears-Ervin said. “What motivates me is you. My adoration for women is through the ceiling, because I know each and every day what you go through.”
The event underscored ongoing efforts by local organizations to support diverse women entrepreneurs across Chicago.