At its best, excellence doesn’t announce itself with fanfare. It’s forged in the unseen moments—late nights at the office, bold leaps of faith, or quiet decisions to keep going despite every reason to quit. Each year, The Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence awards shine a light on those who embody that spirit. This year’s honorees include trailblazers who’ve turned personal trials into triumphs and who continue to reshape industries, uplift communities and inspire the next generation. Below, we highlight five powerful women—each with a story that shows us what it means to live with purpose.
Tonita Cheatham: A Two-Time Honoree and a Beacon of Resilience
Tonita Cheatham’s story isn’t linear. It weaves through hardship—losing a job after a debilitating illness—before rising into purpose. Now the executive director of community relations for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Cheatham remains driven by the power of connection and the need for accessible healthcare. She’s been honored before—once by the Michigan Chronicle—and now again, in her hometown of Chicago. For Cheatham, the road to excellence involved redefining what success looked like, getting up after each setback, and sharing her story so others know they’re not alone. “If you can get up, you can move forward,” she says. That’s a mantra—and a mission.
Link: Tonita Cheatham’s Journey of Resilience: A Two-Time Woman of Excellence Honoree
Calmetta Coleman: Rewriting the Rules and Setting Her Own Standard
For Calmetta Coleman, the lesson came early: excellence isn’t always rewarded unless you ask for it. The Chicago Urban League’s Chief Operating Officer learned that promotions don’t always follow effort—that sometimes, you have to advocate for yourself. Today, she manages the League’s programs, operations and external affairs with that same fearless energy. A former journalist, Coleman’s next chapter might be in fiction writing. But whether she’s crafting narratives or leading legacy organizations, her message remains: define your own limits, lead fearlessly, and never wait for permission to rise.
Link: Calmetta Coleman: Chicago Urban League COO Honored as a 2025 Women of Excellence…