Chicago Shows Us Who’s BOSS

Datresia Pitts Esq., BOSS Founder Cameka Smith, and Honoree Attorney & Democratic Fundraiser Lori Whitticker

Last week The BOSS Network returned home for its 2nd annual “Inspired by Influencers Tour” at Chicago’s Room 43, located in the heart of the historic Bronzeville neighborhood. Welcomed by a room full of supporters seeking to inspire and be inspired, the Influencers event proved to be a total success. The evening’s festivities began with a VIP networking reception, followed by an elegant welcome from Founder Cameka Smith, sponsor acknowledgments, and presentations by charity partner, Chicago House.

A portion of the evening’s proceeds were donated directly to Chicago House: the first HIV/AIDS housing provider in the Midwest and Project BOSS, a new mentoring initiative dedicated to creating future female leaders. Honoring 13 of the most prominent professional women in Chicago, each honoree was presented with a certificate and asked to share their journey to success and what made them a BOSS.

If it is to be, it is up to me…

–words of wisdom from keynote speaker and honoree Merri Dee.

Among the 2011 honorees were Fashion Designer and Stylist, Barbara Bates; Artist, Educator, & Media Consultant, Claudette Roper; Entrepreneur and Principal of WiteGold PR, Deanna Morales; Founder of Dr. Katherine and Associates CPR Courses, Dr. Katherine Brown; Physician, Sexologist, and Media Expert, Dr. Rachael Ross; Entrepreneur and Holistic Health Expert, Karyn Calabrese; President, Chicago Teachers Union, Karen Lewis; Co-founders of The Red Pump Project, Karyn Watkins and Lovette Ajayi; Attorney and Democratic Fundraiser, Lora Whitticker; Founder of A-Line Style Services, Tamika Martell, and Author and Feminista, Zondra Hughes.

The evening’s honorary hosts were blog talk radio personalities Kem Davis and Shara Danielle Harris, host of the Kem and Shara Show. Closing the evening was a moving speech from keynote speaker and Chicago Broadcast Legend, Merri Dee and words of appreciation from BOSS Network’s founder. To learn more about the BOSS Network Influencers tour click here.