Inaugural Luminare Awards & Scholarship Fundraiser Gala
Meet Our 2026 Luminary Award Honorees
Helen Mitchell
Helen Mitchell
Voice Award – Excellence in Civic Engagement
We are proud to recognize Helen Mitchell as a 2026 Luminary Award Honoree and recipient of the
Voice Award for Excellence in Civic Engagement.
From overcoming personal challenges to serving in Washington, D.C., Helen Mitchell has dedicated more than three decades to advocating for individuals, families, and communities whose voices too often go unheard.
As a young mother who personally experienced housing insecurity and reliance on public assistance, Helen understood firsthand the challenges families can face when navigating systems designed to provide support. Rather than allowing those experiences to define her future, she transformed them into a lifelong
commitment to advocacy and public service.
Her journey eventually led her to serve on the staff of Congressman Danny K. Davis, representing Illinois' 7th Congressional District. Through her work, Helen brought the experiences and concerns of families affected by poverty, housing insecurity, incarceration, and other systemic challenges into important policy conversations.
Her advocacy also contributed to efforts surrounding the Second Chance Act of 2007, landmark federal legislation focused on improving reentry outcomes for individuals returning to their communities following incarceration.
When Congressman Davis invited Helen to join his senior leadership team in Washington, D.C., she continued her service for nearly seven years, contributing to federal policy discussions and advocating for communities that historically had limited representation in the policymaking process.
Helen's journey is a testament to the power of turning lived experience into purpose, advocacy, and meaningful change.
She found her voice, used it to open doors, and dedicated her life to ensuring that others had the opportunity to be heard.
Melody Winston
Melody Winston
Legacy Builder Award – Economic Empowerment
We are proud to recognize Melody Winston as a 2026 Luminary Award Honoree and recipient of the
Legacy Builder Award for Economic Empowerment.
Melody Winston never set out to lead a supermarket, but when the opportunity arose in 2021, she stepped forward with vision, determination, and a
commitment to her community. Under her leadership, Living Fresh Market has become more than a place to purchase groceries. It
has grown into a source of economic opportunity,
community connection, and access for families in Forest Park and beyond.
Through her leadership, Melody has created opportunities for minority-owned businesses and vendors, while using her platform to address
food insecurity, rising food costs, and the challenges
facing families with limited access to fresh, affordable food.
Her vision extends beyond the walls of one supermarket. As she works to expand Living Fresh Market and increase access to quality food throughout the Chicago region, Melody continues to demonstrate
what it means to build with purpose and create opportunities that can
strengthen communities for generations.
Melody Winston is not simply building a business. She is building access, opportunity, community, and a legacy designed to last.
Cynthia Latimer
Cynthia Latimer
Torch Award – Excellence in Education
We are proud to recognize Cynthia Latimer as a 2026 Luminary Award Honoree and recipient of the Torch Award for Excellence in Education.
For decades, Cynthia dedicated her career to educating, advocating for, and creating opportunities for students throughout the Aurora community, particularly those who needed someone in their corner the most.
During her distinguished career with West Aurora School District 129, Cynthia served as Assistant Superintendent and Chief Officer of Special Populations, where she championed the needs of students with disabilities, students facing language barriers, and those with diverse learning needs.
Her commitment to educational equity, advocacy, and student success has left a lasting impact on countless students, families,
educators, and the broader community.
Her legacy lives on in every student whose path she helped clear and every life made brighter because she chose to lead, advocate, and serve.
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood
Sankofa Award – Excellence in Health
We are honored to recognize Congresswoman Lauren Underwood as a 2026 Luminary Award Honoree and recipient of the
Sankofa Award for Excellence in Health.
Congresswoman Underwood represents Illinois' 14th Congressional District and made history when she was sworn into Congress in 2019 as the first woman, the first person of color, and the first millennial to represent her community in Congress. A registered nurse, she has brought her background in health care and public service to her work on Capitol Hill.
Her commitment to improving maternal health has become a defining part of her congressional service. Congresswoman Underwood is the co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and has been a leading sponsor of the
Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act,
comprehensive legislation developed to address maternal health outcomes and persistent disparities, including those affecting Black mothers.
She currently serves on the House Committee on Appropriations, where her work includes federal funding priorities affecting communities
in Illinois and across the country.
A graduate of the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University, Congresswoman Underwood has built a career at the intersection of nursing, public health, public service, and policymaking. She resides in Naperville, Illinois.
The meaning of Sankofa reminds us of the importance of looking to the past, carrying forward its lessons, and using that knowledge to build a stronger future.
Through her work in health and public service, Congresswoman Underwood embodies that spirit by drawing upon knowledge, service, and the experiences of communities to help shape a healthier future for generations to come.
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"Capital & Crown —She Brings Both to the Table"
Join us on November 7, 2026, at Belle Salle Banquets in Aurora for an extraordinary evening celebrating four Black women who are building, healing, empowering, and leading our community. Ticket proceeds support NCBW-AIM's chapter programming and the Luminare Rising Stars Scholarship Fund.