Marwen Receives “Community Impact” Egretha Award

On Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the Chicago Cultural Center, Marwen received an Egretha Award from AWBC Magazine for “Community Impact.” Akilah Halley, Executive Director, accepted the award on behalf of the organization and shared an inspiring speech about community and our commitment to Chicago’s young people.

“I am 1 of more than 16,000 [Marwen] alumni who honed their skills and are charting their paths in many ways across Chicago, the country, and the world. As the African proverb says ‘If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Let’s get up and go far.” – Akilah Halley

The annual Egretha Awards is a prestigious celebration focused on the accomplishments of African Americans. The presenter, AWBC Magazine, has always taken the position that information sharing and access to individuals with a high level of experience and expertise are the necessary tools for advancement. The 2026 awardees exemplify their commitment to the advancement of the African American community, time and time again, by virtue of their commitments and contributions, which have fueled initiatives and created opportunities across the globe.

The primary focus of this 19-year-old event is to honor the achievements of outstanding individuals and organizations who have overcome challenges and adversities in order to become successful role models. The “Egrethas” reflect the power of Service, which is their mission, and the strength of commitment, as demonstrated by their personal and professional accomplishments.

“[Marwen] prioritizes young people from marginalized communities, and we prioritize families who experience financial barriers of access to arts education. Equity is at our core. Young people are seen, valued, heard, supported, and celebrated. They learn, imagine, grow, dream, find belonging, and paths for their futures. This is so important for marginalized youth of color, because many spaces are the opposite.” – Akilah Halley

State Senator Lakesia Collins, who was a guest speaker and fellow Egretha awardee, shared that “This evening is really about every Black woman who has sacrificed and paved the way so we can stand where we are today. The women we are recognizing tonight are modern-day architects of community, they are the nurturers, the educators, the entrepreneurs, and the healers.” 

About The Egretha Award

The Egretha Award was created in honor of Mrs. Egretha Hamilton, an African American Woman, born into a hard working family that believed in the need for education, community service, and the ability of women of color to reach great heights. Egretha pursued a career in nursing, which led to her extensive community and philanthropic work within the African American Community. This award is presented annually to women who have demonstrated through their work and public persona the success and dedication, to which African American Women throughout the world aspire. The recipients serve as visible role models, of that which we are capable of, with hard work and a positive spirit of sisterhood.

2026 Egreatha Awardees

Tanya Adams, Sr. VP WSP USA

Malishia Bansa, Deputy Dir. of Community Outreach Boards and Commissions – HFS

Dr. Kimbra Bell, Dir. Northwestern Medicine, Bronzeville Center

Alicia Bunton, Asst.VP Community Affairs – Illinois Tech

Jamelia Hand, CEO Vantage Clinical

Tracye Mingo, Regional VP – Tech Operations and Network Maintenance

Nina Parker, Fashion Designer

Mary Person, Sr.VP Clayco Co.

Alecsandria Lifschultz, CEO/Founder of The Unshaken Leadership Co.

Wangechi Mutu, International Artist

Rev. Dr. Stacey Edwards-Dunn, Trinity United Church of Christ

Melanie Fernando, President/CEO Aetna Better Health Illinois

LeeAnn Trotter, Journalist

Cultural Icon Award, Musician Buddy Guy

Man of the Year Award, Congressman Danny K. Davis

Community Impact Award, Marwen / Akilah Halley

Photo slideshow: 1) Marwen staff and board: John Lyons, Kennon Reinard, Akilah Halley, Jennifer Johnson, Victoria Timpo, Juliette Buford, Antonio Garcia; 2) Akilah Halley, Congressman Danny K Davis; 3) Alecsandria Lifschultz, Yvonne Killebrew, Akilah Halley; 4) 2026 Egretha Awards Ceremony, Chicago Cultural Center; 5) Dr Airies Davis, Akilah Halley, Juliette Buford; 6) Egretha Award past and current recipients, AWBC founder Yvonne Killbrew; 7) Lisha Scott (NBC), Akilah Halley (Marwen), Dr Airies Davis