Advancing Racial Equity In the Field of Philanthropy, Non-Profit, and Fundraising

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JOIN US FOR A DAY OF IMPACT AND CELEBRATION!

The Breakin' It Down Awards recognizes  leadership excellence in the field of nonprofit, philanthropy, and fundraising.   The purpose of the Breakin' It Down Awards program is to recognize those who are not just achieving for themselves but are lifting and paving the way for others. The 2025 Breakin' It Down  Awards will be presented on Friday, October 24 at the awards lunch, held in conjunction with the 2025 Breakin' It Down Conference at Malcolm X College.   For more information, click here.   


About the Award

The award symbolizes our hope that due recognition will inspire and ignite human potential and galvanize philanthropic and community leaders, educators, policymakers, and professionals to keep taking the steps to advance racial equity in the field.  In particular, we hope to embolden diverse community members and students to pursue careers and leadership in the field of nonprofit, philanthropy, and fundraising.

CONGRATULATIONS! 2025 BREAKIN' IT DOWN AWARDS WINNERS

We're pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Breakin' It Down Awards!  Thanks to everyone who submitted nominees for this year's awards, and please join us in celebrating the following winners: 

DENISE STENNIS AWARD - INDIVIDUAL

JASON ESTREMERA

Jason Estremera has been working in the non-profit sector for over ten years—first in Cleveland, OH, and then in Chicago, since 2019. He is a values-driven leader who, over the last five years as Executive Director, has grown the Northwest Side CDC (NWSCDC) from a referral-based agency with 4 staff members and $250K annual budget to a $1.1 million organization with a team of 14 providing direct services in three programmatic areas: business development, rental counseling, and economic and cultural place keeping. Jason has always guided NWSCDC from a community-centric point of view, often referencing back to the needs and priorities outlined in the Avenues for Growth Belmont Cragin neighborhood plan. He continually seeks feedback from the staff and the community to inform major decision-making, ensuring that everyone’s best interests are kept in mind.   Jason is committed to staff development, always seeking opportunities for his team to grow in leadership and skills. He believes in opening doors and bringing others along—whether it’s mentoring his staff or connecting peers in the nonprofit community to resources and opportunities. Jason provides further leadership in Chicago's non-profit sector as the Treasurer for the Rough House Theater Board of Directors. There, he has been providing essential fundraising guidance to the executive team at the relatively young and small non-profit. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Chicago Cares. 


DENISE STENNIS AWARD - ORGANIZATION

CHICAGO UNITED FOR EQUITY

.Chicago United for Equity (CUE) is a network of racial justice advocates working across diverse types of civic power as organizers, researchers, artists, storytellers, policymakers, lawyers, and more to redesign Chicago’s civic institutions and transform Chicagoans’ relationship to power. Since 2018, CUE has garnered national recognition for developing people-powered voter guides, participatory budgets, and community-led policymaking strategies. CUE equips leaders across various sectors with the tools to drive transformational change, ignite civic imagination, and meaningfully engage with the most impacted communities across the Chicago region. CUE, its Fellows, and its partners harness their collective power and civic love in pursuit of a Chicago that works for all of us. CUE Fellows have worked collaboratively with local community leaders to tackle citywide issues of injustice through 12 Civic Impact Projects. In each project, their work demonstrates that a new Chicago way isn't just possible—it's already happening. CUE has launched 4 Racial Equity Impact Assessment processes and is partnered with the Mayor’s Office of Racial Equity & Justice to lead Chicago’s Co-Governance initiative.  

EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS

NORMAN CLARK

Norman E. Clark, Executive Director of Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy (CAAIP), a visionary leader whose work profoundly aligns with recognizing those who drive significant change, especially for under-recognized communities and leaders of color.  Norman's dedication to systemic change for equitable living conditions in Black communities is paramount. As principal of 3CEEEs Consulting Strategies, and through CAAIP, he champions racial equity in philanthropy, promoting Black leadership and directing investments to Black communities in Chicago. His unique strength lies in his uncanny ability to connect with and support non-profit leaders of color, offering invaluable coaching and mentorship.  With over 20 years of experience spanning luxury retail and non-profit sectors, Norman's expertise is broad and deep. His adaptability and skill make him exceptionally adept at fundraising, consistently securing vital resources for organizations. His rigorous training includes a certificate in Results Based Accountability (RBA) from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, making him exceptionally strong at strategic planning for both non-profit and philanthropic organizations.  Norman's impact is tangible. He led youth-centered systems change at Thrive Chicago, creating meaningful career pathways for young people. His work consistently empowers vulnerable communities, driven by his unwavering commitment to a more just Chicago.

PRINCE JIMMAR

Prince Jimmar is a visionary nonprofit leader and social impact advocate based in Chicago’s South Side. As Executive Director and co-founder of Rebels for Peace, a youth-led organization rooted in racial equity and mental health, Prince has led the organization’s growth from serving 75 youth in 2019 to over 860 in 2024 with more than 1,000 projected for 2025. Through a unique peer-to-peer mentorship model, he has trained over 120 youth (ages 16–24) to become facilitators of change, building a layered leadership pipeline that strengthens both older and younger youth.  Prince’s approach centers on healing, self-leadership, and community-rooted systems. His lived experience, strategic insight, and authentic leadership continue to reshape narratives around youth power and mental wellness in marginalized communities.








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