As a photojournalist, Tonika Johnson explores the impact of urban segregation through multimedia and her visual investigation project Folded Map. Tonika's work creates dialogue and counters the narrative around South Side communities. Her photos have been exhibited across Chicago galleries and museums.

J. Ivy uses his poetry and spoken word to promote positivity while giving a platform to the art form itself. A leader in the Chicago arts community, he has won a Grammy, NAACP Image Award and is the President of the Chicago Recording Academy.

Taylor Staten founded the architecture firm TnS Studio which focuses on serving the South Side through the design and renovation of abandoned buildings. Her non-profit extension of TnS Studio "Be the Change" gives youth the opportunity to participate in architecture summer camps and mentorship programs.

Ian Brock, 16, is a computer-science activist, entrepreneur and public speaker. Recognizing the need for more Black and Brown people in the computer science techspace, he founded the non-profit Dream Hustle Code when he was 13. Through Dream Hustle Code Ian has organized after-school coding programs on Chicago’s South and West Sides.