S. Epatha Merkerson
actor, NBC's Chicago Med
S. Epatha Merkerson is a critically acclaimed performer in theatre, television, and film. She is the winner of three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama,a Best Actress Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Emmy Award. She is currently starring in NBC's Chicago Med as Sharon Goodwin.
Joy Lyu Monahan
diversity, equity, inclusion leader
executive honoree
Joy Lyu Monahan has spent much of her career in public service — at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Senate before law school, in her two clerkships right after law school, and during her time at World Business Chicago, a public-private nonprofit organization that drives inclusive economic growth — and she views the opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion in her current role as another opportunity to serve.
Uchechi Ike
Step Up's Class of 2025
Ogden International High School, Chicago
teen honoree
Uchechi Ike is a senior who will graduate high school in our Step Up Class of 2025. Her commitment to Step Up inspires other girls to get involved with mentorship and work on becoming confident, connected, and career-ready. She attends Ogden International High School in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. Uchechi has been involved in Step Up mentorship programs for the past two years and was introduced to our programs through her guidance counselor at school. She transferred to Ogden her sophomore year and was looking to be part of the community. At Step Up, she found that community. She’s interested in attending college on either coast and plans to pursue a career in engineering or medicine. She loves Step Up because prior to participating, she considered herself to be shy. But through the consistent opportunities to share and connect with other Step Up girls, she's much more comfortable taking up space. Uchechi has made most of her friends through Step and has learned to identify her personal values and strengths. When she's not at Step Up and working on projects for school, she's an avid reader with serious interest and passion for urban gardening.
Yvonne Orji
comedian, actor, author + advocate
Yvonne Orji is an Emmy-nominated Nigerian-American comedian, actress, writer, producer, and author. In 2021, Orji published her debut book Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams. In her book, Orji takes readers on a journey through twenty-five life lessons, gleaned from her own experiences and her favorite source of inspiration, the Bible. The paperback edition of the book was re-released on September 12, 2023. Before moving to Los Angeles where she currently resides, Yvonne earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master of Public Health from George Washington University.
Valeisha Butterfield
award-winning culture shifter + founder, SEED
executive honoree
Valeisha Butterfield is a globally recognized, award-winning business leader, pop culture expert, and political analyst with a proven dedication to women's empowerment. She is the founder of SEED, an Al-powered media company focused on developing, producing, and distributing iconic, best-selling books for television and film. She also serves on the GRAMMYs Television Committee and is the host of the podcast Table's Turn. Through her work at the nexus of tech, entertainment and politics, she delivers impact for women and young people at every turn.
Ashlee Margolis
founder, The A List
executive honoree
Ashlee Margolis is a communications pro who is pushing the boundaries of traditional influencer and brand relationships. As the founder of the award-winning communications and marketing agency The A List, she knows a thing or two about creating and executing a brilliant (and organic) path to brand growth – and creating a star-studded guest list while doing it. She models the power of connection and is a longtime advocate for Step Up and countless other community organizations.
Paloma Molina-Olmedo
Step Up Class of 2025
Alliance Bloomfield High School, Los Angeles
teen honoree
Paloma is a senior at Alliance Margaret M. Bloomfield High School in Los Angeles. She has been involved in Step Up programming for the past two years, and has been planning for her future by identifying career pursuits. As the oldest daughter of Mexican immigrants, she plans to be a first-gen college student beginning next fall.
