CEJA Incubator-South Launches Inaugural Advisory Board Session

Elevate convened the first CEJA Clean Energy Contractor Incubator-South Advisory Board session in July 2026, marking an important milestone in the continued growth and development of the Incubator Hub. The gathering brought together a dedicated group of advisors and partners committed to advancing equitable economic development and expanding opportunities for communities across Chicago’s South Side. 

The CEJA Incubator Hub serves as a resource and support center for contractors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses on Chicago’s South Side that are seeking to participate in opportunities created through Illinois’ clean energy transition.  

The Incubator is one of 14 hubs funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Passed in September 2021, CEJA provides a roadmap to move Illinois to carbon-free power, expand energy efficiency and other cost-saving opportunities, and bring the benefits of the clean energy economy to all communities.   

Through business development support, workforce resources, technical assistance, and strategic connections, the Hub is designed to help participants build capacity, strengthen competitiveness, and access pathways to long-term growth. 

Established as a collaborative body, the Advisory Board will help strengthen programming, identify opportunities for partnership, increase awareness of available resources, and support the long-term success of the CEJA Incubator-South Hub. The inaugural session accentuated the importance of bringing together experienced, community-centered leaders who can provide strategic guidance, diverse perspectives, and meaningful support as the Hub continues to evolve. 

As the Hub continues to expand its reach and impact, the formation of the Advisory Board reflects Elevate’s commitment to ensuring that community voices, industry expertise, and strong partnerships remain central to its growth. Beyond providing strategic insight, the Board will serve as an important mechanism for accountability, helping to ensure that programs and services remain aligned with community needs, intended outcomes, and the broader goals of the CEJA initiative. 

“The launch of the Advisory Board represents an important step in strengthening the foundation of the CEJA Incubator-South Hub,” said Shirlondra Brooks, Director of Workforce and Contractor Development, Elevate. “By bringing together trusted advisors and partners with diverse expertise and deep community connections, we are creating a space for collaboration, accountability, and shared leadership. Such guidance will help to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, strengthen participant engagement, and ensure our programming remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.” 

The Advisory Board will convene regularly throughout the year, providing ongoing guidance and support as the CEJA Incubator-South Hub continues to expand programming, strengthen partnerships, and respond to emerging community needs. By providing ongoing feedback, insight, and partnership, advisors and partners will help Elevate navigate challenges, strengthen program effectiveness, expand collaborative opportunities, and support positive outcomes for businesses, workforce participants, and the communities served by the Hub. 

Advisory Board Members 

Elevate extends its sincere appreciation to the inaugural members of the CEJA Incubator-South Advisory Board for their willingness to serve as trusted advisors and partners in support of the Hub’s mission. Their expertise, lived experience, industry knowledge, and community connections will help inform strategic decision-making, strengthen accountability, and advance meaningful outcomes for participants and communities alike. 

• Curtis Thompson – President, National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC)  

• Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill, Cook County Commissioner of 5th District (Represented by Iretha  

• Jones, Chief of Staff) 

• Lisa Benjamin – CEO, Millenium II Enterprise and Senior Pastor, Living to Live Again  

• Traci Quinn – CEO, Pink Hats Construction and Development Group  

• Rachel Ivy – Executive Director, Communities Empowered Through Construction  

• Senyo Ador – CEO, Sesenergi Eco Solutions Enterprise  

• Shirlondra Brooks, Elevate – Director, Workforce and Contractor Development

Recognizing the Elevate Project Team:

The successful launch of the CEJA Incubator-South Advisory Board reflects the dedication, planning, and collaboration of the Elevate team. Through stakeholder engagement, program development, partnership cultivation, community outreach, and operational coordination, the team has worked to establish a strong foundation for both the Advisory Board and the continued growth of the Incubator Hub. 

Special recognition goes to the project team leading this effort: 

• Melissa Robson, Associate Director, Contractor Development 

• Tiffany McFerren, Senior Project Manager 

• Jaylin McDonald, Project Manager 

• Jack Jordan, Senior Coordinator 

• Tina Marie Williamson, Coordinator 

Together, this team has not only cultivated meaningful partnerships and facilitated community engagement but also designed and implemented a program that is increasingly recognized for its warm, inclusive, and participant-centered approach. By meeting contractors and small emerging businesses where they are, regardless of their stage of development, the team has created an environment that supports growth, builds trust, and encourages long-term success. Grounded in the belief that participants should not only receive technical assistance and resources, but also feel welcomed, supported, and valued throughout their journey, the team has helped establish the Hub as a trusted partner while bringing together a diverse network of advisors and partners dedicated to strengthening programming, expanding awareness, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities that support economic mobility and community prosperity. 

To learn more about the CEJA Incubator-South Hub and upcoming opportunities for contractors, small businesses, and workforce participants, visit www.elevatenp.org or contact ceja@elevatenp.org.