Meet Our Board of Directors
The Visionaries Guiding Our Mission
At Chicago Emerging Stars, we believe that strong leadership is rooted in lived experience, empathy, and a deep belief in the potential of young people. Our Board of Directors is made up of individuals who reflect exactly that. United by a shared passion for youth empowerment, each member brings their own unique strengths, perspectives, and commitment to helping young people across Chicago thrive.
Together, they guide our organization with integrity, vision, and heart—making sure everything we do reflects our mission to uplift the next generation and build a stronger, more united city.
Jaqueza Thomas
Founder, President & CEO
A lifelong advocate for youth and community, Jaqueza founded Chicago Emerging Stars as a direct response to the challenges he experienced growing up in Chicago. His leadership is powered by lived experience, deep empathy, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible for young people when they are seen, supported, and believed in.
Dr. Fayette Coleman-Gill
Chief Administrative Officer
Dr. Coleman-Gill brings decades of leadership in child and family services, with a passion for systems that uplift and empower youth. She helps ensure Chicago Emerging Stars runs with excellence, transparency, and care—always keeping our mission and young people at the center.
Michael M. Tate
Chief Operating Officer
Michael is a trusted and strategic leader who has spent his career building safer, stronger communities. At Chicago Emerging Stars, he leads with purpose and precision—helping guide long-term operations while ensuring that every decision supports our impact on youth.
Tiffany Hubbard
Board Secretary
Tiffany blends experience from both public service and corporate leadership to bring sharp organization and visionary thinking to the board. She is deeply committed to mentorship and uses her role to help keep the organization grounded, goal-oriented, and always moving forward.
Naquida Thompson
Board Treasurer
Naqida is driven by a heart for service and a passion for community. As treasurer, she provides stewardship over the organization’s financial resources, ensuring our programs remain sustainable and accessible for years to come.
Zion T. Ferguson
Youth Chairman
Zion is a college student and a rising leader who represents the voice of the next generation. As Youth Chairman, he brings energy, perspective, and vision to the board—making sure our strategies reflect the real needs and ideas of today’s youth.
Jala Bell
Assistant Youth Chairman
With degrees in communication and a passion for empowering young people, Jala plays a vital role in amplifying youth voices. Her presence ensures that our message is not only heard, but felt—in schools, in communities, and in every young person we reach.
Interested in Joining Our Mission?
At Chicago Emerging Stars, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about heart, commitment, and the willingness to show up for the next generation. If you’re passionate about youth empowerment, community transformation, and being part of something bigger than yourself, we’d love to connect with you.
Whether you want to learn more about our current board, explore collaboration, or inquire about future opportunities to serve, we welcome leaders from all walks of life who share our mission.
Click here to learn more or express interest in joining our Board of Directors.
Let’s shape the future—together, one star at a time.