According to SIB’S Breakfast Club founder and former Chicago News Weekly Cover Star Sibyl Holloway, this year’s class represents resilience, adaptability, and sustained excellence during one of the most challenging periods for business leaders and professionals.
“These professionals didn’t just survive the last few years,” Holloway said. “They weathered the storm. They evolved. They pivoted. They prevailed—no matter what was thrown their way.”
The 2026 class spans a wide range of industries, including culinary arts, real estate, journalism, television news, medicine, nonprofit leadership, insurance, marketing, higher education, and corporate leadership. Together, the honorees reflect the breadth of Black excellence shaping Chicago’s business and professional landscape.
“As Black professionals and entrepreneurs, we work harder than most to succeed through constant challenges,” Holloway added. “Yet despite every obstacle, these individuals continue to make significant impact in their industries and within their communities.”
This year’s honorees include:
Marki Lemons Ryhal, Marki Lemons Unlimited, Inc.
Chef Ken L. Polk, Batter & Berries
Scott Itiona, Essie Marie's
Hampton Simmons, Hampton Simmons: Allstate Insurance and LuxeStream
Jasper Hagen, Full Court Marketing
Tonya Francisco, WGN-TV
Aisha Robinson, Post-Secondary Educator and Makeup Artist
Debra Vines, The Answer Inc
Among those seated in the front row was Laura Miller, Managing Editor and Chief Content Officer of Chicago News Weekly, who was also named a member of the Class of 2026.
Additional front row honorees included:
Dr. LaToya Glass, Miracles Revealed Chiropractic
Dr. Cordia Clark White, Women's Progressive Health Care
Keiana Barrett, The Business Leadership Council
Eddie Winters, Vanguard Security
Holloway said the collective strength of this year’s honorees underscores why the “Warriors” designation is fitting. “I salute them,” she said. “They are The Warriors — Class of 2026.”