As we close another celebratory Women’s History Month we reflect on powerful and dynamic “sisters” who are unsung SHEroes in Chicago and around the world.

The 31 Women & Girls of #BlackExcellence exude the best qualities and characteristics of Excellence. 

Aristotle once said, “Excellence…is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; the wise choice of many alternatives.”

These sisters embody the principles and core values of our movement.

We salute them for their passion, purpose, and place. Who they are makes a difference. Thank them for their service to the community. It is a supreme expression of loyalty and respect.

Here are 31 Black Women and Girls who are having an EXCELLENT Women’s History Month!

Click each picture to learn more about the woman featured.

Jordyn Gaines founded Jordy Cakes at 16 years old! Her work has been commissioned by Dwyane Wade, Common, and most recently Jordy Jars are being carried in stores!

Brenda Robinson, 1st Black Woman to receive US Navy Gold Aviator Wings spoke at Naval Museum Discovery Series

Tamara Brown, Executive Director of Common Ground Foundation powered the AAHH! Fest and will be recognized by the Chicago Defender as a 2015 Woman of Excellence.

Lauryn Hill’s 5x Grammy Award winning album “Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” was entered into the US Library of Congress!

Kate Osamor, a trade union activist from Edmonton in London, wins the Labour party nomination for a seat in Parliament. The Labour Party has been criticized for not supporting past ethnic candidates, including her mother.

Dorri McWhorter, CEO of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, will be recognized as a Chicago Defender 2015 Woman of Excellence for her work with Illinois higher education administrators to expand sexual assault prevention and awareness.

Kristin Beal, Vice President of Investments at Wintrust Wealth Management will be recognized by Chicago Defender as a 2015 Woman of Excellence.

Aisha Moodie-Mills, 1st Black Woman President and CEO of leading LGBT political organization, The Victory Fund.

Mable Taplin, founder of Joanie’s Girl Heart mentors teen girls and helps them pursue medical careers. She will be honored by Chicago Defender as a 2015 Woman of Excellence.

Attorney Kimberly Cook is a 2015 Edition Best Lawyer in America honoree for her work in Family Law. She will be recognized by Chicago Defender as a 2015 Woman of Excellence

Ingrid Morris, Owner of Morr Solutions LLC and Xerox Controller, is being recognized by Chicago Defender as a 2015 Woman of Excellence for her commitment to mentoring women in corporate America.

Celebrating Leah Still who is officially IN REMISSION! The 4 year old daughter of Cincy Bengals’ player Devon Still endured ten months battle with stage four cancer.

Issa Rae, Producer and Writer, released her book of essays entitled The Misadventures of Black Awkward Girl on the heels of her HBO pilot “Insecure.”

Denisha Kuhlor, Founder and CEO of Plucked, a mobile app making college applications easier and affordable will be Black Enterprise’s SmartChat 3/27 discussing being a student founder.

Linda McGill-Boasmond is one of the first and only President and General Manager of chemical manufacturing plant, Cedar Concepts. Linda will be recognized by Chicago Defender as a 2015 Woman of Excellence

Dr. Olivia Hooker was honored as the first woman to serve active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard when Staten Island officially renamed New York Sector Galley this month. She is also a survivor of 1921 Tulsa Riots

Mikaila Ulmer, founder of SweetBee Lemonade, received a $60k boost to her brand after closing a deal with Shark Tank’s Daymond John!

Mattie Butler, Executive Director of WECAN (Woodlawn East Community and Neighbors) will be recognized for her work in Woodlawn by Chicago Defender as a 2015 Woman of Excellence.

Simone Manuel (Stanford, 1st), Lia Neal (Stanford, 2nd), and Natalie Hinds (Univ. of FL, 3rd) broke NCAA records as the first African American women to win top three finish at a Women’s Division 1 single event.

Mara Brock-Akil is the fierce writer and producer behind some of Black women favorite series, Girlfriends, Jamie Fox, The Game, and 2015’s Being Mary Jane, a highly successful series from her latest multi-year deal with BET

Dr. Wanda Austin, President and CEO of the Aerospace Corporation was appointed to President Barack Obama’ Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, a key administration post.

Felicia Davis, City of Chicago Buildings Commissioner reduced processing times for building permits will be recognized as Chicago Defender Woman of Excellence

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, when others were quiet, waged a year long Twitter war to Bring Back the 200+ Nigeria girls. March elections may change the course of her fight!

Princess Dempsey, President of Dempsey Staffing, will be recognized for her work in Illinois by Chicago Defender as a 2015 Woman of Excellence

Taraji Henson’s role in Fox’s EMPIRE has set the network on its’ ears with over 16.7m viewing audience! She also took a major stand against racial profiling last month citing her son’s Black Life Matters!

Rachel Perkins, founder of indigenous film production company “Blackfella,” and woman of Aboriginal descent, premiered “Black Panther Woman” at NYC Black Cinema Festival.

Santrice Martin is the Director of Multicultural Initiatives at American Heart Association. She will be recognized by the Chicago Defender as a 2015 Woman of Excellence for her work eliminating food deserts in Chicago.

Lynn Richardson, Financial Expert, Author, and President of Hip Hop Sisters Network, recently celebrated a renewed commitment to her husband of 25+ years this month!

Corliss V. Garner, Vice President of Commercial Banking at BMO Harris, will be recognized by Chicago Defender as a 2015 Woman of Excellence for her supporting opportunities for CHA youth in business and entrepreneurship.