Celebrate Excellence at Achieve Summit 2026
Nominate and vote for leaders creating real impact across the Southland. Nominations close April 28. Voting begins immediately after.
About the Awards
The Achieve Awards recognize individuals and organizations driving innovation, leadership, and meaningful impact across the Southland.
This year, we’re putting the power in your hands—nominate and vote for the people shaping the future of our communities.
Competitive Awards
Southland Ambassador
Recognizes an individual or organization that advocates on behalf of the Southland community
Invisible Hand Award
Recognizes an individual or organization that works behind the scenes to foster growth in the Southland.
Southland Collaboration Award
Acknowledges business or organization that build bridges and partnerships for growth.
Southland Social Impact Award
Recognizes a business or organization committed to equity, giving back, and social good.
People’s Awards
Trailblazer Award
Recognizing a standout business that’s leading the way in innovation and growth across the region.
Rising Star Award
Honoring a new or growing business that shows strong potential and community commitment.
Changemaker Award
Acknowledging a business that is making measurable contributions to the economic and social vitality of the Southland.
Equity Champion Award
Recognizing a business that reflects excellence in ownership and operations led by historically underrepresented groups.
Access to Capital Champion
Organization or business that has most aggressively provided access to capital to Southland Projects.
Economic Development Excellence
Awards to the local economic development professional that has demonstrated excellence in the field.
Southland Resilience Award
For a business that has overcome adversity with strength and determination.
Builders of the Year
Individual or organization that has demonstrated growth and impact in real estate development in the Southland.
Southland Amplifier
A business or individual who has added value to Southland Business through their professional service support.
Southland Impact Project
Awarded to the project that has made the most impact in the region.
Community Catalyst Award
An individual or organization whose work positively impacts youth or culture in the Southland.
Southland Rising Brand Award
For an up-and-coming business capturing attention and momentum.
Southland Customer Service Award
Awarded to the business with exceptional service and satisfaction.
Legacy Builder
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle
Visionary Vanguard
Bob Weissbourd
Heart of the Community
Diane Williams
Voice of The People x2:
Sen. Debbie Myers-Martin & Vernard Alsberry
Southland Ambassador:
Kristi DeLaurentis
Invisible Hand:
Brent Denzin
Southland Collaboration:
Chicago Community Trust & Cook County BED
Social Impact:
MacArthur Foundation
2025 Award Winners
Southland Social Impact
MacArthur Foundation
Trailblazer
Ability Engineering Technology
Rising Star
Chug a Lug
Changemaker
Young 60 Plus Club
Equity Champion
Southland Equity Initiative
Access to Capital Champion
Midland Bank
Economic Development
Sandra Zoellner (Park Forest)
Southland Resilience
Lab Girls
Builders of the Year
Pink Hat Construction
Southland Amplifier Business Elster Williams
Southland Impact Project Homewood TOD
Community Catalyst
Harvey Boxing Club
Southland Rising Brand
Tareq Nouri (L3VEL 3)
Southland Customer Service
Queens of Clean
2025 Awards Highlights
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