Women's History Month Panel Discussion

Riley Bazillion is a senior at Oak Park and River Forest High School, where she excels as an honors student and a dedicated leader in her community. She serves as the president of the Black Leaders Union (BLU), is an active member of the Student Equity and Belonging Council and participates in the Leadership and Launch Program, mentoring students in mathematics. Additionally, Riley is a member of the track and field shot put team.

Passionate about advocacy, education and fostering inclusivity, Riley is committed to giving back and empowering others. In the fall, she plans to attend college to major in elementary education with a focus on mathematics, aiming to inspire and support the next generation of learners.

With 15 years in the field, Esther Lopez, DDS, MPH is a passionate, patient-centered dentist and public healthcare and health equity advocate dedicated to prioritizing people’s overall health and wellbeing. She divides her time between running her Oak Park-based practice, Healthy Tooth Dental, serving as an adjunct professor at University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Dentistry, and volunteering as a dentist and co-chair of the Dental Advisory Committee at RefugeeOne, a Chicago-based non-profit agency that helps refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants resettle into the U.S. Whether serving patients in her private practice or a non-profit clinic, Dr. Lopez is known for evidence-based, prevention-focused and highly personalized dentistry, making her much beloved in the community. She joins her patients as a collaborative partner, fully committed to improving their overall health by providing a safe space that allows them to receive holistic and compassionate care over their entire lifetime. Dr. Lopez is a member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society and the Hispanic Dental Association. In addition to working directly with patients, Dr. Lopez vigorously pushes for policy reform to make dental care more accessible to those who need it most. Her research has been published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry and presented at national and international conferences.

Early Life and Background

Cynthia Manuel was born and raised in Chicago. From an early age, she demonstrated a profound commitment to her community, influenced by her own experiences and the strong values instilled in her by her family. Pursuing her education with a focus on community engagement and youth development, Cynthia laid the groundwork for her future endeavors. After completing her studies, she dedicated herself to uplifting the youth in her neighborhood, aiming to create positive change through various initiatives.

Founding of Heavenly Cynt Youth Organization

In 2015, Cynthia founded the Heavenly Cynt Youth Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and their families through community engagement, education, and recreational activities. With a vision to foster a supportive environment where young people can thrive, Cynthia quickly mobilized a team of volunteers and community leaders who shared her passion for making a difference.

Under her leadership, Heavenly Cynt has become a pivotal force in the community, focusing on initiatives that promote physical health, emotional well-being, and social responsibility. Cynthia believes that by engaging youth in meaningful activities, they can develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate life's challenges.

Community Engagement Initiatives

Cynthia has successfully spearheaded numerous initiatives that have made a lasting impact on the lives of many young people and their families. One of the organization's notable partnerships is with the Chicago Sky, the city's professional women's basketball team. Through this collaboration, Cynthia has organized trips for over 30 children and their families to attend games, providing them with an opportunity to experience the excitement of live sports while promoting teamwork and community spirit.

Additionally, Cynthia has partnered with the Chicago Bears to offer free flag football camps for youth. These camps not only teach essential athletic skills but also emphasize the importance of teamwork, discipline, and leadership. By providing these opportunities at no cost, Cynthia ensures that all children, regardless of their background, can participate and benefit from organized sports.

Unique Initiatives and Collaborations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cynthia purchased a horse and created unique opportunities for youth and families to connect with farm animals. This initiative has allowed children to engage in hands-on experiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and animal care while promoting mental well-being during challenging times.

Cynthia's influence extends into the media as well. For the past three years, she has partnered with CAN TV to host "Heavenly Cynt: People You Should Know," a show dedicated to highlighting local heroes and community leaders. This platform amplifies voices that often go unheard, showcasing the positive impact of individuals working to improve Chicago.

Moreover, Cynthia serves as a publicist for WVTC Radio, a two-time Stellar Award-winning network, further broadening her influence in the community. She also brings her skills as a photographer to her role, having worked with Dr. Willie Wilson for six years, capturing moments that celebrate community achievements and events.

Commitment to Community Welfare

Cynthia’s commitment to community welfare extends beyond sports and media. She has partnered with organizations like Toys for Tots to ensure that children in need receive gifts during the holiday season. Through this initiative, Heavenly Cynt has distributed toys to countless children, bringing joy and hope to families facing economic hardships.

Additionally, Cynthia understands that hunger is a pressing issue for many families in her community. She has organized food drives and community feeding events to provide nutritious meals to those in need. These efforts not only address immediate hunger but also foster a sense of solidarity and support among community members.

A Legacy of Volunteering

With over 15 years of experience in volunteerism, Cynthia's dedication to service is unwavering. Her tireless work and leadership have inspired many others to get involved and give back to their communities. She believes that every small act of kindness can lead to significant change, and she encourages young people to embrace a spirit of service.

Cynthia's vision for the Heavenly Cynt Youth Organization continues to grow as she seeks new ways to engage the community and empower the next generation. Her work exemplifies the power of community, collaboration, and compassion, making her a beloved figure in the Chicago area. 

Cynthia journey as the founder of Heavenly Cynt Youth Organization reflects her deep-rooted commitment to youth development and community engagement. Through her leadership and innovative programs, she has created a lasting impact on countless lives. As she continues to advocate for the youth and families of Chicago, Cynthia remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating the profound difference one individual can make in the world.

Monika has provided presentations at local and national professional seminars on occupational therapy practices using telehealth, implementing home modifications and providing potential non-traditional community services. She has assumed numerous roles for the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association, authored chapters on primary care, healthcare policy, home health practices and serves on national and local committees that focus on assisting older adults to participate in their home and community. Her recent professional focus has been the development of community-based research projects, partnering with local communities, Midwestern University faculty and an outside researcher. She has long supported the emerging roles of occupational therapy considering recent payment reform models. Dr. Robinson has a continued interest in legislative and policymaking efforts that support occupational therapy practice in today’s healthcare environment, particularly for vulnerable populations under Medicaid and services within home and community-based practices.  

 She has been an Oak Parker for over 30 years and has enjoyed raising her children and living with her family in the vibrant Oak Park community. 

Jamilla is the owner of Jamilla Yipp Photography, a Black woman-owned business based in Oak Park. She has been operating her business for more than 18 years.  An Oak Park resident, she is 100% self taught and built her business from the ground up, while raising four kids. Jamilla's photography specializes in telling your story. She works with families, newborns and kids as well as business headshots, corporate events and branding photography.