ABOUT US

OUR VISION

We believe in the power of collaboration and partnerships that move Chicago forward civically, economically and politically.  

We believe in the power of women to bring our communities together in meaningful ways united for a common purpose.

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Our vision is based on a friendship of over 15 years in which we have successfully collaborated in different initiatives, projects and events.  

MELODY SPANN COOPER

Melody Spann Cooper is Chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, a best-in-class African-American owned media boutique whose properties include radio and interactive platforms and co-founder of Color Us Women. The two properties combine to provide niche programming to Chicago’s thriving Black and Hispanic populations. As Chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, she joined an elite list of America’s female broadcast owners after purchasing the company’s controlling interest in 1999.

Midway Broadcasting properties include WVON 1690 AM, the oldest Black-oriented radio station in Chicago. With its urban talk format, the station is lauded as a leading source of information and community empowerment. In 2007, Spann Cooper spearheaded the corporation’s expansion with the development of WRLL 1450 AM, Chicago’s Home for Hispanic Independent Broadcasters. WRLL is committed to preserving the authentic voice and culture of Chicago’s growing Latino target market. In addition to the company’s radio properties, Midway Broadcasting Corporation has established itself as a premier event and integrated marketing company.

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Melody's other professional affiliations include: Commissioner of the Illinois Bicentennial Commission, the Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council for the Obama Library Foundation; Board Member of Chicago’s tourism board, Choose Chicago; Trustee of the Museum of Science & Industry; Member of the African-American Legacy of the Chicago Community Trust; The Executive Committee of the Business Leadership Council; Board Member of The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Hales Franciscan High School.

Ms. Spann Cooper’s accomplishments in broadcast media have been recognized by numerous organizations that have highlighted her achievements in leadership and business. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the Loyola University of Chicago. She is the daughter of legendary radio personality Pervis Spann “The Blues Man.”

ALEJANDRA GARZA

Believer in the possibilities of bringing change through collaboration, Alex is co-founder of Color Us Women.  With over 20 years experience in marketing, business development and strategic planning, Alex has held various positions of responsibilities in the corporate and small business sectors.  Currently she is President of AGG Consulting, where she works with clients to create and implement integrated, strategic marketing plans with a focus on sustainable growth and increased market share.  Alex also serves as Chief Marketing Officer with Pivot Global Partners, LLC.

In addition, Alex has been a leader in Chicago’s Latino community serving in various capacities with Instituto del Progreso Latino (Instituto). During over 20 years, Alex held many key leadership positions on the Instituto Board including Board President, Treasurer, Governance Committee Chair and recently as Instituto’s Interim President & CEO.  While under her leadership Instituto, established new strategic direction including launching flagship programs such as Carreras en Salud, and the Instituto Health Career Sciences Academy, as well as strengthening the organization’s brand and impact in the community and nationally.

Alex's other professional affiliations include:  Harold Washington College Advisory Council,  Metropolitan Planning Commission’s Sustainable Growth Committee, Sinai Health Systems Board, University of Chicago, Booth School of Business’ Civic Scholar Committee and University of Illinois at Chicago, Liberal Arts & Science, Board of Visitors.   Appointed by former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alex served on the Chicago Board of Education from January 2018 to June 2019.

Alex's accomplishments have been recognized by numerous local and national organizations that have highlighted her achievements in leadership, business and civic engagement.  Ms. Garza has been featured in Latina Style, Hispanic Business Magazine, VOXXI New Media, Diversity Journal and NegociosNow.

Alejandra received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago and a certificate in Non-Profit Governance from Harvard’s Business School Executive Program.