top of page
Home_edited.jpg
Home (2)_edited.jpg

WE MADE

WHO WE ARE

WEMADE was born from a shared vision and a mother-daughter bond. Co-founded in 2022 by Briahna Gatlin — owner of Swank PR and The Purple Block Party — and Carol Johnson — Founder of Westside Cultural Alliance and The 1865 Fest — WEMADE was created to do what too few spaces dare to do: put extraordinary women in the spotlight they've always deserved.

Home_edited.png

OUR MISSION

To honor, celebrate, and amplify women who are making a lasting difference in their industries and communities — from the boardroom to the block, from the stage to the statehouse.

Home (3)_edited.png
Home (4)_edited.jpg
Home (5)_edited.png
Home (1)_edited.png
Home (3)_edited.png
Home.png
Home (4)_edited.png

OUR VISION

A world where no woman's impact goes unrecognized. WEMADE exists to ensure that the women who shift culture, build community, and break barriers are seen, celebrated, and remembered. We are building a living legacy — one honoree, one story, one generation at a time.

Home (2)_edited.png
Honors (2)_edited.jpg

THE HONORS

The MADE Maven

The MADE Maven award is the highest honor bestowed at WEMADE. It is presented to women who have not only excelled in their fields but have fundamentally changed the landscape of their industries.

​

Maven in the Making

The Maven in the Making award celebrates women under 30 who are already rewriting the rules. These are the rising voices, the bold builders, and the next generation of leaders who haven't waited for permission to make their mark.

​

Honorees

WEMADE Honorees are women from all walks of life and every corner of industry — real estate, hospitality, media, politics, healthcare, technology, community leadership, and beyond.

Honors_edited.jpg
Honors_edited.png
Honorees (3)_edited.jpg

PAST HONOREES

SHEILA RASHID

CAMILLE Y. LILLY

JACQUELINE REED

DAVINA WARD

1.png
3.png
2.png
4.png

Fashion Designer

Illinois State Representative

Westside Health Authority

Chicago Police Department Commander

Honorees (2)_edited.png
IMG_8703.jpg
Attend_edited.png
Attend (2)_edited.jpg
Attend (4)_edited.jpg

ATTEND

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we close out Women's History Month in style. The 4th Annual WEMADE Honors Celebration brings together Chicago's most dynamic women and allies for a night of culture, community, and celebration.

The evening will feature live music, a silent auction, raffle giveaways, and premier networking — all set against an iconic Chicago backdrop. 

​

This is more than an awards ceremony. It's a movement made visible.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: March 27, 2026

Location: TBD

Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM 
 

Sponsorship opportunities available. Contact us to learn how your brand can align with one of Chicago's most powerful evenings of the year.

Additional Event Info (4)_edited.jpg
bottom of page