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"Don’t you know that we’re able? That alone makes us major." Pharrell Williams captured the essence of resilience and brilliance in his song from the Hidden Figures soundtrack, a tribute to women breaking barriers. As we celebrate Women’s Month throughout March, we’re taking the time to highlight a few remarkable women who are making a significant impact in Chicago.
This first week, we’re shining a spotlight on women under 40 who are already trailblazing in their respective fields. These women are not only doing the work but are also redefining what leadership, innovation, and community impact look like. From healthcare advocacy and storytelling to business strategy and self-care empowerment, these women are shaping the future in meaningful ways.
Meet Dr. Paris Thomas, a dedicated health equity leader addressing disparities in historically marginalized communities. Learn how Shada Cook is crafting culture through words, ensuring brands connect with audiences in powerful and authentic ways. Discover Lanisha Thadison’s mission to help entrepreneurs streamline their businesses while building faith-driven spaces for women’s empowerment. And explore how DeAnna Taylor is championing self-care and work-life balance for mothers navigating success.
These women are not just part of the conversation—they are leading it. Their journeys reflect purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Stay tuned as we celebrate their stories and the impact they continue to make in Chicago and beyond.
Lanisha Thadison: Entrepreneur, Operations Strategist, and Faith-Driven Community Leader
Lanisha Thadison is a dynamic entrepreneur, operations strategist, and ordained minister dedicated to empowering businesses and women to reach their full potential. As the Founder of Thadison Solutions, she specializes in streamlining operations for service-based businesses, helping CEOs shift from working in their businesses to working on them. With over a decade of experience in healthcare and operations management—including roles as a technical analyst for Fortune 500 companies—Lanisha has helped businesses save thousands through optimized systems, workflows, and automation.
Beyond business, Lanisha is the visionary behind The "All of Me" Women's Empowerment Brunch, an event designed to create a safe space for women to connect, grow, and uplift one another. Her passion for building strong foundations extends to her faith-driven work as the founder of She Rise Together Foundation, a movement supporting women holistically—spiritually, mentally, and physically. Through this foundation, she leads a thriving prayer community and offers resources to women seeking connection, healing, and purpose.
Growing up on the west side of Chicago, Lanisha saw firsthand the power of community-driven impact. This experience shaped her commitment to helping women and entrepreneurs transform their lives and businesses by providing the support, structure, and systems needed to thrive. She firmly believes that her role as a leader and event curator is not by chance, but by divine assignment—to bring women together, uncover their purpose, and empower them to embrace their calling.
A devoted wife and mother of three girls, Lanisha balances her work in business and ministry with a heart for service, a gift for strategy, and a deep-rooted faith. Whether through strategic operations consulting, faith-based mentorship, or community building, her mission is to equip and uplift those she serves.
Learn more about Lanisha at www.lanishathadison.com.
Dr. Paris Thomas, CEO, Equal Hope Dr. Paris Thomas is a devoted health and racial equity leader, researcher, and advocate.
As the CEO of Equal Hope, she plays a pivotal role in driving the organization’s mission to promote health equity and eliminate disparities for historically marginalized communities. Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Dr. Thomas’ deeply rooted passion for promoting health equity stems from personal experiences within her own family, where she witnessed the impact of the healthcare system on their health outcomes. Driven by a desire to create positive change, Dr. Thomas has dedicated her career to promoting health through intersectionality and innovative strategies that improve access to care for under-resourced communities.
From working with Federally Qualified Health Centers to Managed Care Organizations, Quality Improvement Agencies, and Hospitals, she has consistently championed the cause of creating an equitable healthcare system for individuals of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Thomas has a B.S. in Physiology from Grand Valley State University, a M.S. in Public Health Education from the University of Cincinnati, and a PhD in Health Sciences from Northern Illinois University. Her doctorate focused on the lived experiences of high-risk Black men exposed to community violence in Chicago, shedding light on their unique health challenges and behaviors.
Alongside her professional endeavors, Dr. Thomas is a proud wife and mother to three amazing children.
Shada Cook: Crafting Culture Through Words
Using words as a catalyst to catapult brands into cultural conversations of excellence, Shada Cook is a powerhouse storyteller whose voice precedes her. A proud Northern Illinois University alum, she seamlessly blends strategy, creativity, and cultural insight to shape narratives that resonate.
A self-proclaimed “Cool mom then Copywriter”, Shada approaches every pitch with intentionality, ensuring the energy she puts into an idea carries through to manifestation. Her work with global giants like McDonald’s, PUMA, The Coca-Cola Company, and Pfizer has led to impactful creative campaigns recognized in People Magazine, Little Black Book, and beyond. Whether she’s penning award-winning concepts or redefining experiential marketing, she remains committed to pushing storytelling forward in fresh and unexpected ways.
Beyond the brainstorms, Shada finds joy in strolling Chicago’s Southeast side with her daughter and Boxer mix, filling their heads with affirmations and big dreams. A true visionary, she isn’t just part of the conversation—she’s shaping it.
DeAnna Taylor: A Leader in Self-Care, Balance, and Success for Moms DeAnna Taylor is a certified life coach, business strategist, and the founder of Mom Care Oasis (MCO), a transformative platform dedicated to helping moms prioritize self-care, find balance, and achieve success.
As a passionate advocate for women’s wellness and empowerment, DeAnna has made it her mission to help mothers reclaim their time, energy, and joy—without guilt. A Mission to Transform the Lives of MomsUnderstanding the immense pressures that mothers face, from balancing careers and businesses to managing households and relationships, DeAnna founded Mom Care Oasis as a solution to the overwhelming burnout that many moms experience. Through personalized coaching programs, corporate wellness initiatives, and self-care solutions, she helps women integrate holistic wellness into their daily lives. “As moms, we pour so much into others that we often forget to take care of ourselves," says DeAnna. "But self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. When we prioritize our well-being, we show up as better parents, professionals, and leaders.”
Executive Wellness & Corporate Impact DeAnna’s expertise extends beyond individual coaching. MCO Executive Wellness is a corporate-focused initiative designed to equip high-achieving professionals with strategies to prevent burnout, maintain peak performance, and cultivate sustainable work-life balance. Recognizing the growing demand for workplace well-being, she collaborates with companies to provide customized self-care programs, workshops, and training that empower working mothers and leaders.
Practical Self-Care Solutions
In addition to her coaching and executive programs, DeAnna has developed the ‘Mommy Needs a Minute’ self-care box, a thoughtfully curated collection of relaxation essentials designed to help busy moms incorporate wellness into their routines. This box includes stress-relief teas, aromatherapy candles, mindfulness journals, and other wellness tools that support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. A Movement Redefining Success for MomsDeAnna is not just advocating for self-care—she’s leading a movement that redefines success for mothers. Through her coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements, she has helped countless women set boundaries, rediscover their purpose, and create self-care routines that fuel their ambitions. Her work is reshaping the conversation around motherhood, ambition, and well-being—showing that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of self-care. Creating a Lasting ImpactDeAnna Taylor’s influence extends across industries, from personal development and wellness to corporate leadership and entrepreneurship. As a speaker, strategist, and advocate for moms reclaiming their power, she continues to create innovative solutions that bridge the gap between self-care and success. Through faith, strategy, and self-care, DeAnna Taylor is revolutionizing the way mothers navigate their journeys—proving that balance, fulfillment, and achievement can coexist. For more information about Mom Care Oasis, MCO Executive Wellness, or the ‘Mommy Needs a Minute’ self-care box, visit www.momcareoasis.com or follow @MomCareOasis on social media.