Inspiring individuals to be celebrated for their courage, compassion, and community impact at the 2025 Red Cross Heroes Breakfast

The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago proudly announces the 2025 class of heroes to be honored at the annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast. These individuals have gone above and beyond to build stronger, safer communities and have made a lasting impact through their selfless actions.

The Heroes Breakfast was established to raise public awareness of local heroes who exemplify the values of the Red Cross. Since 2002, the organization has recognized more than 200 extraordinary individuals committed to helping others and providing support when disaster strikes.

The Red Cross will honor its 23rd class of heroes at this year's breakfast, which will welcome hundreds of guests from across Chicagoland. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the Hilton Chicago. Over the past 23 years, the event has raised millions of dollars to support the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross.

“For the past 23 years, community heroes have graced our breakfast—each dedicated to serving others, saving lives, and providing hope during someone's darkest moments. I am honored to share their stories of generosity and compassion and reflect on the power of the Red Cross mission,” said Kellie O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Illinois.

The 2025 Class of Heroes

The 2025 Class of Heroes will be recognized across twelve categories and were selected by an independent committee of business and civic leaders. The Red Cross pays tribute to these inspiring individuals through their remarkable stories, which will be highlighted during the event.

Aparnaa Ananthakrishnan of Aurora is the Blood Services Hero
Aparnaa Ananthakrishnan, a global health major at Northwestern University, is a passionate advocate for blood donation and community service. As the National Collegiate Officer for the Red Cross’ North Central Division, she organized the inaugural 2024 Spring Collegiate Blood Drives, mobilizing 17 colleges, 180 volunteers, and collecting 686 units of blood across the Midwest. Inspired by her family's commitment to giving back, Ananthakrishnan leads with compassion and strategic vision, encouraging others to make a life-saving impact. Her dedication to service, belief in the power of community, and plans to expand the program continue to inspire and save lives across the country.

Vince Carter of Chicago is the Education Hero
Vince Carter, Co-Founder of Project Education Plus (PEP), has dedicated his life to uplifting the Cabrini-Green community through education, athletics, and intergenerational connection. Now retired, Carter was a teacher and coach in the Chicago Public Schools since 1976 and founded PEP during the 1980 teacher strike to provide structure, learning, and opportunity for local youth. What started as an eight-week summer program has grown into a year-round initiative serving children, teens, and college students alike. PEP offers after school tutoring, a computer center, and a summer STEM program for young learners, while the Chicago Demons basketball program fosters teamwork and perseverance. Through PEP, Carter’s lifelong commitment to community empowerment continues to make a profound impact.

Dion Dawson of Chicago is the Community Impact Hero
Dion Dawson, founder of Dion's Chicago Dream, knows firsthand the toll of food insecurity. After serving as a Navy journalist, he returned home to Englewood determined to make a difference. In 2020, with no funding but a clear vision, he placed a community refrigerator outside a liquor store, offering free, fresh food to anyone in need. That single fridge sparked a movement. Today, Dawson’s Chicago Dream serves over 4,300 households weekly across 160 zip codes, delivering healthy produce through innovative programs like Dream Deliveries, Dream Vault, Dream Fridge, and Food is Medicine. Each initiative prioritizes dignity, accessibility, and nutrition while uplifting the local economy by providing living-wage jobs. Dawson's mission extends beyond food distribution—it's about building healthier, stronger communities. His unwavering commitment to his neighbors reminds us that with resilience, compassion, and creativity, one person can ignite transformative change.

Mallorie Hammerstein of Minooka is the Healthcare Hero
Mallorie Hammerstein, RN, BSN, CCRN, was in the right place at the right time when she saved a life at her nephew’s baseball game. When the coach collapsed, she quickly assessed the situation, realized he had no pulse, and began CPR. With calm expertise, she coached the coach’s wife through rescue breaths while calling for an AED—though none was available. When paramedics, including her firefighter husband, arrived, Hammerstein shifted to comforting the family. The coach stabilized and has since returned home. The experience reinforced Hammerstein’s belief in the importance of CPR training and having AEDs in public spaces. Her actions not only saved a life but sparked change: the baseball coaches are now planning CPR training, and two AEDs have been donated to the field. Hammerstein’s story is a testament to the power of preparedness and the incredible impact one person can have in an emergency.

Jahkil Jackson of Chicago is the Youth Hero
Jahkil Jackson, a 17-year-old from Chicago’s South Side, founded Project I AM at just eight years old after witnessing the lived experience of people experiencing homelessness firsthand. Deeply moved by the experience, he created Blessing Bags—care packages filled with hygiene products and snacks—to provide comfort and dignity to those in need. Since then, Jackson has distributed over 150,000 bags across the U.S. and abroad, inspiring youth to join his mission through virtual and in-person packing events. His motto, “Don’t wait to be great,” drives his efforts to empower young people through Project I AM. With family support and a genuine passion for helping others, Jackson continues to show that age is no barrier to making a difference. His work not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a spirit of compassion, resilience, and leadership in communities everywhere.

Tonika Lewis Johnson of Chicago is the Social Justice Impact Hero
Tonika Lewis Johnson, a lifelong Englewood resident and social justice artist, uses her work to shine a light on the enduring scars of segregation in Chicago. Through projects like Folded Map and Inequity for Sale, she’s fostered understanding and honored the resilience of her community. Her latest initiative, UnBlocked Englewood, goes beyond art—it’s a labor of love. By helping longtime homeowners restore their homes and build equity, Lewis Johnson is repairing the lasting damage caused by discriminatory housing practices, preventing displacement, and giving families hope. Driven by a deep, personal connection to Englewood, she’s turning stories of loss into a future rooted in pride, strength, and possibility.

William Martinez Jr. of Chicago is the Law Enforcement Hero
Officer William Martinez Jr. of the Chicago Police Department’s 15th District has dedicated 12 years to serving his community, including six with the Community Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) program. Inspired by his own mentors, he’s created innovative programs like Hip Hop Tuesdays, as well as leading their Youth District Advisory Council to support and empower local youth. His initiatives provide safe spaces, mentorship, financial literacy, career training, and meaningful activities like camping trips during weekends historically marked by violence. Martinez’s efforts have helped youth pursue higher education, public service, and personal growth. Committed to being a positive influence, he often says, “Whatever my kids need, I am there,” reflecting his deep, unwavering dedication.

Steve Newcomb of Plainfield is the Lifesaving Rescue Hero
Just before 2 a.m. on March 1, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Minuteman Steve Newcomb spotted a burning car on the Kennedy Expressway and sprang into action. He found two women trapped inside, one conscious and pleading for help, the other unconscious. With flames spreading, Newcomb carried the driver to safety and extracted the unconscious passenger from the vehicle. Once both were safe, he pushed the car away from the overpass, allowing firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Both women fully recovered. For his bravery, Newcomb received IDOT’s highest honor and was named a Chicagoan of the Year by Chicago Magazine—though he humbly credits his fellow Minutemen.

Payman Rajaie of Chicago is the Global Citizenship Hero
At just 17-years-old, Payman Rajaie has transformed his experience as a refugee into a powerful mission to advocate for International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Forced to flee Afghanistan, his family sought safety in Indonesia before resettling in the U.S. in 2019. Rajaie’s journey inspired his involvement with the REACH Program and the American Red Cross, where he now leads youth teams across continents. Through his work, he’s educated thousands about IHL, engaged policymakers, and empowered fellow refugees. As president of his high school Red Cross Club, Payman continues to foster understanding, hope, and a passion for protecting human rights.

Ken S. Schulman of Mundelein is the Firefighter Hero
Lieutenant/Paramedic Ken S. Schulman of the Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Department led a team of Illinois firefighters who answered the call for swift water rescue during Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic flooding that impacted North Carolina. From September 25 to October 10, 2024, Schulman guided IL-WR1 (Illinois Water Rescue 1), a team of 12 paramedics and firefighters from the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS). They rescued 30 people in the initial days and provided critical relief to isolated communities. As the mission shifted to search and recovery, Schulman and his team conducted door-to-door wellness checks, offering reassurance to residents. For their extraordinary efforts, IL-WR1 received MABAS’ Humanitarian Service Medal, honoring their dedication to saving lives and serving others with courage and compassion.

Chris Singer of Northbrook is the Disaster Relief Hero
Reverend Chris Singer, President & CEO of Lutheran Church Charities (LCC), leads with a heart rooted in faith, compassion, and service. LCC is a faith-based organization that provides physical aid, emotional support, and spiritual care to individuals and communities affected by disasters and crises. Under Singer's leadership, LCC has mobilized more than a thousand trained volunteers to respond to natural disasters, tragic events, and personal hardships across the country. Their programs include Disaster Response, which aids communities in cleanup and recovery; Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, which offers comfort through personalized crosses and hearts; Human Care, which provides essential resources like food and clothing; and K-9 Ministries, where comfort dogs bring peace to those in distress. In 2024 alone, LCC responded to hurricanes, school shootings, and summer storms, offering hope in the aftermath of devastation. For Singer, this work is more than a job—it’s a mission to serve others with love and mercy.

Michael Tellerino of Plainfield is the Military Hero
Michael Tellerino, Founder and CEO of K9s for Veterans, is on a mission to bring hope and healing to veterans with PTSD. After fostering a service dog and realizing the immense comfort it provided, he was inspired to help other veterans access this life-changing support—free of charge. K9s for Veterans rescues dogs from shelters, giving them a second chance while helping veterans find peace and stability. These dogs perform critical tasks, like recognizing PTSD episodes, fetching medication, and offering constant companionship. With over 200 matches made, Tellerino’s work is a testament to the unbreakable bond between a veteran and their dog—saving two lives at once.

2025 Heritage Award
In addition to recognizing the exemplary 2025 Class of Heroes, the Red Cross of Greater Chicago will present the prestigious Heritage Award. The Heritage Award is given annually to a civic leader who exemplifies the spirit of heroism and humanitarianism at a distinguished level and demonstrates a long-term commitment to improving the lives of others. The awardee's actions, deeds, and philanthropic works illustrate the spirit of humanitarianism and echo our mission: to help others prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

The Red Cross is proud to bestow Jon Farney, President and Chief Executive Officer, State Farm^®, with the 2025 Heritage Award. Jon Farney is President and Chief Executive Officer of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. Farney has more than 30 years of experience with State Farm and within the insurance and financial services industry.

Farney joined State Farm in 1993, holding key leadership roles in finance, underwriting, and operations. He served as CFO for eight years before becoming President in January 2024 and CEO in June 2024.

State Farm^®, with Farney’s leadership and vision, helps people manage everyday risks, recover from the unexpected, and achieve their dreams—values that align with the American Red Cross mission to provide care, shelter, and hope in times of crisis. Together, they support communities before, during, and after disasters.

As the leading U.S. auto and home insurer, State Farm serves over 94 million policies while giving back through volunteerism and philanthropy. In 2023, associates volunteered 155,000 hours, and State Farm contributed over $45 million to nonprofits and education. Committed to building stronger, safer communities, State Farm continues to make a lasting impact nationwide.

Thank you to the generous sponsors of the 2025 Illinois Red Cross Heroes Breakfast event, including:

Presenting Sponsor: UL Solutions; Champion Sponsors: ITW, Kirkland & Ellis; Inspiring Action Sponsors: Make It Better Foundation, Edwardson Family Foundation, Patrick M. and Jennifer Gallagher, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan; Hero Sponsors: Aon, William Blair, CNA, Fresenius Kabi, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Nicor Gas. United Airlines, Wintrust; Interactive Technology Sponsors: JLL, Stepan Company; Media Sponsors: CBS News Chicago, Make It Better Foundation

VISUALS: Red Cross Heroes headshots may be accessed here.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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