On April 4, 2015, the African American Tribune will present Alicia Garcia-Abner, President of Trinal, Inc. with the 2015 Keeper of the Dream Award for her contribution to the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT of the City of Chicago. Chicago based, Trinal, Inc., is a nearly twenty year old economic development and diversity consulting firm.
Ms. Garcia-Abner will share this year’s prestigious award with her colleague and fellow community activist, The Rev. Dr. Larry Bullock of US Minority Contractors Association. The Keeper of the Dream Award ceremony will take place at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois at 7:00 p.m.
For nearly two decades, Ms Garcia-Abner has led a consultancy dedicated to the economic development and empowerment of women and minority-owned businesses. Under her leadership, Trinal has provided services to a wide array of commercial and construction industries.
Working tirelessly, Ms Garcia-Abner has promoted diversity in hiring in both the public and private sectors, advising senior management in publicly traded companies, and public officials. As the founder and President and CEO of Trinal, Inc., Ms Garcia-Abner was the Director of Contracts Management for the Chicago Public Schools, Contract Negotiator for the City of Chicago Department of Procurement, and the Director of Certification for the City of Chicago Department of Procurement, where she was responsible for the Bureau of Certification for the Minority, Woman, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Programs. Ms Garcia-Abner holds a Master Degree in Health Care Administration from Governor’s State University, in University Park, IL and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University in Gary, IN, respectively. A woman of many accomplishments, she holds numerous certifications from major trade and professional associations.
That evening, also being honored for his LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT will be the honorable Congressman Danny Davis. Other 2015 Keeper Of The Dream honorees will include several prominent African Americans and other well-known civil and political rights community activists in the following categories: for BUSINESS, Stan Rakestraw of SCR Transportation and Anita Richardson of Dayspring Janitorial Services; for COMMUNITY SUPPORT, Larry Huggins, Everett Rand, and Tim Rand for their philanthropy and work with the Chicago Football Classic; for EDUCATION, Cheryl Hyman of City Colleges of Chicago and Dr. Wayne Watson of Chicago State University; for HEALTH, Jacqueline Reed of West Side Health Authority and Sharronne Ward of Grand Prairie Behavioral Health Service.
Additional honorees will include for MEDIA, Melody Spann of WVON and Charles Thomas of ABC7-TV; for POLITICAL, Toni Preckwinkle, President, Cook County Board, and Kurt Summers, Treasurer, City of Chicago; for RELIGION, Rabbi Michael Siegel of Anshe Emet Synagogue, and Pastor Chris Harris of Bright Star Church; for SOCIAL ACTION, Father Michael Pfleger of the Faith Community of Saint Sabina and Bishop Claude Porter, President, Interfaith Illinois.