FAB Night

James Beard Winning baker and Managing Partner of Publican Quality Bread

Greg Wade is the Head Baker and Managing Partner at Publican Quality Bread, where he transformed a small operation into a premier wholesale division serving Chicago’s top chefs and retailers. Publican Quality Bread's offerings feature locally grown and milled whole grains and natural fermentation. Wade has championed the Local Food movement as a founding member of the Artisan Grain Collaborative, a board member of the Spence Farm Foundation and currently serves on the Steering Committee of Chicago Chefs Cook. In 2019 Wade was honored with the James Beard Award for "Outstanding Baker."

Co-owner of Earthlore Farm and Chapter Coordinator, Northern Illinois Young Farmers Coalition

Ben Jaffe is the co-owner of Earthlore Farm, a first-generation organic produce operation 70 miles south of Chicago. Ben runs Earthlore Farm alongside his wife, Caitlin, and their three daughters: Pearl (9), Iris (5), and Fern (2 months). With 20+ years in both rural and urban agriculture, Ben oversees everything from building infrastructure to sales. He also currently serves as Chapter Coordinator for the Northern Illinois Young Farmers Coalition and previously spent eight years as Director of Chicago Lights Urban Farm.

Social Practice Artist, Composer, and Founder of The Beat Bank

Lional “Brother El” Freeman is a Chicago-based multidisciplinary creative and educator whose work bridges music, community engagement, and public space. Known for improvised Live PA performances rooted in Hip-Hop and DIY culture, he is the founder of The Beat Bank and creator of Sandbox Symphony, a signature public arts event. Through collaborations with schools and cultural institutions, Brother El uses electronic music and storytelling to uplift youth and expand access to the arts across Chicago’s South Side.

Founder and Principal Architect 

Monica Chadha is the Founder and Principal Architect of Civic Projects, a South Side Chicago architecture practice advancing a participatory model of design that expands architecture's role in civic and cultural life. With a career spanning architecture, planning, and stakeholder strategy, Monica has contributed to major cultural landmarks including the Obama Presidential Center Museum and the National Museum of Mexican Art. A Trustee for the Graham Foundation, Monica is a leader in social impact design. She holds an M.Arch from the University of Illinois Chicago and previously researched low-income housing prototypes with the Vastu-Shilpa Foundation under renowned architect Balkrishna Doshi.

Executive Director, Ride Illinois

After 25 years working in educational publishing, Dave made the leap to a nonprofit role in 2019 to become Executive Director of Ride Illinois – the state’s nonprofit bicycle advocacy organization. Dave strongly believes in the many benefits of the humble bicycle and enjoys encouraging others to rely on active modes of transportation for everyday trips. In his current role, Dave oversees the daily tasks of a non-profit organization, including: staff and board management, advocacy, finances, marketing and communications, and collaboration with partners at the local, state, and national level.

Southside Critical Mass co-founder and Major Taylor Cycling Club member

Danielle McKinnie has been an avid cyclist since 2012. She has served on the board of Active Transportation Alliance and is a member of Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago. In 2014, she and biking buddies including Ojie Murchison and Oboi Reed, founded Southside Critical Mass Chicago. The purpose is to showcase the beauty of the southside, improve health in the community and support businesses in the area. The rides are on the first Fridays, April through November from 55th and Kimbark. Southside Critical Mass youth riders have flourished and shown great leadership in Blackstone Bicycle Works programs.