Longtime LGBT activist Denise Foy will be honored at the Center on Halsted's Human First Gala, which will take place Saturday, April 2, at The Geraghty. ( Other honorees include Lori Healey, Michael McRaith and AT&T. )
Foy has a long history with the Center, going back to when it was known as Horizons Community Services, including serving as a board member from 1993 to 2007.
"Like most people, it takes someone to introduce you to an organization, help you understand the mission and ask you to help," said Foy. "For me, that person was Paul Fairchild. Paul reached out to me and helped me understand why it's important to be involved and the rest is history."
Last November, Foy began co-chairing the LGBT Community Fund at the Chicago Community Trust after serving as vice-chair and as a committee member for the past five years.
"In 2010, civic leaders joined in a commitment to addressing a broad range of needs within the LGBT community, through strategic support to nonprofit organizations that serve it," said Foy. "Through an operating grant from The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust and a special grant from The Chicago Community Trust, this fund will serve as a tool to educate the region about LGBT issues and promote effective philanthropy to achieve strategic change.
"The LGBT Community Fund envisions a region where LGBT residents live responsibly, in harmony with all communities, enjoying the same freedoms and quality of life and with the same opportunity to make the region a better and safer place for all to live. As co-chair, my role is to work diligently with our very dedicated steering committee to ensure the LGBT community Fund continues its work in making Chicagoland a better place for everyone."
Over the past 20 years, Foy has also supported the work of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Women Employed and the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Foy and her wife, Suzanne Browne, also support the LGBT community through their attendance at various LGBT fundraisers and cultural events.
"It's a great honor to be in the company of all those who have received the Human First Award," said Foy. "Over the past 25 years, I've been mindful to keep asking myself what Dr. King termed as, 'life's most persistent and urgent question, What are you doing for others?' I'm blessed to have a loving spouse, family, friends, co-workers and employers who have so generously supported me in my work with the community. I'm so very proud of the work our community has accomplished."
"Denise Foy embodies the principles of community and remaining grassroots-focused in our work," said Modesto "Tico" Valle, CEO of the Center. "Throughout our growth as an organization, Denise has centered us to listen to the needs of those we serve and to not veer from that path. Because of her guidance as a volunteer, board member, board chair and her contributions to the Center on Halsted, we're recognizing Denise with a Human First Award knowing that she has and will continue to inspire so many."
Foy was born and raised on the east side of Detroit with her three sisters. She moved to Chicago in 1983 after completing her bachelor's degree in education, guidance and counseling and master's degree in instructional design and computer technology at Wayne State University in Detroit.
"I'm first-generation on my mother's side and am the product of hard-working parents who stressed the value of education, especially for women," said Foy. "My father taught me how to be innovative and I started working when I was 11-years-old. From paper routes, dishwashing, working at gas stations, ice rinks, small factories and cutting lawns, to selling mini-bikes and tires from my parents front lawn; I learned early the importance of hard work."
Foy has spent 30 years in the private sector in various roles, including as CEO and COO, at a variety of education and technology companies. Recently, she's been pursuing roles at non-profit organizations.
"I feel my skills and experience can be put to great use and can be used for the greater good," said Foy. "I've always been very passionate about helping others and at this point in my life; I'd like to more fully dedicate myself through working in the non-profit sector."
When not working and supporting the LGBT community, Foy spends time with her wife, two cats and two dogs as well as traveling and boating on Lake Michigan. Foy also loves to cook, read biographies and attend concerts.
"We live in an exciting time and in a great city," said Foy. "While we're enjoying marriage equality and many other freedoms we once thought improbable, let's not forget about our LGBT brothers and sisters who are truly struggling. We have tremendous poverty and homelessness in our community. Please continue to ask yourself, 'What am I doing for others?' and make every effort to support our community."
To purchase tickets for the gala, visit community.centeronhalsted.org/HF .
