We’re always saying #createthecommunity and now, the Jordan Women’s Collective continues its introduction to the world by bringing together eight women who are doing just that in the Windy City.

After a solid reminder that legacies are not bought, they are built – the Jordan Women’s team is back with more insight into the Collective we all fangirled over and a chance for us to meet the ladies behind each trailblazing city.  First up, meet the members of the Chicago Collective. From a cross-stitch artist and an international DJ, to an events producer and the woman behind Chicago’s first Women’s basketball Pro Am, the Chicago Cohort is full of ladies who understand the importance of community and the power of representation. See the full group below:

Chicago Cohort:

Ana Sierra – @aswbl3; Aja Johnson – @aja.mj; Sydney Zenon – @syd_bidd; Kirsten Corley – @kirstencorleybennett; Emma McKee – @thestitchgawd; IB Majekodunmi – @ibonitt; CaSera Heining – @djcashera; Griz Preciado – @grizp

“Community is trust,” says cohort member and makeup artist Sydney Zenon, “I feel like community is being able to be an individual within the walls of unity. A community is a group of people who trust each other — not just to work together but, to support, value, and respect each other for a greater purpose. It’s not always about agreeing on personal topics but, being on the same page for the topics that affect us all." While cohort members are community builders in their individual lanes, the Jordan Women’s Collective ethos is also about providing an opportunity for these trailblazers to connect with each other and forge common bonds through shared experiences.

One such experience found the Chicago crew escaping the Windy City chill and embracing a little taste of Texas trill with a touchdown in H-Town and a day around our city. The trip began with lunch at Maniere Eats and a private view of James Whitner’s retail concept store A Ma Maniere followed by an epic opportunity for a signature south staple with custom grills created by the king of bling, Johnny Dang.  While gold grills are always a vibe, the Chicago ladies couldn’t leave Houston without a trip to the hardwood – and a chance to play alongside WNBA baller Chelsea Dungee at Delmar Arena. Before heading out of Houston, the ladies were treated to a tour of a staple of Houston’s sneaker scene and some one-on-one time with Premium Goods owner, Jennifer Ford. We were on hand to spend some time with the ladies as they embraced the magic of Space City — and to get a peek inside the community they’re fostering within the collective experience. 

Over the next few months, Collective participants will create and undergo an engaging programming mix (including retreats, dinners, events, panels, and more) that removes the shiny veneer of sneaker culture and, instead, returns to the ethos of what the Jumpman stands for: – communication, teamwork, and a dedication to building a stronger community in both cities and in self. 

The Chicago Cohort experienced this first-hand with a road trip to Austin and a life-changing weekend at the Miraval Wellness Resort. The ladies were treated to impactful interactions, a focus on wellness, and an opportunity to spend time with WNBA Champion, Hall of Famer and Texas Queen, Sheryl Swoopes.  

In addition to Collective-building events, we’re also seeing many of the ladies centering their thoughts on the legacy they’d like to leave within their communities. Chicago teammate IB Majekodunmi and Founder of Refine Collective said it best, “I hope [those impacted by my work] say that I’ve tried my best to do right by them and the people in our community. That I gave it a true, honest, effort.”

As we continue to see what each Cohort brings to the Jordan Women’s Collective table, we’re also so excited to see how they’ll continue to #createthecommunity as they bring their Collective experiences back where it all started. Long live Chicago.