Our Board Members

Gleatha Glispie

Gleatha Glispie is a senior consultant in supplier diversity and workforce development across a range of industries. Her expertise includes identifying and placing minority and women-owned businesses in contracting positions in areas of economic disparity. She served in senior management positions for Walgreens Company, Premier Inc. and Monsanto. She developed many grass roots, first time economic inclusion initiatives and fostered, economic growth of minority and women-owned businesses.

Gleatha is an advocate for youth and the importance of job preparation for young people. Her skills in job training as well as knowledge of the business community provide an excellent resource while serving on various board of directors.

Fun facts about Gleatha include: world traveler who has visited Africa  China, Cuba, Italy, England, most of the Caribbean Islands and other countries; florist, interior decorator for numerous homes in Chicago and St. Louis; expert seamstress and clothing designer; and wedding and event planner. Gleatha is proudly displays her art fine collection and flower garden. Gleatha had two adult children and 3 grandchildren.

Joanne Glenn

As a longtime patient advocate for health, I truly believe that my calling is making a difference. I am a community leader that informs and includes the community to build capacity so that the community can be engaged in asking questions and contributing to cancer care and research. I am an experienced, accomplished and published registered nurse; I also hold an MBA. The generous and unconditional love I received from my mother nurtured the desire to give back to the community and make a difference in a positive way in a world with much uncertainty.

 Since 2016, I have served as Co-Chair of the PI’s NCI U54 Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative (ChicagoCHEC) Community Steering Committee. The Community Steering Committee (CSC) is committed to engaging, mobilizing, and supporting community capacity building efforts to improve health outcomes among Chicago’s underserved communities. It is composed of diverse community organizations whose members have traditionally been under-served in cancer care.  In my role as CSC Co-Chair, I coordinate the efforts of key community members and leaders who guide and support ChicagoCHEC’s strategic efforts.  

 As a community Co-Chair for this project, I share my resources and reach out to my social networks to engage the community in research and cancer care. I empower community members to be informed and inspired to take charge of their own health.  I have served in a number of professional capacities that support me in this role.  I am the President and Founder of W.O.T. Foundation, Inc. (Women on top of Their Game), an organization that provides a platform for health education, mentors businesses, and facilitates opportunities through networking. I am also the owner of Bronzeville Corporatium, Inc., a "Business Center Designed with you in Mind."  We house the headquarter office for "Everyday is October," a nonprofit organization designed to empower, inspire, and support breast cancer survivors. Bronzeville Corporatium also serves as an incubator for small to mid-size businesses both local and internationally. Additionally, I am co-owner & Chief Operating Officer of Comprehensive Quality Care, Inc. Foundation, a Joint Commission "deemed status" home health agency servicing the Chicago-land area to improve health outcomes while utilizing safe practices and providing quality care to individuals. All of these experiences aid me in my role as a community Co-Chair for ChicagoCHEC. 

Tracie R. Porter

Tracie is the Principal and Owner of Tracie R. Porter, P.C., Attorneys at Law in Chicago, Illinois. Tracie is a native Chicagoan who has worked in private practice and legal academia since becoming a lawyer in 1994. Tracie has worked for private law firms (large and medium firms), for the United States government, and in her own small firm practice. Tracie has taught in the areas that she has practiced, including estate planning/asset protection, real estate/property, and business incorporation/counseling (for-profit & not-for-profit). Tracie's emerging areas of legal interest include Fashion Law and Entertainment Law. Tracie trained with both the Fashion Law Institute, Inc. of New York and studied as a Fashion Designer at The Art Institute of North Hollywood, California.

Tracie's professional and social philosophies focus on the Law, Education, and Philanthropy. As Chairman of the Board of The Alexander Family Foundation, Inc. (AFF), founded on June 18, 2018, Tracie supports the AFF mission to Leave a Legacy for generations to come. AFF's mission aligns with Tracie's Philanthropy Philosophy by supporting not-for-profit community organizations that make an impact and are a catalyst for change in the areas of education, health, and the environment.