Light the Darkness 2025

HONOREE HIGHLIGHT: DR. NGOZI O. EZIKE

Dr. Ngozi Ezike became President and CEO of Sinai Chicago, the state’s largest private safety net health system, in June 2022. Previously, she was the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), where she valiantly navigated the state through the most difficult waves of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At Sinai, Dr. Ezike has focused on advancing health equity through innovation and creative collaboration. Under her leadership, Sinai Chicago has expanded community health worker programs and invested in state-of-the-art technology for electronic health records, robotic surgery and 3D imaging services -- allowing Sinai caregivers to work better and faster, providing better care and service for the people they serve.

Under her leadership, Sinai Chicago’s commitment to uncompensated charity care has been recognized in the top 10 percentile nationwide of safety net providers offering such care, making Sinai one of the top “fair share” contributors in the U.S. for charity care and community investment.

Dr. Ezike is a board-certified internist and pediatrician as well as a nationally recognized public health leader. She holds degrees from Harvard University and the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and a business management certificate from Harvard Business School.  She is the recipient of dozens of awards including Crain’s Chicago Business 2024 Women of Note, Crain’s Notable Leaders in Healthcare 2023, the Jane Addams Medal of Freedom, and USA Today's Inaugural Women of the Year Award for the State of Illinois.

Join NAMI Chicago for our much-anticipated Light the Darkness gala, a night dedicated to illuminating the path toward mental health awareness and support. Attendees will experience an inspiring evening filled with hope and community spirit. We will be honoring four outstanding leaders: Dr. Ngozi O. Ezike, Representative Lindsey LaPointe, Chicago Public Library, and the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago. Together, we will raise crucial funds to support mental health initiatives, ensuring that no one faces their struggles alone. Be part of this transformative evening and help us light the way for those in need!

Thursday, May 29, 2025

6PM - 10PM

The Geraghty, 2520 S. Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL

Formal attire

Free parking available

Donations will be requested

Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are now available!