Board of Directors
Meet Our Board of Directors
Christopher J. Parker - Chairman
Christopher J. Parker – Senior Regional Manager, BMO Bank, Civic Leader, Community Advocate
Christopher J. Parker is widely recognized throughout the Chicagoland area as one of the leading African American executives in commercial banking. With more than 25 years of leadership in the financial sector, Christopher has built a distinguished career defined by excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to helping individuals and businesses achieve financial success.
Currently, he serves as Senior Regional Manager for BMO Bank, where he leads with vision and a passion for people. His career journey has allowed him to cultivate not only expertise in banking but also a reputation for servant leadership, inspiring teams to achieve high performance while keeping community impact at the forefront.
Christopher’s achievements have been recognized at the highest levels. In 2022, he was honored with the Notable Black Leaders in Finance Award by Crain’s Chicago Business, celebrating his professional excellence and his role as a trailblazer in the financial industry. His success in banking has also afforded him opportunities for international recognition and awards, reflecting his ability to balance strategic business growth with people-centered leadership.
Beyond his corporate role, Christopher is deeply engaged in civic and community service. He proudly serves as Chairman of the Board for the African American Business Association of Will County, where he works to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners. He is also a Board Director for Housing Forward, an organization committed to addressing housing instability, and a member of the City of Joliet Strategic Planning Initiative, where he helps shape the future growth and development of his community.
Christopher’s academic background is rooted in both business and leadership. He began his studies at Joliet Junior College and continued at Grand Canyon University, focusing on Business Management and Organizational Leadership. His professional development also includes a prestigious internship with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, where he studied Communications and Organizational Leadership—skills that have significantly influenced his leadership style in the banking industry.
At the core of Christopher’s journey is his belief in empowering others. Banking, for him, is more than numbers and transactions—it is a pathway to building relationships, cultivating trust, and helping people realize their financial goals. His combination of professional expertise, civic responsibility, and personal integrity has made him a respected leader in both finance and the community at large.
Outside of his professional and civic commitments, Christopher values family and faith. He is married to Tecara Parker, and together they enjoy life with their two beloved dogs, Crockett and Sampson
Scondreka Lee - 2nd Vice Chair
Scondreka Lee - Executive, CEO & Creative, Community and Business Leader
Scondreka Lee is an accomplished Human Resources executive, educator, and community leader with more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources, strategic planning, senior leadership, and organizational development. She currently serves as the HR Director of Organizational Development and Training for Metropolitan Family Services, one of the largest nonprofit organizations serving Chicago and the surrounding areas.
In addition to her executive role, Scondreka is the CEO and Creator of SS All Things HR, LLC, where she leverages her expertise to empower individuals and organizations through innovative HR solutions and strategies. She holds a dual MBA in Management and Human Resources Management from Robert Morris University in Chicago, IL.
Scondreka is recognized as a champion of HR systems and analytics, bringing her insight and leadership to multiple community and educational organizations. She serves on the Board of Education Finance and Operations Advisory Committee for Orland Park School District 135, is the Secretary for the Joliet Township High School CEO Midland States Bank Entrepreneurs Program, and holds the role of 2nd Vice Chair for the African American Business Association (AABA) of Will County.
Her commitment to AABA and the broader community is centered on advancing education for entrepreneurs, supporting local small businesses, and providing the resources needed to help individuals and organizations achieve their goals.
Yolanda Farmer
Dr. Yolanda Farmer - Vice-President, Strategic Leader, Educator
Dr. Yolanda Farmer serves as Executive Vice President at Joliet Junior College, providing strategic leadership across Academic Affairs, Information Technology, Finance and Administrative Services, and Student Development.
With over 30 years in higher education, she is a passionate advocate for student success and has led initiatives that expand access to services and improve student outcomes. Her previous roles include Vice President for Student Development at JJC, Dean of Student Services at Moraine Valley Community College, and Assistant Dean of Students at DePaul University.
Dr. Farmer holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science, a Master’s in Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She is an Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow and serves on the Advisory Board for the Doctoral Program in Community College Leadership at New Jersey City University. An active community leader, she is involved with the Romeoville Rotary, AABA of Joliet, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Melissa Duff Brown
Melissa Duff Brown – Strategic Leader, Innovator, and Community Advocate
Shykira Richards
Shykira Richards - Mental Health Advocate, Strategist, Community Advocate
Shykira Richards is a dedicated mental health, youth development and nonprofit professional currently serving as Youth Guidance's Director of Program Administration for the Working On Womanhood (WOW) program, a national and evidence driven school-based counseling program, that has been internationally recognized and supported by many such as former First Lady Michelle Obama and US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. In 2022, Shykira was appointed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, to serve on the City of Chicago Gender Based Violence Task Force, and was reappointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, to serve an additional 2-year term. Shykira is a National Urban League 2019-2020 Emerging Leader Alumna and was honored with the National Urban League's Whitney M. Young Award for Excellence in Strategic Partnerships and Youth Programming. She serves on the Board of Directors for the African American Business Association of Will County, board member for the Joliet Area Young Professionals, Steering Committee for the Illinois College Access Network and has been an active member of the Loyola University Chicago Black Alumni Board for over 15 years. Shykira is an alumna of Loyola University Chicago, holding two bachelor's degrees and a Master of Social Work, and has received several certifications in the areas of, behavior, from Ball State University, Non-Profit Administration, from Joliet Junior College and Race, Equity, and Leadership in schools from Harvard University.
Veronica Robinson - 1st Vice Chair
Veronica Robinson - Business Leader, Entrepreneur, Human Resource Advocate and Visionary
Veronica Robinson is a dedicated business leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate who serves as the 1st Vice Chair of the African American Business Association (AABA). In this role, she works passionately to advance entrepreneurship, strengthen collaboration, and promote sustainable economic growth throughout the community. Her leadership reflects her unwavering belief that when small businesses thrive, the entire community prospers.
In addition to her service with AABA, Veronica is the owner and operator of DeVine Designs and Events, a premier full-service event planning and design company. Known for creating memorable, impactful, and visually stunning experiences, she has built a reputation for excellence by blending creativity with precision. Whether coordinating corporate events, weddings, or community celebrations, Veronica and her team bring vision to life while leaving a lasting impression on clients and guests alike. Veronica’s professional journey is reinforced by a strong academic foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources and Organizational Leadership, which equips her with the knowledge to lead with clarity, vision, and strategy. These skills extend beyond business operations into her work with organizations and individuals, where she consistently inspires growth, fosters meaningful connections, and champions innovation. Her impact can be seen both in her entrepreneurial achievements and her commitment to mentorship and empowerment.
Veronica believes in creating pathways for others to succeed, offering guidance and opportunities that elevate emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. Her approach is rooted in the understanding that true leadership is not only about personal success, but about building platforms where others can excel and shine. As a business owner, community leader, and advocate for economic development, Veronica Robinson embodies the values of resilience, creativity, and service. Through her business ventures and leadership roles, she continues to play a vital role in shaping a thriving, connected, and empowered business community that will inspire generations to come.
Howard Wright
Howard Wright - Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Community Leader, Philanthropist
Laurie Veasy
Laurie Veasy - Banker, Community Advocate, Wife, Mother
Laurie Veasy is a dedicated professional, family woman, and passionate community leader. She has been married to her husband, David Vesey, for 31 years, and together they are the proud parents of Tasha, Tammy, Blaine, and Lauren. They also cherish their role as grandparents.
With a career in banking Vice-President of Lending at Numark Credit Union and a heart for service, Lori has made it her mission to give back to the community that has always supported her. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the African American Business Association (AABA), where she also contributes her expertise as part of the Membership and Finance Committees.
Beyond AABA, Lori is deeply engaged in organizations that uplift and empower others. She serves on the Ways and Means Committee and the Budget Committee of the National Hook-Up of Black Women (NHBW), and she is also an active member of the Joliet Rotary Club, where service above self is a guiding principle.
Whether through her professional work in banking or her volunteer leadership across multiple organizations, Lori finds deep fulfillment in giving back and helping to strengthen her community.
Kiara Ford
Kiara Ford - Entrepreneur, Community Leader, Volunteer, Proud New Mom
Kiara Ford is a dynamic entrepreneur, community leader, and proud new mom. She serves as the Finance Co-Chair and a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for the African American Business Association (AABA), where she has contributed her leadership and expertise for more than four years. Kiara is the owner of Krown Lux Boutique, located at 1321 W. Jefferson Street, home of the signature Sip & Press Rhinestone Experience. Through her boutique, she provides innovative branding solutions tailored for businesses, organizations, and consumers, helping them elevate their image and expand their impact.In recognition of her commitment and contributions, Kiara was honored with the 2024 AABA New Business of the Year Award—a testament to her dedication, creativity, and service to the community. Passionate about building meaningful connections, she brings her expertise in entrepreneurship, leadership, coaching, strategic planning, and analytics to every endeavor. These skills align closely with AABA’s mission to transform Will County into Illinois’ most equitable, inclusive, and vibrant economy by dismantling barriers and advancing opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. Above all, Kiara embraces her newest and most cherished role as a mother, which inspires her even more deeply to help build a legacy of empowerment and opportunity for future generations.
Her mantra is simple yet powerful: “Every King and Queen wears a Krown.”
Walter Dean
Walter Dean - Business Owner, Community Volunteer, Entrepreneurial Advocate