Bronzeville Festival Designed To Inspire & Equip South Side Youth To Pursue S.T.E.A.M. Careers
Bronzeville Festival Designed To Inspire & Equip South Side Youth To Pursue S.T.E.A.M. Careers
The sky is limitless for today’s youth when it comes to career paths. However proper choices, skill training, education and devoted mentorship are certainly a few of the proper tools needed to make a sound choice. Being able to integrate skills on all levels is important. Everything we do requires some form of Reading and Math. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M) solidifies the skill set needed for our future leaders.
On Friday, August 7th the Bronzeville Festival of S.T.E.A.M took place. We had the opportunity to speak with the Cecilia Cuff, the organizer, visionary behind the First Annual one of the kinds ‘Bronzeville Youth Innovation & S.T.E.A.M Fest’. Below is our Q &A with Cecilia Cuff.
CITIZEN: Can you tell us what the Bronzeville Fest is?
BRONZVILLE YISF: The Bronzeville Youth Innovation & STEAM Festival is about helping young people see what’s possible. We created a day where students could explore artificial intelligence, robotics, aviation, virtual reality, engineering, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries alongside the people building those careers every day.
Too often, exposure determines opportunity. Our goal is to make sure every young person on the South Side has access to both.
a. Tell us exactly where the festival took place?
The festival was held at South Side Sanctuary, 4702 S. Martin Luther King Drive, in the heart of Bronzeville, directly across from Peaches Restaurant and the Harold Washington Cultural Center. South Side Sanctuary is a community 3rd / green space and sanctuary where education, entrepreneurship, arts, wellness, and neighborhood life come together in one shared public space.
b. For anyone who didn’t attend the event what did they miss?
More than 200 youth and families spent the day exploring the careers and technologies shaping tomorrow’s economy through hands on experiences, conversations with industry leaders, and interactive learning stations.
BRONZVILLE YISF: The day began with welcome remarks from Aaron Ireland, Founder of L.O.T.U.S. Camp Flight; Cecilia Cuff, Co-Founder of South Side Sanctuary; Evelyn Benitez, Chicago Youth Works Program, City of Chicago; Dale Morrison, Technology & Innovation Intern at South Side Sanctuary; and Terrence Singletary, Technology & Digital Innovation Intern at South Side Sanctuary, setting the stage for a day centered on opportunity, innovation, and leadership.
Students learned directly from experts through four panel discussions:
PANEL 1: Meet the Innovators: My Journey into Technology
● Moderator: Dale Morrison, Technology & Innovation Intern, South Side Sanctuary
● Mark Gardner, Founder & CEO, Maccstream AeroVisions
● Will Salaam, Music Producer, Audio Engineer & Technology Investor, MXRT
● Ben Stone, College & Career Pathway Lead for Information Technology, Chicago Public Schools
PANEL 2: Building the Future: AI, Robotics & Emerging Technology
● Moderator: Terrence Singletary, Technology & Digital Innovation Intern, South Side Sanctuary
● Quittman Farmer, Co Founder, Que’d Up
● Kyle Riccards, Co Founder, Que’d Up
● Deanna McLeary Sherman, Executive Director, True Star Media
● Kendra Mallory, Founder & Urban STEM Educator, STEMFI Solutions
PANEL 3: Beyond College: The Many Pathways to Great Careers in STEAM
● Moderator: Nakiyah Matthews, Youth Programs Coordinator, South Side Sanctuary
● Katrina A. Roddy, AI Strategist, TCB Vinyasa
● Henry Wegener, Audiovisual Library of Chicago
● Duane Davis, Founder & Executive Director, Raising Expectations
Panel 4: Innovation Starts in Your Neighborhood
● Moderator: Keith Stallings, Community Leader
● Kamal Bilal, Founder, Digital Media Academy
● Joshua Johnson, President, Space Continuum
The Innovation VIllage! :
Beyond the stage, students participated in hands on learning in our 15 separate innovation village activations led by with S.T.E.A.M. and AI focused organizations including:
● Maccstream AeroVisions - Aviation education, drones, and flight simulators
● Que’d Up - 2D & 3D animation, character design, and game development
● Olive Harvey College - Blood typing, human anatomy, and healthcare careers led by Dr. Jacqueline Witherspoon
● Chicago Public Schools - Information Technology career pathways, internships, apprenticeships, and workforce opportunities
● 3D Printing
● Video Game Programming & Coding
● Robotics
● Engineering vs. Electricity
● Curiosity & Chemistry
● STEM & AI Careers Exploration
● Microscope & Telescope Discovery Lab
● Drone Aviation Station
● Build Your Own Fort Engineering Challenge
● Math & Language Exploration activities.
Most importantly, students met professionals who looked like them, asked questions, built relationships that can lead them into tangible futures that are aligned with Illinois and Chicago's push toward technology, and discovered that innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership are careers within their reach. We wanted every young person to leave believing that the future isn’t something to wait for. It’s something they can help create, beginning right here in Bronzeville.
CITIZEN: Can you talk to us about what inspired you to start an organization that gives back to a community that focuses on the future generations?
BRONZEVILLE YISF : I’ve always believed that communities don’t change simply because we build better buildings. Communities change because we create better pathways for people.
That belief has been with me since college. I attended the University of Illinois Chicago intending to pursue education because I have always been passionate about teaching, mentoring, and helping others discover their potential. Along the way, I realized I also had a passion for business, entrepreneurship, and the power of corridor development to transform neighborhoods. Rather than choosing one path over the other, I’ve spent my career bringing those passions together through hospitality, urban planning, corridor development, economic development, and community design.
I’ve always welcomed interns and emerging professionals onto my teams because I believe some of the most valuable lessons are learned by working alongside experienced leaders, solving real challenges, and seeing firsthand how ideas become reality. My goal has always been to share not just knowledge, but the confidence to believe that they, too, can shape their communities.
South Side Sanctuary was founded on the belief that every young person deserves access to those same opportunities, regardless of their ZIP code. We created a place where youth can discover new interests, meet inspiring professionals, build confidence, and begin to see themselves as future entrepreneurs, engineers, artists, scientists, and civic leaders. And we are just getting started at the age of 2 years old !
As adults, we often ask young people what they want to be when they grow up. My question is different: Have we given them enough opportunities to discover what is possible? South Side Sanctuary exists to answer that question with a resounding yes.
CITIZEN: (a). The revolution of technology is multifaceted. AI, robots, drones, virtual reality and gaming are of interest to our young people, especially those between the ages of 10-19 or younger. Technology as we know it today is quickly becoming the engine behind great jobs/careers. Why is it important for parents to get their children involved in S.T.E.A.M programing at an early age.
BRONZEVILLE YISF : Technology is no longer a separate industry. It is becoming the operating system for nearly every industry. Whether a young person dreams of becoming a doctor, architect, chef, artist, entrepreneur, engineer, or business owner, they will need to understand how technology, artificial intelligence, and digital tools are transforming their profession.
That is specifically why parents should introduce their children to STEAM at an early age. STEAM is about much more than science and technology. It develops curiosity, creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving. Those are the skills that prepare young people to adapt, lead, and thrive in an ever-changing world.
We also have to recognize that Illinois is making historic investments in the industries of tomorrow. Under the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is positioning Chicago as a global leader in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and next generation technologies. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has also recognized the importance of building strong public and private partnerships that create jobs, strengthen our regional economy, and prepare the workforce of the future.
The opportunity is already arriving. Our responsibility is to ensure that the young people growing up in Bronzeville and neighborhoods across Chicago are prepared to lead it, not simply watch it happen.
That preparation begins long before college or a first job. It begins when a child builds their first robot, flies a drone, designs a video game, meets an engineer, or hears an entrepreneur explain how they built a business. Those experiences change how young people see themselves. They begin to understand that these careers are not meant for someone else. They are within their reach.
That is why organizations like South Side Sanctuary matter. We are creating early pathways into the careers that will define the next generation of our economy. Every workshop, every mentor, every internship, and every conversation is designed to help young people see possibility, build confidence, and develop the skills to shape the future of their communities.
If we want Illinois to lead the industries of tomorrow, we have to ensure that the talent growing up on the South Side is prepared to lead them. I believe our greatest competitive advantage is not technology itself. It is the young people whose potential we choose to invest in today.
CITIZEN: (b). Why is important for our local government, community leaders and business owners and parents to invest in and make more available programming that encourages and pushes our youth to make great choices when deciding on a career vs. getting a job.
BRONZVILLE YISF : Children between the ages of 5 and 15 are in some of the most formative years of their lives. At that age, everything still feels possible, and I think we have a responsibility to protect that sense of possibility.
I don’t expect a 7-year-old to know whether they want to become an engineer or an artist, or a 12- year-old to decide they’ll work in artificial intelligence. What I do hope is that they have the chance to explore. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give a young person is the opportunity to discover what they love. Just as importantly, they may discover what they don’t enjoy, and that’s equally valuable.
That’s why South Side Sanctuary focuses on hands on experiences. We want children to build, create, experiment, ask questions, and try something they have never done before. Whether they’re flying a drone, programming a video game, looking through a microscope, designing with a 3D printer, or talking with an entrepreneur, each experience expands their understanding of what is possible.
My hope isn’t that every child leaves wanting to become a scientist or an engineer. My hope is that they leave more curious than when they arrived, more confident in their own abilities, and excited to keep exploring. When we nurture curiosity at a young age, the right career path often reveals itself over time.
CITIZEN: Can you share with us a little bit about your two interns, Dale and Terrence, who helped produce the past festival?
A. What school are they currently attending?
B. If you can, share with us the level of education that they plan on pursuing.
C. Can you tell us their career path of interest?
BRONZEVILLE YISF : Dale Morrison, a Bronzeville native, is studying Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and plans to earn a master’s degree in Computer Engineering. His goal is to become a Software Engineer.
Terrence Singletary is a student at De La Salle Institute and plans to attend a four-year university to study Network Engineering or Cybersecurity. He hopes to become a Cybersecurity Analyst or Network Security Engineer.
CITIZEN: Can you tell us about ‘Cecilia Cuff’. What is next for you?
I recently moved back to Chicago after completing a yearlong fellowship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, where I focused on real estate development, corridor investment strategies, and equitable revitalization in communities experiencing rapid change. It gave me the opportunity to study how thoughtful design, public policy, and strategic investment can create stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.
One of the most rewarding parts of the fellowship was working with students from around the world. It reminded me how much I enjoy teaching and mentoring. I hope to one day teach a design studio at the Harvard Graduate School of Design or the University of Chicago, where I can put my professional experience to work helping students solve real world challenges in urban design, corridor development, and community development. I believe the best classrooms connect theory with practice.
Professionally, I’m excited about the next chapter. You’ll see several transformative projects announced on the South Side of Chicago, and I’m honored to be working outside of Chicago with mayors across the country on corridor development and revitalization strategies for neighborhoods facing high vacancy and disinvestment.
I’m also continuing to explore hospitality and destination development projects that celebrate culture, design, and community.
At the end of the day, my work has always been about helping communities unlock their potential by creating places where people, businesses, and ideas can thrive.
CITIZEN: You are recognizable community leader and an entrepreneur, a visualizer and what we would call a forward thinker. It takes a lot to keep youth focused and motivated; can you share with us some of the challenges you faced from concept to reality while building out your sanctuary space.
BRONZEVILLE YISF : One of the biggest challenges wasn’t building the space. It was convincing people that a “green sanctuary” could create measurable impact, and then finding the capital to make that vision real.
As an urban planner and corridor developer, I’ve learned that the most meaningful public spaces aren’t defined by their architecture. They’re defined by what they unlock: lower crime, stronger foot traffic for local businesses, improved health, greater neighborhood pride, and a deeper sense of connection.
Those outcomes can feel abstract when a project exists only as an idea on paper, which makes access to capital one of the greatest challenges for community developers. I made a significant personal investment because I believed our community deserved this space. But I also learned that building the park was only the beginning.
It’s often easier to raise money to build a place than it is to sustain the programming, maintenance, and activation that give it life. Every free youth program, technology festival, wellness event, concert, and community gathering requires long term partners who understand that the return on investment isn’t measured only in dollars. It’s measured in stronger neighborhoods and stronger futures.
We were fortunate to have leaders like Alderman Pat Dowell, who understands that thriving neighborhoods are built through connected investments in housing, businesses, transportation, public spaces, and people. That holistic vision has been instrumental to Bronzeville’s continued growth.
Today, our greatest opportunity is finding partners who want to invest not just in a place, but in the long term stewardship of that place. Because when you invest in programming, you’re investing in safer neighborhoods, thriving small businesses, healthier families, and the next generation of leaders.
CITIZEN: In 2022 you opened the first Black Woman Owned Winery on the South Side of the City for adults. You didn’t stop utilizing your entrepreneur skills nor did you leave anyone behind, including our youth. In 2024 you opened a public outdoor plaza on the city’s South Side in the Bronzeville community as well. The space that you created for youth serves as a hub where individuals can receive access to health and wellness, as well as learn skills that would equip them to become entrepreneurs.
- CITIZEN: (a). Can you tell us about the programming offered through your organization for youth and how they can enroll or become involved?
BRONZEVILLE YISF : We are always looking for young people, from middle school through college, who are curious, motivated, and want to make a difference in their communities. Whether they’re interested in community programming at South Side Sanctuary, hospitality and culinary arts at Bronzeville Winery, or urban planning, corridor development, entrepreneurship, and real estate development through The Nascent Group, we believe in giving students meaningful, hands-on experiences that build both confidence and professional skills.
Our interns don’t spend the summer making copies. They help design real projects, solve real problems, organize community events, and build portfolios they can use when applying for high school programs, college, internships, scholarships, or their first jobs. The Bronzeville Youth Innovation & STEAM Festival is a perfect example. Our student interns helped plan the event, coordinate partners, moderate panel discussions, and welcome hundreds of youths and families.
We’re grateful to partner with organizations including Chicago Youth Works, One On One Chicago, and the Virgil Abloh Foundation, along with the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois, to create meaningful internship and workforce development opportunities throughout the year.
If there’s one thing I hope young people take away, it’s that they don’t have to wait until they’re older to make an impact. They can start building their future today.
Students, parents, educators, and community partners interested in internships, mentorship, or volunteering are always welcome to reach out to us at admin@thenascentgroup.com. We’re always looking for the next generation of leaders who are committed to making their communities stronger.
CITIZEN: (b). Can you also share the type of experience adults can look forward to when attending an evening at the Winery?
BRONZEVILLE YISF : What excites me most right now is the launch of our own wine collection, 44 by Bronzeville Winery!!!! Over the past few years, we’ve partnered with Ole & Obrigado and traveled throughout Portugal and Spain searching for incredible winemakers, vineyards, and wines that reflect what our guests have loved since we opened . We wanted every bottle to reflect the same sense of discovery, culture, and hospitality that our guests experience when they walk through our doors.
The collection includes a Cabernet Sauvignon, an Alvarinho, and a Rosé Cava and a Brut Cava, each developed in collaboration with outstanding winemakers, including talented women who are helping shape the future of the wine industry.
I’m equally excited about the artwork on each bottle, created by acclaimed Chicago artist Krista Franklin. Her work transforms every bottle into a celebration of creativity, culture, and the artistic spirit of Bronzeville. As our wines are introduced across the country, we’re proud to share not only great wine, but the story of our community.
I’ve had fun doing tastings like Cava & Caviar pop ups and curated wine & happy hours across Chicago! We recently did a tasting with Chief and are looking forward to being at TedX Chicago!
For more information about the Bronzeville Winery their location and what happening, visit them at: https://www.bronzevillewinery.com
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