Founder Bios

A Heritage of Change 

Victoria Vann (Foundation Creator)

As a diverse learner herself, Victoria took her familial history to heart from a young age. Seeing the work firsthand of both her grandfather and mother sowed a similar desire in Victoria to open access for others. As a diverse learner, she has a relatable perspective how critical it is to provide support for these students who are just as capable in a variety of ways to succeed academically and beyond. Her desire to advocate for others was only deepened by the birth of her son, Justin- whom Victoria will incorporate into the foundation and various programming as he comes of greater age.

Having worked within the higher ed, governmental and public sectors in a variety of roles for a significant portion of her professional career, Victoria is determined to see that people from all backgrounds and communities are provided equitable education, access to information and fair housing. With a B.A. in Industrial Organization Psychology from DePaul University She is proud of several key career and community highlights that have further honed in on her passions for localized advocacy including:

  • Member of the inaugural cohort for the internal Illinois Housing Development Authority leadership academy
  • Directed and produced an institutional process training video that was positively positive received and shared by the Office of the Governor
  • Implemented a process improvement initiative focused on data automation that resulted in increase efficiency and productivity redundancies
  • Developed a resident focused relocation process for Chicago Housing Authority’s rehabilitation projects and communities
  • Served in AmeriCorps for CityYear and launched cultural competency programs, college readiness and financial literacy programs for at-risk youth
  • Elected to the Leadership Lab for the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

While her career and community endeavors are near to her heart, Victoria is most proud of being able to raise her son with a strong understanding of his familial legacy, while nurturing his own personal growth.

Eugene “Gene” Walter Baker (1925 – 1999)

Born in Davenport, Iowa, Eugene (Gene) Baker was a man who stood tall amongst his peers. The son of a Native American mother and military serviceman father, Gene followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the military himself. It was during his enlistment period that he was introduced to baseball, America’favorite pastime.

His baseball career started in 1948 with the Negro American League where he played for the Kansas City Monarchs and lasted for more than 30 years in various roles. He transitioned from player, to manager to scout throughout his storied career. As a talented baseball player during a significant period of racial discord and discrimination, Gene chose to stick to quiet dignity while remaining true to his genuine love of the game. Known for his humility and upstanding nature on and off the field family, friends and colleagues all remember him as a ‘true gentleman’. In 2009 Gene was honored posthumously as the 199th inducted into the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame.

Several spectacular highlights include:

  • The first African-American player signed by the Chicago Cubs (1950)
  • The first African-American keystone combination in MLB (with Ernie Banks, 1953)
  • Among the first African-American players to appear in a Major League All-Star Game (Pittsburgh Pirates, 1955)
  • The first African-American manager of an MLB affiliated minor league team (Batavia Pirates, 1961)
  • The second African-American to coach in the Major League (1963)

Joy Lynette Calloway-Vann (1948 – 2014)

A trailblazer in her own right, Joy Lynette-Calloway Vann was a quiet but strong woman with a servant’s heart. Her desire to help the working class and disenfranchised communities made her a passionate champion of several causes.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Joy always wanted to help her communities elevate from within. She chose to attend Wayne State University as a pre-law major in order to learn further about the justice system and how she could be of use to those most greatly in need. As a way to earn money during college Joy began modeling and her talent led to her being booked in Motor City as a professional auto show model. Like her father before her, Joy broke through the color barrier still prevalent for African-Americans during the time and was often assigned to model for the higher end luxury automobile displays which was uncommon at the time for models of color.

Upon moving on from her modeling career, Joy was still focused on giving back to communities in need. She was hired by American Airlines and her dedication led to her becoming the first African-American woman to be elected as president of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 512 in Chicago, Illinois. Representing employees in the airline, railway, rapid transit and gaming industries, Joy fought to improve treatment, pay, benefits and working conditions for TWU’s union membership. Her persistence paid off and even after she left the organization she was known as the woman who fought for the jobs and livelihoods of others. Even later on in life, she remained an advocate for self and community improvement, encouraging others to remain informed about their own health as she faced her own struggles. 

A woman dedicated to helping others help themselves, the TWU motto, ‘United-Invincible” was a perfect summary of Joy’s commitment and perseverance to causes dear to her heart.