Let’s get ready!! The excitement is building, and we hope you are prepared for the 70th Annual Mid-Western Region Teen Leadership Conference on the beautiful campus of Loyola University Chicago. We extend our gratitude to our phenomenal Regional Teen Leaders, Regional Team members, and our hosts, the IL South Center of Excellence (COE) for their work to ensure the success of this year’s conference. For their consistent dedication and diligence in laying the foundation for the success of this conference – we thank you.

Our theme, Black Excellence: The Original Change Agents is very fitting for this year’s conference. We have planned a MIGHTY showcase of Black Excellence for you - from the Opening Night Event to the Community Service Project, the Talent Showcase to Plenary Sessions and Senior Salute, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to make memories and connect.

Whether this is your first Teen Leadership Conference or your last, we hope you enjoy the essence of what the Teen Leadership Conference experience is. Tour the campus and the beautiful grounds. Engage with teens outside of your chapter. Cheer on our step, skit, and oratorical competitors. Participate in workshops. Bid farewell to the Class of 2024. No matter your passion, we have you covered!

Our dynamic Teen Leaders and I cannot wait to see all your smiling faces for what is expected to be a Jack and Jill Conference like no other. Again, on behalf of the Regional Executive Board of the Mighty Mid-Western Region, welcome to the 2024 Teen Leadership Conference. See you in the Windy City of Chicago, IL!!

Respectfully,

Regional Director Deidre Lindsey

Greetings, Teens of the Mighty Mid-Western Region!

I am Carlos Dillard Jr, your Regional Teen President. I proudly hail from the South Suburban Chicago Chapter. It is my honor to welcome you to this year’s Teen Leadership Conference at Loyola University in my hometown, Chicago, Illinois. The Regional Teen Officers and I have been standing on business to create a one-of-a-kind TLC that you’ll never forget! This year’s theme is Black Brilliance: The Original Change Agents. 

During TLC we will honor our rich history and how we have risen through adversity, challenges, and oppression to redefine narratives and reshape the cultural landscape of America. Our brilliance shines through in every field we touch, from the arts and science to activism and leadership. We are the next young transformative Black leaders of the world. Our generation will illuminate various paths to a brighter and more equitable future. 

We have worked hard in school, sports, extracurricular activities, service, and in Jack and Jill. When we connect, magic happens. So, make sure you savor all the Black Brilliance that TLC has to offer. There’s something for everyone: our highly competitive step-off, skit, time capsule, blanket, and outstanding senior competitions, insightful workshops and plenary sessions, a fit showcase, a fye party, memorable signature event, and, of course, a beautiful gala. This is my last TLC before I graduate. I promise you, it’s a TLC you do not want to miss! I’m looking forward to connecting with you in the Chi!

Yours in service,

Carlos Dillard, Jr.
Regional Teen President
Mid-Western Region of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.