Latrice McArthur

Latrice McArthur is a Chicago, IL Brickyard Leader and the Founder and Executive Director of Igniting Minds, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people through academic enrichment, mentoring, food education, and community engagement. Through Igniting Minds, Latrice has built programs that connect students with peer mentors, provide academic support, and create pathways for leadership and workforce development. Her work centers on ensuring that young people, particularly those from underserved communities, have access to the resources, relationships, and experiences they need to thrive.

A central part of Latrice’s leadership is using food and culture as a bridge for learning and community building. She leads initiatives such as the Cultural Food Exchange, which brings together youth, chefs, and community members to explore cultural traditions, storytelling, and shared meals as a way to build understanding across communities. By pairing young people with mentors and professionals, she helps students see new possibilities for their futures while strengthening connections across Chicago.

Latrice is passionate about creating programs that empower the next generation to lead with empathy, curiosity, and confidence. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and industry leaders, she continues to expand opportunities for students while strengthening the networks that support them.