Policy shifts. Rumors. Misinformation. And nonprofit leaders are often forced to make communication decisions that impact funding, credibility, and sometimes even safety.

Meeting the Moment exists to provide shared language, trusted insight, and practical tools to help organizations navigate uncertainty without losing trust.

Shawnelle Richie

Founder of L Elle Strategies, a boutique communications firm specializing in public-facing messaging. At L Elle, she blends public relations and strategic marketing with broadcast, digital, and social media strategies, helping businesses safeguard and strengthen their reputations in both calm and crisis.

When the moment gets louder… the truth has to get clearer. Policy shifts. Rumors….Misinformation….And leaders are forced to make communication decisions that impact funding, credibility—and sometimes even safety. It’s the reason WVON (WRLL) established Meeting the Moment….To help nonprofit leaders across Chicago respond with confidence, not fear. To offer shared language, trusted insight, and practical tools that turn uncertainty into preparedness.

Lorie Smith

She is a media strategist, producer, recording artist, and storyteller working at the intersection of culture, community, and purpose. As Business Operations Manager at WVON 1690 AM, Chicago’s legacy Black talk radio station, she helps drive the engine behind the microphone—overseeing operations, campaigns, and cross-platform storytelling that informs, empowers, and mobilizes audiences.

Together, we’re offering crisis communications strategies designed to help the nonprofit
community stay connected, informed, and responsive—when our communities need them most…like right now. From navigating difficult conversations to sharing accurate information with care and clarity, Meeting the Moment is about strengthening the voices that serve our neighborhoods every day.