Co-Founder & President of Southside Blooms; CNN's 2025 Hero of the Year Recipient
Quilen Blackwell Biography
Quilen Blackwell is the co-founder and current president of the Chicago Eco House, an organization with a focus on fostering urban sustainability and youth empowerment. Under his leadership, the Chicago Eco House launched its flagship program Southside Blooms. This initiative transforms vacant city lots into commercial flower farms, all of which are fueled by solar-powered rainwater irrigation systems. These farms not only beautify the city, but also provide a platform for youth social enterprise, thus tackling two major urban issues in one fell swoop.
Blackwell's commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice has been recognized on numerous occasions. The Chicago Eco House has been the recipient of several awards including the UL Innovation Education Award, the Delta Institute BOOST Award, the Keep Chicago Beautiful Community Vision Award, and the African American Legacy Award. In 2025, he was honored with CNN's Hero of the Year Award. These awards serve as testimony to Blackwell's successful leadership and his innovative approach to urban regeneration and youth development.
Prior to founding the Chicago Eco House, Blackwell gained firsthand experience in sustainable industries by working in the biodiesel sector. He also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand, further expanding his global perspective on social and environmental issues. He holds a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master's degree in Environmental Policy and Sustainability from the University of Denver. Armed with this academic grounding and real-world experience, Blackwell continues to dedicate his efforts to creating opportunities for inner-city youth through the establishment of sustainable social enterprises.
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Quilen Blackwell Videos
"In Our Nature": New Chicago-Based Documentary Showcasing Nonprofit, Southside Blooms
"In Our Nature" explores how environmental education - and the people who teach with it - can help heal some of our most pressing social, emotional,...
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What topics does Quilen Blackwell speak about?
Quilen Blackwell is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Black Heritage, Entrepreneurship, Non-Profit, Social Activism, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Youth -
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Quilen Blackwell is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Quilen Blackwell for your event is available upon request. Quilen Blackwell generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Frederick J. Riley, Stephanie Cornell, Harold Pettigrew, Kayli-Joy Cooper and Xavier Henderson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Quilen Blackwell for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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