Kashmir Bonner is the Founder and Visionary of Cease Poverty, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization committed to empowering justice impacted women, breaking cycles of poverty, and creating pathways to purpose, stability, and self-sufficiency.
As a justice-impacted woman who served 11 years of incarceration, Kashmir brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work. Having personally overcome the challenges of incarceration, poverty, trauma, and reentry, she understands firsthand the barriers many women face when trying to rebuild their lives and create a brighter future.
Kashmir holds an Associate Degree in Business Management and is currently pursuing further education in Social Work to strengthen her ability to serve women and communities in need. She is an entrepreneur, author, mentor, 25+ year cosmetologist, educator, and community advocate with a passion for helping others discover their potential and transform their lives.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Kashmir teaches entrepreneurship, business development, and financial literacy, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to build sustainable futures and achieve economic independence.
Kashmir created Cease Poverty because she understands what it feels like to grow up without the mentorship, guidance, and support that many young women need. Reflecting on her own journey, she believes that having access to positive role models and empowering women could have changed the course of many of her life decisions.
"I was always intelligent, capable, and full of potential. What I lacked was guidance, mentorship, and someone willing to help me see a different path. Today, I strive to be the person I needed when I was younger."
That belief became the foundation of Cease Poverty.
Her mission is to be a vessel of hope, empowerment, and transformation—ensuring that justice impacted women have access to the resources, opportunities, and support she wishes she had received growing up. By helping women heal, grow, and thrive, she hopes to create lasting change for generations to come.
Meet Our Team
Founder & CEO
"I cannot change the path I traveled, but I can help illuminate a better path for the women who come after me. My purpose is to be the person I once needed."
— Kashmir Bonner
KASHMIR BONNER
Katrina Adams
Latoya Patton
President
Assistant Secretary
Katrina Adams is an educator, community leader, and nonprofit executive with more than 11 years of experience advancing educational equity and community development. She holds an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and dual Master's degrees in Public Administration and Political & Social Justice Studies from Governors State University.
As the Founder and Executive Director of STARR Community Services International, Inc., Katrina leads innovative youth and family programs focused on STEAM education, leadership development, and community engagement. Her work has impacted underserved communities locally and internationally, helping create opportunities that inspire learning, innovation, and long-term success.
Latoya Patton is a justice-impacted community advocate and entrepreneur with more than 10 years of management experience. Passionate about helping others, she is known for connecting individuals and families to valuable resources and support services.
With a background in cosmetology and entrepreneurship, including operating her own clothing line, Latoya brings both professional and lived experience to her work. She has also participated in outreach efforts at Lincoln Correctional Center and actively advocates for seniors in need of support.
As a member of the Cease Poverty team, Latoya is committed to empowering underserved communities through service, mentorship, and advocacy.