About Us
Dr. Christelle Lilliane Gbedo
Dr. Christelle Lilliane Gbedo is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Christelle Lilliane Success Academy
CEO & Founder, Author & Motivational Speaker
Dr. Christelle Lilliane Gbedo is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Christelle Lilliane Success Academy, a nonprofit organization she launched in 2022. Christelle Lilliane Success Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on exposing youth and young adults to a variety of career paths and opportunities.
With over 20 years of experience in the beauty and education sectors, Christelle has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to economic empowerment, community upliftment, and transformational leadership. She has also spent the past 11 years in the import/export industry, gaining valuable experience in customs operations and international trade.
Biography
In 2000, she launched Christo African Hair Braiding, marking the beginning of a distinguished entrepreneurial career defined by excellence in business strategy, client engagement, and workforce development. Under her visionary leadership, the business experienced substantial growth, creating employment opportunities for over 100 individuals and making a lasting contribution to the local economy.
Christelle Lilliane is an author and inspires readers to take their first steps towards change! In her book, Change Your Focus. Change Your Life, she teaches, encourages, and demonstrates how to pursue personal growth and elevate to the next level. A self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, Christelle has owned businesses in various industries, including beauty and international import/export.
Her ability to connect with live audiences through sharing her journey of overcoming health challenges, grief, and daily obstacles empowers everyone who hears her speak.
Born in Cotonou, Benin, West Africa, Christelle has lived in Illinois for the past twenty-seven years and has a strong family background. She is a highly sought-after motivational speaker available for in-person readings, book club discussions, and presentations to audiences ranging from youth to seniors.
Among her many roles, Christelle cherishes being a wife, a mother, and the eldest of seven siblings.
What We Do
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever
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Guiding Our Mission
Our Advisory Board is made up of dedicated leaders and professionals committed to our mission of developing caring learners who grow and lead with purpose. As trusted advisors, they bring diverse expertise and perspectives that shape our programs and long-term strategies. Their insights help us remain innovative and responsive to the needs of students and communities. The Advisory Board plays a crucial role in fostering growth and ensuring our school prepares learners for meaningful impact in the world.
ABDON GBEDO
ADVISOR
STECY OLA
PMHNP-BC - MENTAL HEALTH LIAISON
Dr. Christelle Lilliane Gbedo
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DORIS FANDOHAN
FNP-C, PRIMARY CARE
STEPHANIE KENDRICKS
CONSULTANT
HENRY FALONIPE
MEDIA CONSULTANT
MIKAEL-HOUNDEGNON
PROJECT MANAGER
EMMANUEL AYAMDO
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
A High-Achieving Multicultural Community for Learning
Join us in celebrating Multicultural Community for Learning Impact Day, where students, families, and partners come together to showcase how a diverse and high-achieving learning community creates lasting change beyond the classroom.
Community Impact Statement
Christelle Lilliane Success Academy (CLSA) is a community-based educational and workforce development organization serving youth, families, and underserved residents throughout the South Suburban region of Chicago. CLSA provides programming that integrates public health awareness, youth leadership development, career preparation, and community engagement to create pathways toward long-term economic stability and personal growth.
Since its incorporation, CLSA has hosted a series of community-centered events designed to educate, empower, and connect residents to meaningful opportunities. These initiatives include leadership programs, youth engagement activities, public health education events, workforce development workshops, and financial literacy training. Programs such as MLK Leadership Service Day (2022), Autism Awareness Community Programs (2023 and 2024), Mental Health Awareness Seminars, community environmental initiatives, youth leadership programming, and financial literacy workshops in partnership with Wintrust Bank serve as platforms to introduce residents to CLSA’s broader education and workforce training services.
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These gatherings function as accessible entry points for individuals and families who may not otherwise engage with formal educational programs or workforce systems. Through these events, CLSA connects residents with essential services including career coaching, GED preparation resources, entrepreneurship education, vocational training, apprenticeship pathways, and workforce development opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
CLSA also works to address both education attainment gaps and public health disparities affecting communities in the South Suburban Chicago region. Many residents face barriers to completing secondary education, accessing career training, and obtaining stable employment—factors that contribute to long-term economic hardship and poorer health outcomes. In response, CLSA provides integrated programming that connects education, workforce development, and community health awareness to improve long-term community wellbeing.
In addition to workforce and education services, CLSA hosts community education initiatives focused on mental health awareness, autism awareness, trauma-informed support, violence prevention, and community dialogue. These programs help residents better understand critical health and social challenges while promoting resilience, emotional wellbeing, and community collaboration.
CLSA’s impact is demonstrated through consistent community participation and measurable engagement outcomes. From 2022 through 2025, the organization hosted dozens of community engagement events across municipalities including Country Club Hills, Markham, Hazel Crest, Harvey, Homewood, Matteson, Tinley Park, and South Holland. These programs collectively served more than 1,300 community participants, including over 460 youth, while mobilizing more than 260 volunteers and generating nearly 100 workforce referrals and 80 training enrollments into education and career development pathways.
With continued support, CLSA will expand initiatives that strengthen workforce security, youth mentorship, and violence prevention. Upcoming programs, including the Autism Awareness Masquerade Sneaker Ball in April 2026, will continue raising awareness for developmental disabilities while fostering inclusive leadership and community partnerships that create lasting opportunities for residents across the Chicagoland area.
