Markena D. Peavy brings a deep personal and professional commitment to her role on the CFHC Board of Directors. Born and raised in Washington Park, she is a graduate of Whitney Young High School and DePaul University College of Law. Today, she serves as Senior Counsel at BMO Bank.

With over 13 years of legal experience, Markena has built her career around business counseling, regulatory strategy, and supporting equitable access to financial services. Her path to CFHC began through a longtime colleague and fellow board member who introduced her to the organization’s mission. After attending several events and fundraisers, one aspect stood out: CFHC’s early investment in behavioral health.

“I was just always impressed that behavioral health services were offered,” she says. “That wasn’t common back then, especially for clinics serving communities on the South Side. CFHC was meeting a need no one else was focused on.”

Markena remains deeply rooted in the South Side and committed to the wellbeing of its residents. “I’ve lived in other cities, but this is always home. It’s important to me that this community is cared for—and CFHC is doing that work every day.”