Let's talk about the house
Let’s Talk About the House is Blondena’s HEIRS flagship storytelling and education program that helps families navigate the emotional and practical realities of property inheritance. Originally launched as a virtual series and conference, it combines lived experiences with expert guidance and prescriptive tools to support informed, long-term decision-making. The program partners with community-based organizations to expand access to trusted resources and meaningful conversation.
All sessions take place via Zoom monthly on the 4th Monday from 6:30-8PM CT (unless the event falls on a holiday). Free with RSVP.
Join us for our next session?
Monday, august 24, 2026 at 6:30pm ct
Topic: Planning for your Legacy: Avoid Property Tax Pitfalls to Keep your Home in your Family
Guests: Kelwin Harris and Christina Lynch from The Cook County Assessor's Office
We are excited to welcome our past Let's Talk About the House Live 2025 speakers for this conversation about preserving your family's home and b
let's talk about the house - 2026 speakers
August - kelwin harris
Kelwin Harris is the Chief Civic Engagement Officer and Deputy Assessor with the Cook County Assessor’s Office, where he leads public participation and outreach. Kelwin was previously a Senior Outreach Planner with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) where he led stakeholder engagement.
Kelwin has held several roles in community development on Chicago’s Southside. He started his career as an Assistant to Mayor Richard M. Daley and Acting Deputy Chief of Staff.
Kelwin was recognized as a Crain's Notable Black Leader. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and a Master in Urban Planning from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design
August - Christina Lynch
Christina Lynch is the Director of Legal and Ethics Officer for the Cook County Assessor’s Office, where she focuses the scope of her work on complex commercial valuation issues, property tax incentives, the affordable housing special assessment program, exempt and omitted properties, FOIA matters and compliance with the Cook County Ethics Ordinance. Christina previously served as Ethics Manager and Staff Attorney to Cook County Clerk David Orr in the Elections Department with oversight over ethics filings for lobbyists and units of local government, vote by mail and electoral board operations.
In Christina’s life before the County, she practiced in the private sector as a litigator, representing individuals, financial institutions and businesses, both large and small, in a variety of matters in federal and state courts.
Christina received her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, with minors in Spanish and Latin American Studies, from Miami University in Oxford, OH, and her Juris Doctor from the DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, IL.
July - astin hayes
Astin Hayes is an award-winning serial entrepreneur and marketing specialist whose energy and passion are both inspiring and contagious. As a graduate of The University of Miami and DePaul University her career extends to working for the likes of VIBE Magazine, Clear Channel Media & Entertainment and Remy Cointreau.
Astin started her entrepreneurial journey in 2017 with the launch of TipOff Games.
TipOff is a digital and mobile publishing company with its flagship game, TipOff, the word guessing game for the culture. The inspiration for the app is to bring people together using culture and technology in an organic way. Since its inception, TipOff has achieved the #4 spot for word games on the App Store a multitude of times. Currently, Astin has added co-founder and COO of InHeirit, a digital estate planning platform, to her resume established in 2023.
An avid member of Lightship Capital and 1873, Astin is forever networking in order to grow the number of Black women in the tech space. She has won multiple awards for her work in STEM including the 2019 Chicago Culture Award, 2019 Chicago Defender Woman of Excellence and the 2023 UNCF Mastermind Award.
Recognizing the importance of community and cultural involvement, Astin is a charter member of the Tau Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and current and active member of Chicago Metropolitan Chapter. Astin is a dedicated University of Miami Hurricanes fan and alum, as she serves as President Emeritus of their Black Alumni Society. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, planning events, fitness and baking.
July - deborah cole
Deborah B. Cole is a distinguished legal professional who joined InHeirit as Legal Advisor in 2025. Previously a partner at the Chicago law firm Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP, she spent over two decades in private practice serving individuals, families, business owners, and entrepreneurs. Her expertise spans estate planning, trust administration, guardianship, real estate law, and dispute resolution.
Throughout her career, Deborah has actively challenged the misconception that estate planning is exclusive to the wealthy, emphasizing its importance for all life stages. To help clients resolve complex conflicts, she expanded her practice to include mediation services for guardianship and estate administration matters. She is the author of The Estate Planner's Checklist and a contributor to Your Life, Your Legacy: The Fundamentals of Effective Estate Planning.
For over five years, Chicago Magazine recognized her as one of the top estate planning attorneys and wealth advisors in Chicago. Deborah holds a Juris Doctor from IIT-Chicago Kent College of Law and a mediation certificate from the Center for Conflict Resolution. She maintains strong ties to her community through organizations such as the Illinois State Bar Association and the Black Women Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago, and she frequently shares her expertise as a speaker at Continuing Legal Education seminars and community events.
may - andrea clark, J.D., Mdiv, PhD(c)
Andrea Clark is an attorney, ordained minister and therapist who is passionate about the holistic well-being of all people, especially those in marginalized communities. Andrea is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Postpartum Support International (PSI), an international nonprofit that provides education, training and support services for women and families experiencing maternal mental health issues.
Immediately prior to joining PSI, Andrea worked as Staff Chaplain for Women’s Health at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago where she cared for the spiritual and emotional needs of families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss and illness, birthing, and pregnancy complications.
Andrea’s personal experiences with pregnancy loss and postpartum depression have shaped her work and desire to better understand the connections between faith and maternal mental health.
Andrea is currently a PhD Student in Religion and Psychology at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University. Her research will focus on how African American women perceived support from clergy during and following early pregnancy loss. She is the proud mom of an amazing son Grant Clark Horton.
Connect with Rev. Andrea N. Clark, J.D., Mdiv, PhD(c)
Associate Pastor, Pastoral Care,
Pre-licensed Clinical Therapist,
April - attorney linda crane
Linda R. Crane is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Crane Law Group, P.C. a Chicago-based law firm that specializes in Business Law Estate Planning, Asset Management and Protection, Election Law, Elder Law, Probate and Trust Administration and Corporate Counsel. In addition to working as a partner at more than one law office, Linda also served as the Vice-President of Bear, Stearns & Company. Her dual experience in law and financial services gives her the experience and resources to be able to not only serve as legal counsel, but also as a strategic business advocate.
Connect with Attorney Crane at lcrane@cranelawgroup.net
Enter our raffle!
Enjoy Chicago experiences and gifts with your loved ones while having open and honest conversations about home, legacy and family.
Raffle tickets are $25. Sales close August 31, 2026
let's build the house 250
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, Blondena's HEIRS is honoring the immeasurable contributions of African American families.
Our Let's BUILD the House Campaign is using this historic moment to strengthen Black property ownership, financial literacy, estate planning, and family legacy.
Our Partners
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Let's Build the House 250
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, Blondena's HEIRS is honoring the immeasurable contributions of African American families—especially African American landowners—whose labor, vision, and stewardship helped build this country.
Our Let's BUILD the House Campaign is using this historic moment to strengthen Black property ownership, financial literacy, estate planning, and family legacy.