Sally Hazelgrove

Sally Hazelgrove is the founder and executive director of Crushers Club, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to creating a strong alternative to gang involvement by providing youth with meaningful opportunities, mentorship, employment, and support. Her work began in 2000 when she volunteered with a court-mandated program for juveniles in Chicago’s Englewood community. Through that experience, Sally developed a deep commitment to understanding the challenges facing young people and began using boxing and other constructive activities to build trust, discipline, and connection. Over the years, she continued developing the organization while balancing other work and family responsibilities, eventually helping establish Crushers Club as a nonprofit in 2012.

Under Sally’s leadership, Crushers Club has grown into a year-round youth organization serving young people through boxing, music, employment, education, mentorship, and wraparound programming. The organization focuses particularly on youth who are on probation or at risk of becoming involved in gangs, helping them redirect their energy toward personal development and economic opportunity. Recent initiatives have included youth employment, job training, apprenticeship opportunities, college exposure, trauma-informed support, and partnerships that provide real-world work experience. Sally’s commitment to youth employment has helped hundreds of young people gain work experience and collectively earn significant wages, reinforcing her belief that investing in young people can strengthen both individuals and communities.

Sally’s dedication to youth empowerment and community transformation has earned her numerous honors, including the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, the Cook County Woman of the Year Award, recognition as a Chicagoan of the Year, and the Poder Award for Social Impact. She has also been recognized through the Chicago Bears Community All Pros Award, Chicago Innovation Awards, Impact Grants Chicago, and other community and philanthropic honors. Drawing from her own educational journey, including earning her GED after leaving high school, Sally emphasizes the power of purpose, respect, opportunity, and perseverance. Her guiding philosophy remains rooted in the belief that with the right support and investment, young people can overcome difficult circumstances, discover their potential, and contribute positively to their communities.