Triton College’s Alumni Association Selects River Forest Chocolatier Madonna Fantetti Slepicka as a 2025 Wall of Fame Inductee

RIVER GROVE, Ill. – The Triton College Alumni Association has selected Madonna Fantetti Slepicka, owner of River Forest Chocolates, as one of four Alumni Wall of Fame inductees. This honor is awarded to individuals who have made a significant impact in their profession, community and beyond.

“I’m honored and proud to be nominated for the Triton College Wall of Fame,” said Fantetti Slepicka. “Triton has given me the knowledge and inspiration to be the businesswoman I have become.”

Fantetti Slepicka grew up in River Forest and initially attended Northern Illinois University (NIU) after graduating from Oak Park and River Forest High School. Realizing that she wasn’t quite ready for the traditional college experience, she decided to return home and enroll at Triton College. There, she discovered her passion for marketing and accounting, earning an associate degree before transferring to Eastern Illinois University (EIU) to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Business.

After graduating, she worked various jobs but found herself drawn to another interest—cooking and baking. She returned to Triton to take classes, initially signing up for an artisanal bread making class. When the course was full, she enrolled in a chocolate making class with Chef Uzma on a whim.

“Chef Uzma was a fantastic instructor and was a second-generation chocolatier,” said Fantetti Slepicka.

Fantetti Slepicka was captivated with Chef Uzma’s ability to instruct not only with the chemistry and crystallization process of chocolate but also with her shared experience with presentation, packaging, marketing and how to run a successful business. Fantetti Slepicka said the skills learned with Chef Uzma have stayed with her throughout her career as a chef and business owner.

“Chef Uzma sparked my passion for chocolate,” she said.

In 2010, Fantetti Slepicka took her inspiration and decided to rent a commercial kitchen in Melrose Park and began baking in earnest. With great support from the Village of River Forest, she opened a brick-and-mortar storefront with a commercial kitchen in 2011 and expanded to her current, larger location in 2018. Her business, River Forest Chocolates, has been making the Triton community and River Forest a little “sweeter” for nearly 15 years.

“This acknowledgement means so much to me,” she said. “Triton College afforded me the opportunity and guidance required to attain my present standing. Triton cultivates a community that attracts learners seeking continued growth. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to attend college at this institution.”

View a short video featuring Madonna Fantetti Slepicka: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeesQ_NNcBk

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Media Contact:

Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3692

Maryann Dibari | maryanndibari@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3202

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at triton.edu/.