River Forest’s own version of Willy Wonka, River Forest Chocolates’ owner Donna Fantetti Slepicka, has been selected to join the Triton College Wall of Fame, an annual recognition the school bestows on alumni.
Today she is surrounded by her signature English toffee, sea salt caramels, and trendy Dubai bars. But, long before she started her sweet entrepreneurial journey, Slepicka graduated from Triton with a degree in accounting and marketing. For years she worked in that capacity. Occasionally she would return to Triton’s campus to take adult education classes.
“Remember when microwaves were all the rage?” Slepicka said. “My mom and I took a microwave cooking class – how to make your whole meal in the microwave.”
As her career progressed, she looked again to Triton to help her navigate change.
“Every time my life had to turn, I went back to Triton to learn, to get a certificate,” Slepicka said. “It’s a great resource. I think we don’t use it enough.”
Later, when her daughter was preparing to select a college, Slepicka thought Triton might be a good fit for her.
“I thought the best way to find out was to just go and take a class myself,” said Slepicka. “At the time I used to make a lot of bread, I thought I’d take a bread class.”
As fate would have it, the bread class was full. She signed up instead for chocolate making. with instructor and chef Uzma Sharif.
“She’d teach you everything from crystallization to the different chocolates to handling chocolate tempering, chocolate molding, chocolates. We made centers, caramels. It was a great class from beginning to end. She talked to you about proper packaging, how it has to be food grade. She taught everything, which was pretty amazing. And it gave me the inspiration to do this,” said Slepicka.
At first, Slepicka gave her homework away. As she progressed in her craft, friends started asking her to make treats for parties and events.
After completing her education in chocolate, Slepicka decided to open a shop. For nearly 15 years, River Forest Chocolates has been making life a bit sweeter for everyone who comes in the door for chocolate, ice cream, coffee, candy and more. Most of the items sold are made in the shop’s kitchen. The whole operation moved to its current location, 7769 Lake St. in River Forest, seven years ago.
“She started on one path and then another opened up,” said Triton’s Director of Business Services Tina Lilly. “It speaks to her dedication. Triton gives students a foundation to build confidence, so they can decide what is best for them.”
Each year the college celebrates student success stories. In 2025 in addition to Slepicka, three other alumni honorees were inducted onto the Wall of Fame: Michele Fiore, a Milwaukee radio and TV journalist; Al Lechowski, HVAC contractor and dealer in Norridge and Harwood Heights; and Nicholas Steker, Franklin Park Fire Department Battalion Chief and Westchester Trustee.
“It’s a great way to recognize and celebrate our distinguish alumni who’ve gone on and made significant contributions in their professions and their community,” Lilly said. “And not just honor them, but foster a sense of pride with our alumni, friends, and our students.”
“I’m honored to be considered,” Slepicka said. “I do this because I love what I do. I never had any anticipation of being nominated. And then when they said you have it, I was speechless. I’m flattered and humbled.”
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Address: 7769 Lake St, River Forest
Website: riverforestchocolates.com
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
