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The Business Leaders of Color publications feature viable candidates for Fortune 1000 companies’ boards of directors. These demonstrated leaders have achieved professional success through a track record of balanced decision making; a range of experiences that reflect flexibility and an ability to transcend narrow experiences; and a respect for diverse points of view and varied ways to approach issues and topics. While achieving personal success, each has contributed to the cultural, civic and educational life of the Chicago region. These individuals serve as inspiration for those seeking to increase inclusion of diverse candidates in their boardrooms and represent a small sample of the extraordinary talent in the Chicago region. The Business Leaders of Color publication was conceived through fierce discussion that has become a trademark of Chicago United. In 2001, Chicago United launched the Corporate Diversity Profile survey. The study was the first national survey of its kind to measure racial diversity specifically in leadership ranks, on corporate boards and in executive level management of large corporations. It serves as a benchmark for corporations to measure their progress in this area. When examined from a leadership perspective in regards to corporate governance and corporate executives, the study continually finds corporations visibly lacking in racial diversity in senior management. After the first study was conducted, Chicago United viewed the results as an opportunity to understand resistance to greater board diversity. The debate uncovered a widespread call for the need to identify diverse talent for the Fortune 100, 500 and 1000. Chicago United’s leadership took action to create a highly visible publication that demonstrates the level of diverse talent available in Chicago and in 2003 produced the first Business Leaders of Color publication. The individual Business Leaders of Color symbolize the significant benefits that await us as we strive to fully embrace inclusion. By supporting inclusion, we support Chicago as a great global business center and as a great place for each of us to work and live. As we move forward, the Business Leaders of Color publication is now viewed as a resource for diverse talent. But more importantly, it serves as inspiration, as was envisioned by Chicago United thought leaders, to those seeking to increase inclusion of diverse candidates in their boardrooms and business networks. Chicago United produces the Corporate Diversity Profile and Business Leaders of Color publications on an alternating bi-annual basis. Chicago United is committed to showcasing diverse talent through our publications, our Race and Business Forums, and during the Changing Color of Leadership Conference. <2007 Business Leaders of Color> <2005 Business Leaders of Color> <2003 Business Leaders of Color> Board
Diversity Trend Analysis <Chicago United's Board Trend Analysis>
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