Statement from Chicago United's President and CEO: Supreme Court Decision

I am at a loss for words regarding the Supreme Court’s decision ruling against affirmative action in college admissions…I had to catch my breath before speaking. But I have been ringing this alarm for months.

A headline from The Washington Post sums it up the best: “Affirmative action ruling puts targets on corporate diversity programs.” Let that sink in…the work we do to create access and equity is being dismantled—full stop.

Taking race into consideration is not taking away a spot from someone else. Full stop. It does not mean the person of color who is a student or employee is not qualified to go to the school they attend or get the job they have. Full stop.

The data shows that companies in the top quartile of racial and ethnic diversity see financial returns above national industry medians. Diverse firms have 2.3 times more cash flow per employee. Companies with high DE&I see a 45% improvement in market share compared to peers. A diverse and inclusive workforce increases a company’s innovation and shareholder value.

It is well past time for the business community to speak up…not just with a statement but to double down with definitive action.

Welcome to

CHICAGO UNITED

Our Mission is to achieve parity in economic opportunity for people of color by advancing multiracial leadership in corporate governance, expanding the talent pipeline for executive-level management, and growing minority businesses.

MEET OUR MEMBERS


Chicago United Members Range From Emerging Businesses to Fortune 500 Companies

MEMBER
BENEFITS

Support, Educate, Connect

CEO Roundtable Series

Confidential, peer-to-peer, host-facilitated forums.

Business Leaders of Color

A program that identifies candidates for corporate Board of Directors’ positions.

Minority Business Partnership including The Five Forward Initiative TM

Chicago area corporations who select five local minority firms and commit to helping them develop and grow.

Inside Inclusion

A research publication that provides a complete review of the status of diversity and inclusion progress in Chicago.

Employee Resource Group Symposium

Best practices from experts on creating models for highly effective resource groups.

Diversity Officer Roundtable Series

Peer-to-peer learning sessions focused on current trends and leading practices.

Corporate Inclusion Institute

A talent development program that drives business performance through inclusion.

MEMBER
BENEFITS

Support, Educate, Connect

Members come to Chicago United for un­paralleled, honest, and candid discussions of race and ethnicity in business. Some have earned national accolades for their efforts to promote multiracial leadership by leveraging best-in-class diversity and inclusion practices. Others may be implementing first-time programs and processes. Regardless of where they are on the curve, every member contributes to the environment and learns ways to optimize their businesses through their participation.


UPCOMING PROGRAMS

View the events calendar for a complete list → There are presently no upcoming events. Check back soon.

SHIFTING THE CONVERSATION

Dig into the newest collection of stories of change, diversity and inclusion from our community