2023 Bridge Awards Celebration

Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 5:30-9:00 PM | Marriott Marquis Chicago

Program Overview

Reception
5:30 – 6:30 PM

Dinner & Program
6:30 – 9:00 PM

Chicago United’s Bridge Awards Celebration is Chicago’s premier event celebrating excellence in diversity, equity and inclusion in business.

Our theme this year is:
“Elevating Equity”

A highlight of the celebration, the presentation of Chicago United’s Bridge Award honors a company that has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in achieving diversity, equity and inclusion, especially at the board and highest executive levels within their organization. This award brings visibility to those who have led change and inspired others to follow, fostering multiracial leadership in business.

We will also recognize the 2023 Business Leaders of Color inductees.

We look forward to gathering with our partners, friends, allies and supporters for an evening of celebration, united by
Elevating Equity.

Join the Milestone Celebration!

Chicago United celebrates its 55th Anniversary in 2023! We're marking this milestone by aligning it with the esteemed 2023 Bridge Awards Celebration. Expect an unforgettable event honoring the city's diverse business community and its champions.

Together, let's honor our past, celebrate the present, and shape the future. United, we are Chicago.

Marking 20 Years of Elevating Equity

This year, Chicago United's Business Leaders of Color (BLC) proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, in sync with the 2023 Bridge Awards Celebration. Over the past two decades, BLC has spotlighted the wealth of diverse leadership talent in Chicago, recognizing 470 board-ready candidates.

Join us in commemorating this milestone of diversity and leadership. Together, we are Chicago United!

Host Committee

As of September 25, 2023

Honorary Co-Chairs

John C. Robak
(Chicago United Board Chair 2021 - 2023)
Former Chairman & CEO
Greeley and Hansen

Kip Kelley
(Chicago United Board Chair 2019 - 2021)
CEO – North America Affinity
Aon plc

Gloria Castillo
Former President (2004 – 2020)
Chicago United

Robert MacGregor
Former and First Executive Director (1973 – 1980)
Chicago United

Committee Members

Gregory Case
Chief Executive Officer
Aon

Tim Crane
President and Chief Executive Officer
Wintrust Financial Corporation

Wendell Dallas
President and CEO
Nicor Gas

Kimberley Goode
Chief Communications and Social Impact Officer
BMO Financial Group

Stephen Harris
President
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

Travis Hunter Jr.
Chicago Office Managing Partner
KPMG LLP

Reginald J. Miller
VP, People Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
McDonald’s Corporation

Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom
Enterprise Vice President of Community Engagement
Advocate Health

Nichole Owens
Vice President, Distribution Operations
ComEd, An Exelon Company

E. Scott Santi
Chairman and CEO
ITW

Karriem Shakoor
SVP and Chief Information Officer
UL Solutions

Scott C. Swanson
President, Illinois
Midwest Territory Executive
PNC Bank

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsorship opportunities are now available. To discuss sponsorship and for questions, please contact:
Gail Arrigo, Executive Vice President, at garrigo@chicago-united.org or 312.977.3066.

Download the Sponsorship Prospectus