Cocktail Reception
Music provided by
Emcee Welcome
Mark Rivera
News Anchor and Reporter
Dignitary Remarks
Toni Preckwinkle
President, Cook County Board
Brandon Johnson
Mayor of Chicago
Presenting Sponsor Remarks
Darrel Hackett
U.S. Chief Executive Officer
BMO
BMO has been a supporter of Chicago United’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in business since 2007 and is proud to celebrate its 55 th anniversary at this year’s Bridge Awards. Guided by our Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to zero barriers to inclusion through investments, products, services and partnerships that remove systemic barriers for under-represented customers, employees and communities – and drive inclusion and equitable growth for everyone.
BMO is a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion in our workforce and is dedicated to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of the customers and communities we serve, with a culture where unique backgrounds, perspective and experiences are celebrated and every person has equal access to opportunities.
Congratulations to Kimberley Goode, BMO’s Chief Communications and Social Impact Officer and to all the 2023 Business Leaders of Color inductees.
Chairman's Remarks
Santino Bibbo
Managing Director & Head of Corporate Finance
Cabrera Capital Markets
Chairman
Chicago United
President & CEO Remarks
Tiffany Hamel Johnson
President & Chief Executive Officer
Chicago United
Bridge Award
Accepted By
David Perez
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Dinner
Music Provided by
Presentation of
CU Impact Award
Accepted By
Robert Aguilar
President
Salad
Panzanella Salad
Romaine Lettuce, Red Oak, Feta Cheese, Cucumber, Tomato, Artichoke, Kalamata Olives, Charred Focaccia, Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Entrée
Roasted Garlic and Maple Rubbed Chicken
Charred Carrots and Asparagus, Blistered Tomatoes, Parsnip Puree
Dessert
Espresso Cheesecake
Chocolate Cookie Crust, Vanilla Chantilly, Raspberry Coulis, Chocolate Espresso Beans
2023 BRIDGE AWARD RECIPIENT
Established in 2004, the Chicago Bridge Award represents an integral part of Chicago United’s advocacy work to advance multiracial leadership in corporate governance, executive-level management, and in minority business partnerships. This year, Chicago United proudly presents the 2023 Chicago Bridge Award to ComEd, An Exelon Company. This award honors extraordinary leadership in achieving diversity, equity and inclusion, while inspiring others to follow.
CU IMPACT AWARD RECIPIENT
The CU Impact Award is presented to Cabrera Capital. This award honors an impactful Minority Business Enterprise working towards inclusion and economic parity within their organization and in their community.
OUR MISSION
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.
OUR VISION
A Chicago region that is the most inclusive business ecosystem in the nation.
OUR VALUES
Excellence
Transparency
Integrity
Collaborative
Inclusion
Innovative
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.
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
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
Mark Heckler
Region President
Fifth Third Bank
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
CEO Diversity Statements
"Being thoughtful and intentional about promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity at Health Care Service Corporation reflects our bedrock commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are proud to maintain an environment where employees are confident that they are seen, heard, and valued; and of our strong connection to the diverse communities that our 18.6 million members call home."
Manika Turnbull, Ph. D.
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Health Care Service Corporation
"ComEd’s DEI commitment goes beyond the 6,300 dedicated professionals who work at ComEd—it guides the way we work with and invest in our communities. As a leader in creating cleaner communities and improving air quality in northern Illinois, we are working hard to ensure that the benefits of a cleaner, more digital energy future flow equitably to communities with the greatest need. ComEd’s workforce is united behind a shared commitment to build a more equitable, more inclusive workforce, where diversity is celebrated."
Gil C. Quiniones
CEO, ComEd
“Diversity and inclusion has long-served as a core value at PNC and a business imperative. Championing diversity removes barriers to opportunity while inclusion creates a space for all of our employees and customers to feel welcomed, valued and respected. These ideals, as part of our corporate values, define how we engage with our community.”
Scott C. Swanson
Illinois President, PNC Bank
"Wintrust congratulates the 2023 Chicago United Bridge Award Winners and 2023 Business Leader of Colors, including Michael Harris, President, Beverly Bank & Trust Company, N.A. As Chicago’s Bank®, Wintrust celebrates diversity and advocates inclusion for all. No matter how you look, where you’re from, who you love, or what you believe, equality matters, progress is paramount, and you are welcome at Wintrust. Across the workplace, marketplace, public square, and community, we stand committed to bridging difference, celebrating excellence, and elevating equity for all."
Tim Crane
President & CEO
Wintrust Financial Corporation
“Respecting differences and valuing the ideas of all our employees is not just the right thing to do, it helps us drive innovation… a critical element of ITW’s differentiated business model. Our large employee base is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity and we welcome the unique perspectives they bring to our organization. We also strive to foster an inclusive culture, which enhances customer relationships and strengthens our ties to the local and global communities where we do business.”
E. Scott Santi
Chairman & CEO, ITW
“Advocate Health Care is focused on creating a healthier future for our patients, teammates and communities. That includes addressing the root causes of health inequities. We know that we’re better able to serve our communities when we take time to acknowledge our differences, reflect on our unique strengths and come together to foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging.”
Dia Nichols
President, Advocate Health Care
“At Nicor Gas, our DE&I vision is built upon Fueling Equity, which means we are focused on advancing equity, intentional inclusion and social justice not only in our workplace, but also in the communities we are privileged to serve. Through our collective efforts, we are creating a workplace and a community where everyone is welcomed, valued and given opportunities. It’s our commitment to Fueling Equity that allows us to be successful in our core mission of providing Fuel for Life.”
Wendell Dallas
President and CEO , Nicor Gas
Thanks To Our Sponsors
*As of November 14, 2023
Presenting Sponsor
Chairman's Circle
Advocates for Change
Reception Sponsor
Corporate Citizens for Change
Leaders for Change
Azteca Foods Inc.
Bank of America
Beam Suntory
Cabrera Capital Markets
Comcast
Deloitte LLP
EY (Ernst & Young LLP)
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin & Metropolitan Chicago
Governors State University
Grant Law, LLC
Tiffany Hamel Johnson and Derrick Johnson
The Kraft Heinz Company
Mesirow
MZI Group Inc.
Next Generation, Inc.
Old National Bank
Purple Group
John C. Robak
SDI Presence LLC
Sidley Austin LLP
Slalom
SNtial Technologies, Inc.
Spencer Stuart
Trinidad Construction
UJAMMA Construction
UChicago Office of Business Diversity
University of Illinois Chicago
Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel, P.C.
Wynndalco Enterprises, LLC