February 27, 2025

Chicago United Newsletter
February 2025
Insights from Leadership. Tiffany Hamel Johnson, President & CEO of Chicago United

INCLUSION = IMPACT

I know it’s been hard. While the country is going through its trials and DE&I is facing its challenges, please know: Chicago United Stands Strong! The work we have done for 57 years is still vital. We know you, our Members, our Partners and Friends are still committed to this work of driving inclusion within the business community. We know the commitment remains to create a business culture where ALL can thrive. Our work is bigger than a three-letter acronym. DE&I IS IMPACT. It is the impact of people who are the heart and soul of an organization that work together to change an organization’s culture for the better. What does this really mean? What does an inclusive corporate culture look like? It means increased innovation and creativity; greater employee engagement and overall satisfaction; a variety of skillsets, experiences and perspectives coming together and working together; a positive reputation for the company; a more diverse client base and higher profitability. This IMPACT guides the work of Chicago United. Chicago United, now more than ever, is the safe space for us to continue this work. We are here and together, we will continue to build the foundation for an inclusive corporate culture. Stand strong. Be well, 
Chicago United 2025 Business Leaders of Color

EXTENDED

Business Leaders of Color 2025 Nominations

The nomination period for Chicago United’s 2025 Business Leaders of Color has been extended to Wednesday, March 12. This biennial honor identifies area Leaders of Color who are prepared to step into service with corporate boards. Since its debut in 2003, the Business Leaders of Color distinction has identified 515 board-ready candidates who have served in nearly 500 corporate directorships.

Submit A BLC Nomination Here →
We CU
 

Kimberley Goode, Senior Advisor at BMO Financial Group, a Chicago United Board Member and a 2023 Business Leader of Color, was inducted into Ragan Communications’ Top Women in Communications Hall of Fame. Kimberly Evans, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Sustainability, Inclusion and Social Impact at Northern Trust, a Chicago United Board Member and a 2019 Business Leader of Color, and Lou Sandoval, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and a 2021 Business Leader of Color, are two of 28 C-level and senior executives selected for Leadership Greater Chicago’s 2025 Cohort of The Daniel Burnham Fellowship. Sylvia Garcia, Chief Operating Officer of The Chicago Community Trust and a Chicago United Board Member, and Luz María Vargas, Chicago United’s Senior Director of Leadership Development & Organizational Capacity, served as judges of The Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA/Chicago) Foundation’s 2025 Gold Circle Award – DEI Leader of the Year category. Sandeep Nain, President and Founder of SNtial Technologies, Inc. and a 2023 Business Leader of Color, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Leadership Greater Chicago.

 
UPCOMING PROGRAMS

The following programs are open only to employees of Chicago United Member Companies. Please click here to view our Event Calendar for additional details and registration links.

Corporate Inclusion Institute (CII) Cohort VIII – Opening Session

Hosted by ComEd, An Exelon Company PROGRAM Friday, March 7 | 9:00 am - 10:30 am LOCATION ComEd Training Center, 3536 S. Iron Street, Chicago Learn More →

Chicago United’s 2025 Annual Meeting 

Hosted by Deloitte PROGRAM Wednesday, March 26 | 8:30 am - 10:30 am LOCATION Deloitte LLP, 111 S. Wacker Drive, 29th Floor, Chicago Learn More →
Chicago United
300 East Randolph Street, Suite 40.200, Chicago, IL 60601-5075 312-977-3060 • www.chicago-united.org
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