Honoring the 2025 BLCs
Chicago United continues to provide the tools and resources that foster inclusive leadership. We provide a strong foundation where leaders build businesses, fill executive pipelines, and are prepared for seats in the corporate boardroom.
This month, we held a private reception to introduce 50 outstanding achievers in business as our 2025 BLCs. Whether leading a small or mid-sized enterprise or steering a corporate powerhouse, each honoree has demonstrated the readiness, experience, and excellence required to serve on corporate boards. With this new cohort, our network of board-ready leaders grows to 565.
Join us November 20 for the 2025 Bridge Awards Celebration where we will honor these exceptional leaders. Engage with their excellence firsthand and support the work that is reshaping leadership in Chicago and beyond.
Be well,
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You Are Invited:
Chicago United’s 2025 Bridge Awards Celebration
Chicago United welcomes its Members, Partners and Friends to the 2025 Bridge Awards Celebration, taking place Thursday, November 20, at The Geraghty (2520 S. Hoyne Avenue, Chicago). The Bridge Awards Celebration is Chicago’s premier event honoring excellence in inclusive business practices. Highlighting this year’s program is the introduction of the 2025 BLCs, a cohort of 50 dynamic, senior-level executives prepared to step into corporate directorships.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available; please contact Gail Arrigo, Executive Vice President for details. |
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Corporate Inclusion Institute VIII to Hold Closing Reception
Chicago United’s Corporate Inclusion Institute will host the Cohort VIII Closing Reception, Wednesday, October 29. This event, honoring nine months of growth, connection, and achievements of Cohort VIII’s Corporate Guides and Fellows will celebrate the conclusion of the program with a “Certificate of Completion” ceremony.
To learn more and to register, please click here → |
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Gail Arrigo, Executive Vice President of Chicago United, participated in the panel discussion, “Navigating Change, Empowering Success,” during the Illinois Commerce Commission’s 2025 Utility Supplier Policy Session. The session followed an earlier panel with Gil Quiniones, President and CEO of ComEd, an Exelon Company and a 2023 BLC, and Wendell Dallas, President and CEO of Nicor Gas and a 2023 BLC.
Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom, Ed.D., Vice President of Community Engagement, Enterprise at Advocate Health, a Chicago United Board Member and a 2025 BLC, moderated a post-show discussion following the premier of CAN-TV’s “Brothers Talking.”
Emma Rodriguez-Ayala, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel at Ariel Investments and a 2017 BLC, was named to Time magazine’s Latino Leaders 2025 List.
Melissa Ballate, Founder and President of Blue Daring and a 2023 BLC, was profiled in a segment of Telemundo Chicago’s Rostros Latinos, discussing her journey as a prominent Latina entrepreneur in Chicago.
Olivia Bedi, Partner at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP and a 2025 BLC, was named to the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, a guide to legal excellence.
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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.
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People & Culture Roundtable – Learning and Development
PROGRAM
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 9:00 am-10:30 am
LOCATION
Virtual
Learn More →
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BLC Series: Board Service - Private vs. Public
PROGRAM
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
LOCATION
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
One North Wacker Drive, Suite 4500
Chicago, IL 60606
Learn More →
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Mid-Level Manager Series: Preventing Burnout - Managing Time and Stress
PROGRAM
Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 9:00 am-11:00 am
LOCATION
Wintrust Financial – Room A
9700 W. Higgins Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018
Learn More →
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C-Suite Sessions: Hot Topics
PROGRAM
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 9:00 am-10:30 am
LOCATION
300 E. Randolph St., Suite 28.107, Chicago
Learn More →
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Building Your Brand to Attract Corporate Clients, a Small Business Partnership Program
HOSTED BY
PROGRAM
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 9:00 am – 10:30 am
LOCATION
Nacional Group
2001 Butterfield Road, Suite 1700, Downers Grove, IL
Learn More →
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