October 30, 2025

Chicago United Newsletter

Chicago United - Leading in Color Newsletter
October 2025
Insights from Leadership. Tiffany Hamel Johnson, President & CEO of Chicago United

A Benefit For All

Chicago United’s Corporate Inclusion Institute – CII – recently hosted a closing reception for Cohort VIII under the theme “Celebrating Success.” Through the nine-month professional development program, Cohort VIII participants have rigorously evaluated their strengths, areas for growth and preferences. They have concentrated on enhancing cross-cultural competency and inclusive leadership skills, and have developed capabilities to foster collaborative, high-performing teams. Since its inception in 2019, CII has matriculated nearly 600 participants, supporting a robust talent development pipeline and advancing career mobility for everyone. As Cohort IX prepares to commence in 2026, this program will continue to exemplify the significance of cultivating a collaborative culture and building effective teams that drive business performance. This work is imperative because it enables participants to adapt to evolving market demands and ensures organizations sustain formidable business growth. The business case for Chicago United’s Corporate Inclusion Institute is to build inclusive organizations, resulting in strong financial performance, market advantage and employee retention. This stands on the foundation of what we all know: Good Business Includes Everyone. Be well,

Save The Date: Chicago United’s 2025 Bridge Awards Celebration

Coming Soon Chicago United’s 2025 Bridge Awards Celebration

In just a few weeks, Chicago United will host the highly anticipated 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. Join us for the Bridge Awards Celebration on November 20! Contact Gail Arrigo, Executive Vice President, to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
 
 

Chicago United Featured on Wintrust Digital Billboard

Wintrust Financial will feature Chicago United on the Wintrust Digital Billboard, located on the east side of the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) at North Avenue, beginning November 1. The Billboard features Chicago United’s foundational message – Good Business Includes Everyone – and will be conveyed through December 1.

We CU
 

Darrel Hackett, Chief Executive Officer of BMO US and a 2007 BLC, was recognized by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as a 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awardee, the university’s highest alumni honor.

Rebecca Martinez O’Mara, Independent Board Director and Board Advisor and a 2019 BLC, was profiled in Directors & Boards’ feature entitled “Directors to Watch 2025.”

Brian Ortiz, Founder and CEO of Nacional Group and a 2023 BLC, and  Michael Meagher, President, were named newest members of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. 

Iliana Mora, a 2025 BLC, was named President of Advocate Condell Medical Center.

Melissa Donaldson, a 2021 BLC, has been named Business Leader Faculty at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management Center for Leadership.

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.

People & Culture Roundtable – Fortifying Culture


PROGRAM Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 10:30am-12pm LOCATION Virtual Learn More →

ERG Symposium: ERGs and Community Impact Collaboration


PROGRAM Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 10am-11:30am LOCATION Virtual 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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