May 29, 2025

Leading In Color Newsletter


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

On The Rise

The work of Chicago United remains focused on creating an inclusive business culture where everyone can thrive.

These past three years, we have worked to enhance our Programming for Emerging Leaders and Mid-Level Managers with sessions that foster career growth strategies and help to build inclusive, collaborative teams. We are building on the traits of cultural competency, leadership development, talent development, and mentorship. These traits are important for everyone. We support our Member Companies in retaining and developing critical segments of their workforce that don’t always have the access and opportunity. as well as employees who want to become leaders in their own right.

With this in mind, I am thrilled to introduce the first of its kind event: ON THE RISE. This event was established to honor Emerging Leaders, Mid-Level Managers and the inclusive teams that they lead and those who support them. This evening will provide a chance to unite, build community, and celebrate the contributions of this talented segment of the workforce.

They are worth honoring and I invite you to join us at this important celebration, taking place Tuesday, June 24, at Wintrust’s Grand Banking Hall, 231 S. LaSalle Street. I look forward to seeing you there!


Be well, 

NEW! JOIN US! Chicago United’s On The Rise

NEW! JOIN US! Chicago United’s ON THE RISE

Chicago United invites all Members, Partners and Supporters to join us Tuesday, June 24, for ON THE RISE, the first of its kind recognition event honoring Emerging Leaders and Mid-Level Managers who are helping to build inclusive corporate cultures within their organizations. This special event will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Wintrust’s Grand Banking Hall (231 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago) and includes networking opportunities, entertainment and a reception.

Purchase tickets and learn about sponsorship opportunities here →
Save The Date: Chicago United’s 2025 Bridge Awards Celebration

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

Make plans now for Chicago United’s 2025 Bridge Awards Celebration, taking place Thursday, November 20, at The Geraghty, 2520 S. Hoyne Avenue in Chicago. Highlighting this year’s celebration is the presentation of Chicago United’s Bridge Award and the 2025 CU Impact Award as well as the introduction of the talented professionals honored as 2025 BLCs.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available; please contact Gail Arrigo, Executive Vice President, for details.

We CU

Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom, Ed.D., Vice President of Community Engagement, Community & Social Impact Division at Advocate Health and a Chicago United Board Member, received the 2025 Unsung Heroes Award from the National Association of Health Services Executives (N.A.H.S.E) Chicago Chapter.
 
Dorri McWhorter, former chief of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and a 2009 Business Leader of Color, has been named President and CEO of The Executives' Club of Chicago, effective June 2.

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.

Access To Capital For Your Business


PRESENTED BY:

  • Letticia Flores-Poole
    Senior Regional Manager-Zero Barriers to Business, BMO
  • Michelle Lura White
    Women’s Business Development Manager, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3)

PROGRAM
Tuesday, June 10 | 9:00 am - 10:30 am

LOCATION
Virtual

Learn More →

C-Suite Session – Higher Education: Addressing the Pipeline Gaps


PRESENTED BY:

  • Roberto Curci
    Vice Provost and Dean, Brennan School of Business,
    Dominican University
  • Z. Scott
    President, Chicago State University
  • Marie Lynn Miranda
    Chancellor and Vice President of the Illinois System,
    University of Illinois Chicago

PROGRAM
Tuesday, June 10 | 9:00 am - 10:30 am

LOCATION
300 E. Randolph Street, 3rd Floor, Columbus Room C, Chicago

Learn More →

Leading From The Middle: A Mid-Level Manager Series Program


PRESENTED BY:

  • Moji Akinde
    Talent, Culture & Social Strategist, Wintrust

PROGRAM
Thursday, June 26 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am

LOCATION
Wintrust Financial - Lower Level Conference Room, 231 S. LaSalle, Chicago

Learn More →


Chicago United
300 East Randolph Street, Suite 40.200, Chicago, IL 60601-5075
312-977-3060 • www.chicago-united.org