July 30, 2025

Leading In Color Newsletter

July 2025

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

Celebrating Chicago United’s 2025 BLCs

A few weeks ago we introduced this year’s BLCs, a distinguished cohort of 50 dynamic, high-performing senior-level executives. These outstanding honorees have demonstrated exceptional leadership, civic engagement, and excellence within their industries.

Over the past two decades, the BLC honor has proven that intentionally identifying and elevating executives from diverse backgrounds has a measurable and lasting impact on inclusive boards, corporate performance, and company culture. Now more than ever, this distinction stands as a powerful statement, affirming the critical importance of inclusion.

These leaders exemplify the importance of the work of Chicago United.

I look forward to introducing this outstanding cohort to you at the Bridge Awards Celebration in November.

Be well,

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

Chicago United’s 2025 Bridge Awards Celebration: Join Us!

Chicago United’s Bridge Awards Celebration is Chicago’s premier event honoring excellence in inclusive business practices. Highlighting this year’s program, we proudly introduce 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.

Expanding his current role, Michael Harris Jr., President of Beverly Bank and Trust Company (Wintrust) and a 2023 BLC, was named Retail Executive of Beverly Bank. Martin Montes, Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP and a 2021 BLC, was included in Negocios Now’s 2025 Who’s Who Edition of Hispanic Leaders within the Legal sector. Martin Cabrera, Founder and CEO of Cabrera Capital Markets and Cabrera Capital Partners, and a 2003 BLC; Robert Aguilar, Partner and President of Cabrera Capital Markets and a 2011 BLC; and Adela Cepeda, Co-founder and Board Chair of Angeles Investors and a 2005 BLC were named to the Finance sector. Lou Sandoval, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and a 2021 BLC, was named to the Nonprofit sector, and Brian Ortiz, Founder of The Nacional Group and a 2023 BLC, was named to the Business sector.

Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments LLC and a 2003 BLC, and Erin Inman, President and CEO of Primera Engineers Ltd. were noted in Crain’s Chicago Business’ “Largest Women-Owned Businesses In The Chicago Area” ranking.

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.