Change Agents in the Pipeline
I’d like to introduce Chicago United’s 2023 Business Leaders of Color (BLC). This group of 45 dynamic executives are doing the work. They have blazed trails within their respective industries, demonstrating leadership and accountability, and are exceptionally qualified to serve as corporate board directors.
This year, Chicago United celebrates its 55th Anniversary and the 20th Anniversary of the Business Leaders of Color honor. For 20 years, despite the barriers, the BLC distinction confirms that identifying and highlighting talented executives of color from diverse backgrounds has a positive impact on board diversity. This is extremely important now as we honor the 2023 BLCs at a particularly relevant time, in the face of efforts to dismantle the progress of inclusion.
We must continue our work to transform corporate culture to be more inclusive across the board, C-suite and executive levels. We still have much work to do but I remain encouraged.
Be well,
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Plan now to attend Chicago United’s 2023 Bridge Awards Celebration presented by BMO, taking place Thursday, November 16, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago. Themed Elevating Equity, the evening will include the presentation of the Chicago Bridge Award and the CU Impact Award, and will also honor two major milestones: Chicago United’s 55th Anniversary and the 20th year presenting the talented individuals named as 2023 Business Leaders of Color.
Sponsorship opportunities are available; please contact Gail Arrigo, Executive Vice President, for additional details.
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INFORMATION SESSIONS SET FOR CII-VII
Preparing for its seventh Cohort in 2024, Chicago United’s Corporate Inclusion Institute (CII) has proven to build a community of inclusive leaders. Information Sessions, held virtually, are available for potential sponsors and enrollment details:
Wednesday, September 13
Wednesday, September 20
Wednesday, September 27
To register for a session, please contact
Doris Salomón, Vice President of Programs and Initiatives.
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Chicago United Board Member Torrence Hinton, President of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas (a Chicago United Member Company), and a 2023 Business Leader of Color, received the Ada S. McKinley Legacy Award in August for his commitment to changing lives and strengthening communities.
2023 Business Leader of Color Sheri Hawkins was promoted to Head of Investment Platform Services at Northern Trust Corporation, a Chicago United Member Company.
Mary Smith, President and Chair of The Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation (a Chicago United Member Company) and a 2023 Business Leader of Color, was sworn in as President of the American Bar Association, making her the first Native American woman in this role.
2019 Business Leader of Color Rebecca Martinez O’Mara has been named to the Board of Directors for Enviri Corporation. She serves on the company’s Management Development and Compensation Committee and its Governance Committee.
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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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Success Stories: A Minority Business Partnerships Program
Presented by: Chicago United Board Member Nichole Owens, Vice President, Distribution Operations, Chicago Region, ComEd, An Exelon Company; Cherise Conley, Manager, Diverse Business Empowerment, ComEd, An Exelon Company; Joann P. Ornelas-Bauer, CEO, Dynamic Utility Solutions, LLC; and George Williams, Chairman & BCEO, PMI Energy Solutions, LLC
Hosted by ComEd - An Exelon Company
PROGRAM
Thursday, September 14 | 9:00-10:30 am
LOCATION
ComEd Training Center, 3536 S. Iron Street, Chicago, IL
Learn More →
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Employee Resource Group Symposium: Impacting Culture, Employee Engagement and Business Performance
Presented by: Tony Robinson, US Central Region Tax Managing Partner, EY; Kimberly Evans, Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Inclusion and Social Impact, Northern Trust; Jose de la Rosa, Executive Director Markets Strategy, Health Care Service Corporation; Abiman Rajadurai, General Counsel, McOpCo and Senior Counsel, Global Labor & Employment Law, McDonalds Corporation
Hosted by EY
PROGRAM
Wednesday, September 20 | 9:00-11:00 am
LOCATION
155 N Wacker Drive, 19th Floor
Learn More →
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Emerging Leader Series: Leveraging Your Internal Network
Presented by: Anuradha Hebbar, 2021 Business Leader of Color and Managing Principal, Momentum Advisory, LLC
Hosted by McDonald's
PROGRAM
Wednesday, September 27 | 5:00-7:00 pm
LOCATION
110 N. Carpenter St., Chicago, IL
Learn More →
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Mid-Level Manager Series: Business Chemistry – Science and the Art of Business Relationships
Hosted by Deloitte
PROGRAM
Tuesday, October 17 | 9:00-11:00 am
LOCATION
231 S. LaSalle St., Lower Level Conference Room, Chicago, IL
Learn More →
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