Chicago United’s Corporate Inclusion Institute (CII), established in 2019, is a leadership development program designed for today's workforce and beyond.
Our unique, multi-generational approach breaks down silos, strengthens teamwork and helps ensure the learning adheres across an organization.
Benefits are revealed at every level of an organization. Participants are able to translate key learnings into practical strategies that elevate leadership capability, strengthen team performance, and accelerate measurable organizational impact.
WHY CII?
Now in its ninth Cohort, Chicago United’s Corporate Inclusion Institute (CII) has helped companies across industries to:
- Strengthen leadership pipelines
- Increase cross-cultural competency and collaboration
- Improve retention of high-potential talent
- Embed inclusive leadership as a business strategy
The Benefits of CII on business
Inclusive firms have 2.3 times more cash flow per employee.
Companies that lead with inclusion see up to 40% improvement in market share per The Center for Talent Innovation.
For every 10% increase in inclusion on a firm’s senior-executive team, EBIT rises 0.8%.
A Success: CII COHORT VIII
Chicago United held the CII Cohort VIII Closing Reception in October 2025. This reception marked the culmination of a nine-month inclusion journey for the program's Corporate Guides and Fellows, who were presented with a Certificate of Completion.
All Cohort VIII participants are now equipped to exemplify the inclusive leadership competencies cultivated through CII’s workshops and resources.
Led by distinguished professors and thought-leaders from top universities, CII Cohort VIII revealed proven results:
- The majority (76%) of Cohort VIII participants showed improved scores on cross cultural competency.
- Participants were able to apply the principles from the workshops to their jobs and indicated they would recommend the program to others.
- Participants are finding immediate opportunities to model principles learned in session to the work setting while learning is shared with other team members.
The Impact of CII-VIII
Satisfaction with the program is high with CII faculty, content, and applicability, averaging a 4.7 rating on a 5-point scale.
Coaching was viewed as a valuable component of CII with coaching partners indicating they had developed meaningful, trusting relationships.
THE TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY
BEGINS HERE
The Corporate Inclusion Institute provides the learning and development experience necessary for retaining talent, strengthening internal mobility and performance.
Since 2019, over 30 businesses - including small- to medium-size firms as well as large corporations - across the Chicagoland region have invested in CII, including global corporations, financial institutions, professional services firms, healthcare systems, utilities and public agencies.
To participate in Chicago United’s Corporate Inclusion Institute, contact Luz Marίa Vargas, Senior Director of Leadership Development & Organizational Capacity, at LMVargas@chicago-united.org.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHICAGO UNITED'S CORPORATE INCLUSION INSTITUTE, PLEASE CONTACT:
Luz María Vargas Senior Director of Leadership Development & Organizational Capacity 312.977.3082 LMVargas@chicago-united.org