Leading in Color - May 2023

Demonizing DEI

In my last newsletter, I spoke of obstacles taking us backward: banning books on race in local libraries and schools…challenges to race-conscious admissions that support diversity, equity and inclusion on college and university campuses…government creating laws that prohibit DE&I training in corporate settings.

It hasn’t stopped:?another?state has proposed legislation banning diversity, equity and inclusion offices in public colleges and universities…and a state has imposed a restriction of a POEM.

Our work is being dismantled right before our eyes, under the guise of merit-based approaches that assume that people are not qualified?because of the color of their skin.

The work we do supports a pipeline of people prepared to succeed in Corporate America. If colleges and universities, high schools, libraries—everything?that educates our future Black, Brown AND White leaders—sanitizes our history, how will this affect the future of our business communities?

If we’ve learned anything from this work we do, it’s that efforts to address inequity within the corporate landscape face roadblocks from those who are engrained with the fear that power is being taken away. The issues happening now have a direct correlation to growing inclusive talent and diverse thought. It is imperative business leaders?understand this.

Be well,

Welcome to Chicago United

Calli Delsman has joined Chicago United as Marketing Communications Specialist. Calli's creative expertise and innovative skills are a great contribution to our team as we continue to build our marketing strategies and enhance the presence of Chicago United.

We CU

Stephen Harris , President, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (a Chicago United Member Company), and a 2021 Business Leader of Color, was named one of Crain's Chicago Business' 2023 Notable Leaders in Health Care.

2019 Business Leader of Color, Anne Alonzo , was elected to the Unitil Corporation Board of Directors.

Yasha L. Sterling, MCS, MBA, CSPO?, LSSBB , a Chicago United Corporate Inclusion Institute-Cohort V Fellow, was featured on the cover of CIO Today magazine and named to the list of "Power Women: Top Dynamic and Exemplary women Leaders You Must Follow, 2023.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

The follow programs are open only to employees of Chicago United Member Companies. Please click here to view our Events Calendar for additional details and registration links.

Minority Business Partnership Program

Boosting the Success Rate of Minority-Owned Enterprises

Hosted by Wynndalco Enterprises

Presented by: David Andalcio , Founder & CEO, Wynndalco Enterprises, LLC. and a Chicago United Board Member, LLC; Jimmy A. , President & CEO, UJAMAA Construction ; and Joyce Johnson , President & CEO, Anchor Staffing , Inc.

Program

Tuesday, June 13 | 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Learn more

Mid-Level Manager Series

Trauma Informed Leadership

Hosted By Wintrust

Presented by: Dr. Dawn Emerick, Ed.D , Principal & Owner, Dawn Emerick Consulting

Program

Thursday, June 15 | 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Learn more