Leading in Color - September 2023

The Narrative Has Been Debunked

As a thought-leader and convener of diverse and inclusive leadership, the work of Chicago United provides the tools and resources to foster diverse and inclusive leadership. Despite barriers, our work continues to build upon the foundation toward a more?equitable?business landscape. One of the many tangible results are leaders of color who build businesses, fill the executive-level pipeline, and are prepared for a seat in the corporate boardroom.

This month Chicago United introduced 45 outstanding achievers in business as 2023 Business Leaders of Color. Whether the principal of a small or mid-sized business or the chief of a corporate mainstay, each 2023 BLC?has done the work and proven they are prepared and ready to serve on corporate boards. It is their time.

When we lift each other, learn from each other, and work together, we will redress the impact of past injustices and exclusions from economic and social opportunity. Our 2023 Business Leaders of Color join 470 Board-ready leaders and are the evidence; “we can’t find any” is a falsehood.

During the 2023 Bridge Awards Celebration: Elevating Equity presented by BMO, we will honor this cohort of 45 exceptional leaders.?I invite you to join me November 16 and engage with their excellence first-hand.

Be well,

Join Us: Chicago United's 2023 Bridge Awards Celebration

Sponsorship opportunities are available for Chicago United’s 2023 Bridge Awards Celebration, 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 45 talented individuals named as 2023 Business Leaders of Color.?

Please contact Gail Arrigo , Executive Vice President, for additional details.

In Pictures: Chicago United's 2023 Business Leaders of Color Reception

Held Thursday, September 21, at The Northern Trust (a Chicago United Member Company), Chicago United introduced the 2023 Business Leaders of Color during a well-attended reception.?Member Company Representatives, Board Members, Supporters and preceding Business Leaders of Color joined to congratulate the cohort of 45 extraordinary leaders. The event was the first in-person reception since the COVID-19 pandemic and the first in-person with Tiffany Hamel Johnson serving as President and CEO of Chicago United.

The 2023 BLCs will be honored during the 2023 Bridge Awards Celebration: Elevating Equity presented by BMO, on Thursday, November 16, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago.

View Photos From the Event.

WE CU

Andrea Sáenz , President and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust (a Chicago United Member Company), Chicago United Board of Directors Vice Chair, and a 2023 Business Leader of Color received the Roberto Clemente Neighborhood Hero Award from Chicago Cubs Charities in honor of her work uplifting and investing in Chicago’s communities.

During the Dive In Festival - one of the largest diversity, equity and inclusion events in the world - Kip Kelley , Chief Executive Officer-US Affinity at Aon (a Chicago United Member Company) joined a panel discussion entitled “Is DE&I Under Siege?”.? Also during the Festival, Luz María Vargas, MA , Senior Program Manager at Chicago United, participated in the panel discussion, “Exploring Unconscious Biases: The Silent Poison.”

Reginald J. Miller , VP & Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at 麦当劳 Corporation (a Chicago United Member Company), was named one of Diversity MBA’s Top 25 Leaders of Impact.

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.

Diversity Officer Roundtable

Presented by: Rheaana Guess , Vice President, People & Diversity Officer, Delta Dental of Illinois

PROGRAM

Thursday, October 5 | 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Learn More

Mid-Level Manager Series: Business Chemistry—Science and the Art of Business Relationships

Hosted by: Wintrust Financial Corporation

PROGRAM

Tuesday, October 17 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

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CEO Roundtable Series

Hosted by: Martin Cabrera, CEO and Founder of Cabrera Capital Markets and a 2003 Business Leader of Color

PROGRAM

Thursday, October 26 | 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Learn More