Leading in Color - September 2024
DRAINING THE PIPELINE
September is traditionally revered as Back to School Month but this year we must ask, “Who’s going back to school” considering last year’s U.S. Supreme Court’s decision ruling against affirmative action in college admissions and how this is already affecting Corporate America’s future pipelines. Actions have consequences and the effects of the ruling are beginning to surface.
Recent reports at the beginning of the 2024 school year show a significant drop in college enrollment for students of color at many colleges and universities. At one distinguished university, the percentage of Black student enrollment dropped from 15 percent in the Class of 2027 to just 5 percent in the Class of 2028 while the percentage of Hispanic and Latino students at this same institution fell to 11 percent from 16 percent.
At another revered institution, Black student enrollment dropped to 9 percent from 15 percent in 2023 and Hispanic student enrollment fell to 10 percent from 14 percent. And yet at another, Hispanic student enrollment dipped to 19 percent from 22 percent while enrollment of Black students dropped to 12 percent from 20 percent.
This situation has far-reaching effects throughout society and impacts our business landscape. Chicago United, through the work we do, knows that access and opportunity are essential to creating a pipeline to success for our leaders of color. This month alone, our programming brought together emerging leaders, executive level leaders, C-Suite and Board. They are prepared, ready for opportunity.
The pool of future leaders of color is being strategically drained. During this season of change, our work to create opportunities to access and maintain the pipeline is essential.
Be well,
Chicago United’s 2024 Bridge Awards Celebration takes place Thursday, November 21, 2024, at The Geraghty 2520 S. Hoyne Avenue in Chicago. This year’s Bridge Awards theme is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion=IMPACT, Presented by 满地可银行 . Highlighting the celebration is the presentation of the Bridge Award. We will also present the 2024 BLC President’s Award and the 2024 CU Impact Award.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available; contact Gail Arrigo , Executive Vice President for details.
Chicago United's Minority Business Partnership Program Introduces Success Stories
Chicago United’s Minority Business Partnership Program, which includes the Five Forward Initiative, has launched “Success Stories.” This video series profiles the work of participating Minority Business Enterprises and demonstrates the strength and effectiveness of the MBP Program. The series may be viewed on Chicago United’s YouTube Channel as well as Chicago United’s website.
WE CU
Sam Pambah , Principal at KPMG and a Chicago United Board Member, was named one of Crain's Chicago Business ' Notable Black Leaders along with Robert Blackwell Jr. , Founder & Chairman, Quant16 , 2023 BLC; Graham Grady , Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP & Hollister, 2011 BLC; Linda McGill-Boasmond , Owner & President, Cedar Concepts, 2009 BLC; David Nichols , Global Client Service Partner, 安永 , 2015 BLC; Gerald Pauling , Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP , 2011 BLC; J. Todd Phillips , Founder & CEO, Parson Partners , 2021 BLC; Michael Sutton , CEO, Infrastructure Engineering Inc. , 2009 BLC; and Shundrawn Thomas , Founder & Managing Partner, The Copia Group, LLC , 2009 BLC.
Suzanne Yoon , Founder and Managing Partner of Kinzie Capital Partners LP and a 2021 Business Leader of Color, was appointed to the Board of Directors of ADT as an Additional Independent Director.
Enrique Carrillo , a 2023 Business Leader of Color, has been named Director, Americas Customer Growth & Strategy, CPG, Retail/Travel, Life Sciences, and Auto/Industry/Aero at 埃森哲 .
Sharon Hwang , Shareholder and Executive Committee Member at McAndrews, Held & Malloy, Ltd. and a 2023 Business Leader of Color, was named to the Board of Trustees of the Chicago History Museum.
Chicago United Member Companies Clarity Partners , Nicor Gas and Spaulding Ridge were recognized in Crain's Chicago Business “Chicago’s Best Places to Work 2024.
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.
领英推荐
Mid-Level Manager Series: Fostering Leadership Agility
PROGRAM
October 10 | 8:30 am – 10:30 am
LOCATION
Wintrust Financial, 9700 W. Higgins Rd., Room A, Rosemont, IL?
Diversity Officer Roundtable: Elevating Equity at Advocate Health?
PROGRAM
October 16 | 9:00 am – 10:30 am
LOCATION
Advocate Health, 2025 Windsor Drive, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Business Leader of Color Series: Board Service – Public Company vs. Private Company
In Partnership with 德勤
PROGRAM
October 24 | 9:00 am – 10:30 am
CII-VII Closing Reception?
PROGRAM
October 30 | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
LOCATION
Mesirow Financial, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654