More than 600 business leaders, community stakeholders and policy makers will gather on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Avenue from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for the Chicago Urban League’s SUMMIT Luncheon – Centennial Edition. Themed “The Color of Business,” the event will offer innovative solutions to ensure the city’s workforce diversity fully reflects its population, while also celebrating the achievements of existing African American leadership in Chicago and around the nation.
This year’s featured guest is Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments in conversation with Connie Lindsey, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Diversity & Inclusion of Northern Trust. Attendees will experience a dynamic one-on-one conversation about what drives Hobson’s strategy and approach to advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
“We are extremely honored that Ms. Hobson and Ms. Lindsey will join us for what is sure to be eye-opening dialogue on how we challenge the traditional ways businesses operate and embrace race equity strategies that dismantle barriers to opportunity,” said Chicago Urban League President and CEO Shari Runner. “While companies have made public commitments to racial diversity, many haven’t taken effective steps to bring about lasting change.”
The League will also continue its annual tradition of recognizing a select group of Chicagoans as Innovators. The following millennials have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Chicago’s African American community through financial literacy, business savvy, technology and entrepreneurship:
Chris-Tia Donaldson, founder of Thank God Its Natural Hair, a line of eco-friendly natural products for the hair, body and home
Fabian Elliot, founder and CEO of Black Tech Mecca
Rendel Solomon, founder of One Stock One Future, a nonprofit that teaches high schools students financial literacy through stock ownership
Olamide Bamidele, Alysia Sargent, and Alexandria Willis, found-
ers of GoDutch dating app
“The creativity and drive of this year’s Innovators is simply amazing,” said Runner. “Each has taken their ideas and transformed them into brands that empower, educate and enhance the African American communities they serve. It is refreshing to see the spirit of entrepreneurship thriving among millennials in the city of Chicago.”
Lead luncheon sponsors include Adobe, CDW, Intel, Oracle and Southwest Airlines. Additional sponsorship support provided by Comcast, Green Lewis Charitable Fund, GCM Grosvenor, ITW, NBC 5 and JPMorgan Chase & Co. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets for the SUMMIT Luncheon – Centennial Edition are still available.
Please visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org for additional information.
About the Chicago Urban League
Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League works for economic, educational and social progress for African Americans and promotes strong sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
