Mary Smith is a prominent attorney, business executive, and trailblazing leader who served as President of the American Bar Association (ABA) from 2023-2024, becoming the first Native American woman to hold the role. She currently...

A longstanding proponent of Chicago’s tourism and hospitality industry, Lynn Osmond has taken the reins as President and CEO of Choose Chicago”?the first woman to helm the organization. Osmond previously served as President and CEO...

Lori Lightfoot served as the 56th mayor of Chicago, making history as the city’s first African American female mayor and first member of the LGBTQ+ community to ever serve as mayor of the city. During...

Kathy Scherer has more than 36 years of experience in delivering exceptional client service, complemented by the ability to develop, lead, and motivate large engagement teams to excel. Kathy currently serves as the Managing Partner...

Julia Stasch is the immediate past president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, one of the nation’s largest philanthropies, with headquarters in Chicago and offices in Mexico City, New Delhi, and Abuja,...

Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell- is the Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Linda-Denise ascended to this role in 2021, after an extraordinary career as a professional dance artist and educator. Ms. Fisher-Harrell is the first alumni...

Serving as Chief HR Officer since 2020, Norah leads Wintrust’s people strategy to foster a supportive, high-performing and diverse workplace culture. She brings deep expertise in talent management, organizational development, and employee engagement. In her...

Kelly Graves CEO, FCB Chicago An agency leader with over 20 years of experience, Kelly recognizes the powerful role that creativity can play when it comes to solving the most challenging business problems. Known for...

Deidra (Dee) Merriwether is a highly skilled leader with deep business insights garnered over a 25-year career across different industries. Currently Grainger’s Chief Financial Officer, Dee is known for her commitment to delivering top quartile...

Joan Bottarini is the Chief Financial Officer of Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and has been with the Company since 2000. Joan previously served as Senior Vice President, Finance, Americas and as Vice President, Hotel...