Prepared For 2024

Chicago United was founded to address and conquer the challenges we now face. As the Convener, celebrating our 55th Anniversary in 2023, we bring leaders to the table, ask the difficult questions, share ideas and provide the tools that instigate lasting change. Energized by the foundation we’ve cultivated, we are prepared for 2024. 

In 2023, we welcomed ten new Member Companies. This commitment demonstrates the importance of our work, the dedication of our Members, and the change we create when we work together. Our collective voice leads to direct action.

We presented 45 diverse, impactful leaders as 2023 Business Leaders of Color in this, the 20th Anniversary of this bi-annual distinction. Change happens from the top down and with the 2023 Business Leaders of Color taking their seats in the corporate boardroom, change is imminent. 

Our Programming remained focused and best equipped to elevate those who do the work, inspire change in the workplace and in the corporate boardroom, and lift up young Professionals of Color who are prepared to lead corporate culture towards even greater change. In tandem, our Minority Business Partnership Program, which includes the Five Forward Initiative™, dug in deeper to elevate the small to mid-sized minority-owned businesses that may not be the first thought or at the top of the list. This work is of paramount importance.

Our Corporate Inclusion Institute remained one of the most progressive and innovative platforms for inclusive talent development. This year, we matriculated our sixth Cohort—the largest Cohort yet—with 108 leaders of color best prepared to lead change and drive business performance through inclusion. 

Our work faced more than its fair share of challenges in 2023 and now more than ever, all of us—our members, partners, and allies—must band together, unite our voices, and defend our successes against any attack on diversity, equity and inclusion. Let’s continue the work of Chicago United in 2024 with an energized focus. We are prepared.

I wish you a Happy Holiday Season and a Dynamic New Year!

Be well,