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Emp
wer
The Chicago Urban League’s Quarterly Newsletter to Partners
Dear Friends,
Thank you for reading the latest edition of the Chicago Urban League’s
Empower
newsletter. I hope you are enjoying the summer thus far. Before I preview what’s inside this issue, I want to extend my appreciation to you, our generous family of supporters, who are the driving force behind our civic engagement and programs that serve our community. I want to also thank Andrea L. Zopp for her dynamic leadership and express my appreciation to our board of directors for entrusting the leadership of the Chicago Urban League to me during this time of transition.We have much to share in this issue of
Empower
, including recaps of our 2015Student Mission to
China
that gave 20 students a life changing cultural experience, ourCitywide Job Fair
that featured more than 70 employers, ourAllstate Summer Immersion Program
that is solidifying our engagement with the Englewood community, and the graduation of the inaugural class of theIMPACT
Leadership
Development Program
.This quarter’s Partner Spotlight features the University of Chicago, a longtime Urban League supporter. You will be inspired by the conversation had with Derek R. B. Douglas, Vice President for Civic Engagement and The University of Chicago Booth School of Business’ role in enhancing the lives of people in Chicago.
I look forward to being in touch with you throughout the Summer and the Fall and hope to see you at our
54th Annual Golden
Fellowship Dinner
on Saturday, November 7th at the Hilton Chicago. Thank you again for reading this edition ofEmpower
and for your commitment to the Chicago Urban League.Yours in the movement,
Interim President and CEO
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Shari E. Runner,
Interim President and CEO
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Moving Forward Citywide Job FairAUGUST
2015
Youth Business Plan Competition Highlights SUMMIT LuncheonINSIDE
THIS
ISSUE
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University of Chicago Partner Spotlight3
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Summer Immersion6
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Mission toChina IMPACT Graduation
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PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
A leader among business schools, The University of Chicago Booth School Of Business is the education partner for the IMPACT Leadership Development Program that provides educational module programming at its Gleacher Center for Chicago’s future leaders. Below Derek R.B. Douglas, Vice President for Civic Engagement at The University of Chicago shares how the Chicago Urban League partnership impacts the community.
Describe your role at The University of Chicago.
As Vice President for Civic Engagement, I lead The University of Chicago’s local, national, and international urban development and civic engagement efforts. My office provides a “front door” for external organizations seeking to work with the University. In addition to running our own programs and initiatives, the Office of Civic Engagement works with faculty, students, and staff across campus to support a wide range of civic projects and partnerships.
How does the university’s commitment to research, civic initiatives and promotion of volunteerism among its faculty and students work together to enhance the quality of life for Chicagoans?
The University’s model for civic engagement is built on partnerships. As an anchor institution on the South Side of Chicago, and as a center for education, research, and innovation, we partner with organizations and individuals across the city to share talents, information, and resources to have a positive impact in Chicago. Likewise, collaborations among departments within the University drive initiatives that help improve life for people in Chicago.
The University of Chicago states that it is inspired by Chicago – what is it about the mission and work of the Chicago Urban League that inspired you to partner with us?
We were inspired by the organization’s mission, the strength of its leadership, and its long-term record of success. The Chicago Urban League’s mission, especially as it relates to promoting “strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration and inno-vation,” aligns closely with the University’s civic engagement focus. Both of our organizations are committed to improving lives and increasing opportunities for people in Chicago, and much of The Chicago Urban League’s programming—including our current partnership on the IMPACT Leadership Development Program—focuses on education, entrepreneurship, and encouraging economic development, areas where the University has strengths.
Discuss University of Chicago’s involvement with the Chicago Urban League’s recently launched IMPACT Leadership Development program.
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the academic home for the IMPACT Leadership Development Program. George Wu, Ph.D., led the efforts to recruit Chicago Booth faculty who head the classroom components of the program. I serve as a mentor and a member of the steering committee, along with my colleague Sonya Malunda, who as Senior Associate Vice President for Community Engagement, leads the University’s civic engagement work in extending education to foster leadership, service, and new ideas. The University is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Chicago Urban League on the IMPACT Leadership Development Program because the program has the potential to strengthen organizations across the city by preparing emerging African American talent for leadership in Chicago’s civic community.
Derek R.B. Douglas, Vice President for Civic Engagement at University of Chicago
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LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS HONORED AT THE 2015 SUMMIT
LUNCHEON
Andrea L. Zopp, former President & CEO, pictured with 2015 SUMMIT ‘Innovators’ (L-R): Raina Lynn, Shawn L. Jackson, Ph.D., Kenneth Coats, Charlie Tribbett, Larry Baker and Erika Allen
O
n April 30, 2015 the Chicago Urban League presented itsannual SUMMIT Luncheon, themed Transformational Change: Igniting the Entrepreneurial Spirit. While highlighting the successes of local entrepreneurs whose work is making a tremendous impact on the city, more than 600 civic,
business, elected and community leaders discussed strategic ways to remove the obstacles that stifle African American entrepreneurs. In his keynote address, Selim A.
Bassoul, Chairman and CEO of The Middleby Corporation, encouraged entrepreneurs to think innovatively and to be fearless in order to drive their business forward. He stated, “You can become an entrepreneur at any stage in your life. Don’t worry about money. It will come. But what you should worry about is, do you have something that makes things better?” “Entrepreneurs have historically been the backbone of the Black community,” said Andrea L. Zopp, former President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. “They create jobs and consumer demand and help support neighborhood development. Because of the deep connection between a strong entrepreneurial and business sector and healthy communities and neighbohoods, it is critical that we address the issues derailing African American business owners.”
In addition to discussing the barriers for African American entrepreneurs, the Chicago Urban League honored six innovators who represent groundbreaking work, unique collaborations and the creation of new pathways to opportunity that are strengthening our city. The 2015 SUMMIT Luncheon ‘Innovators’ were: Erika Allen, Chicago and National Projects Director of Growing Power; Larry Baker and Charlie Tribbett Co-Founders of Bolstr; Kenneth Coats, President and CEO of KENTECH
Investigative Technology; Dr. Shawn Jackson, Deputy Chief of Teaching and Learning, Office of Teaching and Learning Chicago Public Schools; and Riana Lynn, Founder & Lead Tracer of FoodTrace.
Keynote Speaker Selim A. Bassoul, Chairman and CEO of The Middleby Corporation.
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O
n Saturday, June 26, 2015, the Chicago Urban League celebrated its Allstate Summer Immersion experience with a kick-off event. Youth and key stakeholders participated in a game of softball while also enjoying barbeque and music. “Even though it rained, I had a great time playing softball with new friends,” expressed Jalen Diaz. The Allstate Summer Immersion experience mentored 136 African American youth between the ages of 13-21 years old for the entire summer, exposing them to cultural activities across the city, community service projects, individual mentoring and job placement.“We know that when young people have access to job opportunities and support services, that academic achievement and civic engagement go up and violence goes down,” said Shari Runner, Interim President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. “We owe it to our young people to make this investment in them.” Aside from enjoying the many cultural
activities that the city has to offer, 50 job-eligible youth have been placed in employment and 86 non-job-eligible youth completed in-service projects while learning important workforce readiness skills. Part-time employment opportunities include positions with Litehouse Wholefoods Grill, DuSable Museum, and Reggio’s Pizza. Each youth received the necessary clothing, accessories, food, and transportation support in an effort to reduce the considerable number of barriers to youth employment. For participation in this experience, all job-eligible youth received a $600 stipend for their work and non job-eligible youth received a $25 stipend for each service learning project that they completed.
For more information on the Human Capital Department and its program opportunities, contact Angela Bailey, Director of Human Capital, at abailey@thechicagourbanleague.org or visit www.TheChicagoUrbanLeague.org.
URBAN YOUTH CONNECTION PARTICIPANTS
TURN UP THE HEAT AT THE ALLSTATE SUMMER IMMERSION
PROGRAM KICK-OFF
UYC Allstate Summer Immersion Program Participants.
Program participants painting at First Lutheran Church of Trinity.
Allstate Summer Immersion participants go for a bike stroll along Lake Michigan.
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CHICAGO STUDENTS EXPERIENCE A
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME TRIP TO CHINA
O
n Saturday June 20, 2015, the Chicago Urban League sent a delegation of 20 African American high school students from around the city on a two-week, cross-cultural journey through China. The trip, planned for the third time in conjunction with the China-United States Exchange Foundation and United Airlines, forever changed their lives. These students, who represented 18 different high schools throughout the City of Chicago and itssurrounding areas, spent Saturday, June 20th through Saturday, July 4th taking in the sights, sounds and cultural offerings of Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai.
The trip gave the youth an international perspective on their lives and communities, empowering them to see themselves as part of a larger global community while forming life-long friendships with both their American and Chinese counterparts. The students also gained the benefits of world travel, cultural and social immersion—
experiences that will improve their marketability when applying to college and as they enter the workforce. The students participated in several seminars, cultural visits and tours, including a trip to the Great Wall of China, a Tea Art Performance and a host of many other events. “It is still mind-boggling to
believe that I had the chance to immerse myself in a culture that I could only ever imagine before. I have learned not to believe in stereotypes, to work steadfast to achieve my dreams and that I will never quite view the world the same. As Ms. Parker always says, I am truly a global citizen now ready to take on the world,” shared Landen, student Ambassador. This experience continues to make an impact and empower the students long after the trip. “For three consecutive years, I have had the absolute honor and pleasure to lead a delegation of 65 African American high school students on this journey. For our current and previous
ambassadors, this experience represents the power of opportunity – the opportunity to see the world, and China in particular, with over 4,000 years of documented history,” shared Danielle Parker, Director of the Center for Student Development at the Chicago Urban League.
For more information about the Student Mission to China and to read the students’ trip updates, visit the Chicago Urban League Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Chicago-Urban-League or visit our website at
TheChicagoUrbanLeague.org.
Roderick Hawkins, former Vice President of External Affairs, Danielle Parker, Director, Center for Student Development and Mission to China students pose for a photo while touring Song Dynasty Town in Zhejiang, China.
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NEW BEGINNINGS FOR
IMPACT
GRADUATES
Andrea L. Zopp, former President and CEO, George Wu, Ph.D., Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago, Mavis Laing, IMPACT Executive Director and the 2014-2015
IMPACT Leadership Development Program Graduates.
O
n Saturday, May 9, 2015, the League hosted its graduation for the inaugural 2014-2015 IMPACT Leadership Development Program (IMPACT) cohort of 34 Fellows. This program was developed and designed to support the professional andpersonal development of emerging African Americans ages 30-45 for leadership roles in private, public and non-profit organizations and their boards. Additionally, IMPACT brings together these up-and-coming trailblazers with senior African American leaders that act as mentors, building a much needed network of support and collaboration.
The graduation served as the culminating event for those completing the program. Hosted by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in the beautiful Charles Harper Winter Garden on the Hyde Park campus, 125 participants including the Fellows, their families, University of Chicago Booth School of Business professors and professional staff, Program Mentors and Advisory Council members came out to celebrate the momentous occasion. “The graduation was an emotional one as it represented a dream fulfilled for Andy Zopp and the IMPACT Advisory
Council,” shared Mavis Laing, Executive Director of IMPACT, “It has taken vision and a lot of hard work to bring IMPACT to life and we are delighted that our Fellows found great value in it.” The 2015- 2016 class of thirty-four fellows will begin in September 2015.
For more information on the IMPACT Leadership Development Program and its program opportunities, please contact Mavis Laing, Executive Director of the IMPACT Leadership Development Program at mlaing@thechicagourbanleague.org.
An Aramark employee shares information with Citywide Job Fair participant.
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n Wednesday, June 17, 2015 the Workforce Development Center hosted its second Citywide Job Fair, drawing more than 500 job seekers, more than 75 employers and a number ofcommunity partners to the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum. Participating employers represented a wide range of career fields including construction, banking, healthcare, sales, nonprofits, human services, universities, and government.
The Workforce Development Center’s Citywide Job Fair is designed to provide job seekers with a direct pathway to explore career opportunities within a variety of industries in one location. The Citywide Job Fair is a part of the Workforce Development Center’s overall employment strategy and connects to the Chicago Urban League’s mission by providing economic
opportunities to the African American community. This year, the Workforce Development Center introduced it’s Empowerment to Employment Workshops which were a series of workshops to help clients prepare to meet with employers at the fair.
Job seekers who attended were able to take advantage of the fair and become better informed about the job market and job trends. The event was a success as more than one hundred attendees recieved on-the-spot interviews. An attendee of the job fair received a favorable response from a logistics employer. “I am so grateful for this opportunity and it came at a time when I really needed a job to support my family,” shared the attendee.
Jobseekers and employers alike greatly benefited from the Citywide Job Fair. Morgan Gleason, CDW Human Resource Generalist, stated, “I attend two fairs per month, and by far, this is one of the best fairs I have attended in terms of the variety of employers, job seekers and overall organization of the event. CDW gained valuable contacts with other organizations who are interested in partnering with us on a variety of corporate initiatives.”
For more information on theWorkforce Development Center and its program opportunities, contact Clayton Pryor, Director of Workforce Development, at
cpryor@thechicagourbanleague.org or visit www.TheChicago UrbanLeague.org.
JOB SEEKERS ON THE HUNT
AT CITYWIDE JOB FAIR
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PROGRAM & EVENTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Andrea L. Zopp, former President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, with (l-r): (1) Tawanna Streater, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, (2) Michelle D. Caraballo, Director, Public Affairs
& Government Relations at Walmart and
(3) Selena Sizemore, Director of the Entrepreneurship Center at a check presentation for the Entrepreneurship Center.
Andrea L. Zopp, former President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, with Stephanie Hickman, President and CEO of Trice Construction (center), Family Owned Business of the Year Winner,
and Bo Steiner, District Director at U.S. Small Business Administration (left).
Shari E. Runner, Interim President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, pictured with (L-R): (1)Tawanna Streater, Vice President and
Chief Development Officer, (2)Selena Sizemore, Director of Entrepreneurship, (3)Valerie Corr Hanserd, Director, Communications
and External Affairs at BP America, (4) Andrea L.
Zopp, former President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, and (5) Iris Cross, Executive Director at BP Foundation Inc, at the Grand
Opening of the Technology Innovation Center sponsored by BP.
O
n Saturday, May 16, 2015, the League’s YouthInvestor/Entrepreneur Project hosted its Annual Business Plan Competition at the Chicago Urban League.
The Youth Investor/Entrepreneur Project (YIEP) is a 26-week program that offers junior high and high school students practical business skills, personal finance education and professional
connections that they can use throughout their college education and professional careers.
This year’s business plan competition showcased the talent of some of Chicago’s most innovative, motivated and talented current and future entrepreneurs. It was an enormous learning and networking
opportunity for our participants who interacted with an outstanding and diverse panel of judges from The PrivateBank and BMO Harris. Students were judged on a variety of criteria including
professionalism, business financials, and presentation. The Chicago Urban League provided the winning business plan owner with a portion of their start-up costs.
The YIEP Annual Business Plan Competition is a fun time for the students, families, judges and Chicago Urban League staff because the students are extremely passionate about their
business plans. “Thank you for all of your help in this class. I really appreciated being a part of the program. This has been a great experience here at the Chicago Urban League,” expressed Chynna, a participant in the YIEP program.
“Our students will carry the knowledge, experiences and connections that they have developed through this 26-week program throughout their academic and professional careers. I would like to give a special thank you to our partners who assisted with making this program year successful,” shared Danielle Parker, Director of the Center for Student Development at the Chicago Urban League.
For more information on the Center for Student Development and its program opportunities, please contact Danielle Parker, Director of Student Development at dparker@thechicagourbanleague.org.
YIEP students present business plan at Annual Business Plan Competition.
STUDENTS AIM TO WIN AT THE YIEP
BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION
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MOVING FORWARD
10/8/2015
Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League Meeting
Chicago Urban League, 6:30pm 10/12/2015
Women’s Board of the Chicago Urban League, General Body
Meeting
Chicago Urban League, 6:30pm 10/21/2015
Homebuyer Workshop
Chicago Urban League, 6:00pm 10/22/2015
Access to Capital from A to Z
The Chicago Urban League, 5:30pm 9/10/2015
Financial Literacy Class
Chicago Urban League, 5:30pm 9/10/2015
Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League Meeting
Chicago Urban League, 6:30pm 9/14/2015
Women’s Board of the Chicago Urban League, General Body Meeting
Chicago Urban League, 6:30pm 9/30/2015
Small Business Wednesday
The Game, 6:00pm
For more information on any of the events listed, please go to thechicagourbanleague.org or call 773-285-5800 For sponsorship opportunites, please contact Erika Soria at esoria@thechicagourbanleague.org
