Latest News from The Chicago Network

May 26, 2017

TCN'S VISION STATEMENT

As the preeminent organization for Chicago's leading professional women, we are compelled to:

Connect with each other for professional & personal growth
Advance our civic, business & philanthropic communities
Inspire & support the next generation of leaders

TCN Members in the News

JEANNE GANG FEATURED IN SURFACE MAGAZINE

Jeanne Gang, Founder & Design Principal of Studio Gang Architects, was featured in Surface magazine for taking her work with hybrid engineering and ecology to new heights. "I really wanted to be able to work with a city that's not complete," Jeanne Gang said when asked why she set up shop in Chicago. Read more...

CELENA ROLDAN AND THE AMERICAN RED CROSS HIGHLIGHT WATER SAFETY MONTH

The American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois,( Celena Roldan) is highlighting May as Water Safety Month and encouraging Illinois residents to equip themselves with life-saving skills for summer activities. "Being prepared for all scenarios during water activities is a crucial element to safe summer fun," said Celena Roldan. Read more...

USG CORPORATION BETS ON ROBOTS

USG CEO Jennifer Scanlon was quoted in a Crain's article about USG Corporation's advanced manufacturing investment that will yield savings that will return an extra $100 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization by 2021. The changes will make USG a better place to work and a model for sophisticated, "behind the glass" manufacturing, Jennifer Scanlon said. "We really believe advanced manufacturing is essential to our future. For us, it extends our low-cost position. . . As a manufacturer, you can't rest on your laurels and assume that cost position and your workforce will stay the same." Read more...

STEPPENWOLF THEATRE GALA RAISES $1.15 MILLION FOR OUTREACH PROGRAMS

The Steppenwolf Theatre Company, led by Artistic Director Anna Shapiro, celebrated its 41st season and hosted their gala raising $1.15 million for outreach programs. Held in an enormous tent constructed on what is typically a parking lot, the event was curated by Anna and featured songs and performances inspired by the art and artists of Steppenwolf's past and present. Read more...

ANN DRAKE FEATURED AS "C-SUITE CRUSADER" IN CSCMP'S SUPPLY CHAIN QUARTERLY

DSC Logistics CEO Ann Drake is profiled in the current issue of Supply Chain Quarterly, a publication of Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), as a "trailblazer ...on a mission: to help qualified women-in supply chain management and beyond-move into the top ranks of business leadership."

In the article, "C-suite crusader," Ann talks about why she is a champion for women, what's been achieved so far and what she hopes the future will bring. She discusses the rapid growth and resources of AWESOME, the women's leadership network she founded in 2013, and her involvement in the Paradigm for Parity coalition, a recently formed group of executives who pledge to achieve gender parity in their companies' corporate leadership.

"I see the work I'm involved in outside the company as a platform for improving the world we live in," said Ann Drake in response to the question of what motivates her to devote time and effort beyond her own company and industry. "I want to help make it possible for a workplace, a country, a school system, a cultural institution to be able to achieve their best by having diverse members and people in their organizations." Read more...

TONI PRECKWINKLE UNVEILS COOK COUNTY'S 2017 ROADWORK PLAN

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle unveiled the list of the County's 2017 roadwork construction projects offering motorists a roadmap for the upcoming season. "Cook County has revitalized its transportation department and is a regional leader in transportation policy under the guidance of Connecting Cook County, the County's first long range transportation plan in more than 70 years," Toni Preckwinkle said. Read more...

ELAINE MAIMON FEATURED IN NBC INVESTIGATION

Elaine Maimon,

President of Governors State University, was featured in a NBC Investigation feature about students that have become collateral damage in state budget battles.

"That's the biggest worry because students are anxious. The state has to understand that treating us like collateral damage is just not good for the state," said Elaine Maimon.

Women on Boards

KAPILA ANAND APPOINTED AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR OF ESH HOSPITALITY, INC

Extended Stay Hospitality, Inc. (ESH) announced that Kapila Kapur Anand has been appointed to its Board of Directors as an independent director. ESH Hospitality, Inc., the largest lodging Real Estate Investment Trust in North America by unit and room count, with over 620 hotels and 69,000 rooms in the U.S. Kapila will serve as the audit committee chair of ESH.

All of ESH's properties, are managed by Extended Stay America providing over 8,000 jobs at its hotel properties and corporate headquarters in Charlotte. Kapila also serves as the nominating and governance chair and independent director of Extended Stay America® which is the leading brand in the mid-priced extended stay segment, with over twice as many rooms as its nearest competitor. Read more...

JOAN STEEL NAMED CO-CHAIR AND MEMBER OF COMMITTEE

Joan Steel, Founder and Managing Principal of Alpha Wealth Advisors, LLC, has been named co-chair of the 2018-2019 Women Corporate Directors Luminary Awards Committee. She has also been appointed a member of the Intentional Endowment Network's Steering Committee, an organization that supports colleges, universities, and other mission-driven tax-exempt organizations in aligning endowment investment practices with their mission, values, and sustainability goals without sacrificing financial returns.

Awards

DEBORAH LAHEY RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP IN NATURE AWARD

Deborah Lahey, CEO and President of the Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, was recognized with the Distinguished Leadership in Nature Award at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods' 34th annual Smith Nature Symposium Garden Party and Keynote Address.

Under Deborah's leadership, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has set attendance records and earned local and national honors. Twice in the last four years, the Peggy Nature Museum Museum was selected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services as a finalist for the National Medal, the highest honor granted to museums and libraries for service to their communities. Read more...

JESSICA MALKIN HONORED AT SCIENCE IN THE CITY GALA

Jessica Malkin, CEO of Chicago Ideas, received the Chicago Council on Science and Technology's "Advancing the Public Understanding of Science & Technology Award" at the 2017 Science in the City annual gala on May 18th. The Chicago Council on Science and Technology seeks to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of science and technology and their impact on society.

Mitra Dutta , Vice Chancellor for Research and a Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago, serves on the board of the Chicago Council on Science and Technology. Read more...

ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM IN SKOKIE RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center has been named a recipient of the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

Museum CEO Susan Abrams said the award was in part a recognition of its Take A Stand Center that, when it opens in October, will allow visitors to use interactive holographic technology to have life-like conversations with recordings made by Holocaust survivors. Read more...

TIGERMAN MCCURRY ARCHITECTS RECEIVE DESIGN AWARD

Tigerman McCurry Architects received a design award from the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects for a pool and garden complex at the Orchards in Three Oaks, MI.

Announcements

MARILYNN PRESTON ON HEARING LOSS IN AMERICA

Marilynn Preston wrote a column titled, "Hear Ye! Hear Ye! And Your Brain Will Thank You Forever," which examines the challenges of hearing loss in America and how we can take action now. Read more...

SUZIE ISAACS ANNOUNCES AMPERSAND, INC.'S LATEST BOOK

Suzie Isaacs, President of Ampersand, Inc., recently announced Ampersand, Inc.'s latest book: The Chicago Picasso: A Point of Departure by Patricia Balton Stratton. Stratton is the expert on the subject, with the possible exception of Fred Lo, the architect who brought the sculpture from a 41 inch maquette, or model, to the 50 foot icon that sits on Daley Plaza today.

The book was timed to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the unveiling, which happened on August 15, 1967. The official launch took place at The Arts Club on May 25. Most people will be surprised to learn that Picasso accepted no money for his work and gave the sculpture to the people of Chicago.

HELP A TRANSITIONING VETERAN FIND HER NEXT CAREER

Ellevate Network and national nonprofit American Corporate Partners (ACP) are teaming up for the second year to connect transitioning women veterans with women business leaders for yearlong one-on-one mentorships focused on career development.

Mentors work with their individually-selected Protégé on topics like career exploration, networking, resumes, interview preparation, workplace communication, and leadership. Through ACP's Women's Program Ellevate Mentors have the opportunity to lead professional development workshops and attend exclusive networking events with the ACP community.

To become a Mentor today visit ACP's Mentor Application, and use the code ELVACP (case sensitive). Please contact Stephanie Forman of ACP with any questions you have at sforman@acp-usa.org.