CWIP Annual Luncheon 2023

Over 350 CWIP members and friends gathered for the CWIP Annual Luncheon on Tuesday, March 7, at the Marriott Hotel Downtown. We honored the incomparable Liz Thompson, President of the Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education (The CAFÉ Group). Musical performer Keya Trammell kicked off the lively celebration during the networking reception while guests snapped selfies. The excitement of our members to gather and see one another was palpable!

During the lunch, CWIP’s new board co-chairs Clare Butterfield and Lindsey Moorman detailed CWIP’s vision for the coming year, and mentors and mentees from both the Women’s and Girls’ Leadership Mentoring Programs shared their experiences. Representing different ages, life stages and career-paths, the common themes of support, mutual learning and the importance of sisterhood came through in each speakers’ story. Nonprofit Braven was spotlighted by Liz Thompson for its key work in closing the education-to-employment gap. Guests were delighted by the fireside chat between Liz Thompson and her friend and Honorary Co-Chair Na’ilah Suad Nasir, President of the Spencer Foundation. In her trademark sneakers, Liz discussed her non-traditional path to becoming a leader in philanthropy and the family and mentors that supported her. Liz and Na’ilah elevated the importance of leading with radical love and mentoring the next generation. Liz detailed the CAFÉ Group’ efforts to support the visions and dreams of Black leaders while diversifying philanthropy to create a more inclusive sector. The audience responded strongly when the two discussed the importance of funders sharing their “No’s with a comma” and providing connections for organizations even if they decline support.The conversation was rich in laughter and welcomed the audience into the pair’s decades-long friendship. The entire fireside chat is available here. The spirit and energy our community brought to that room was incredible. The event raised more than $105,0000 to support CWIP’s programs to empower women and girls in Chicago.

Fireside Chat with 2023 Making a Difference Honoree Elizabeth 'Liz' Thompson

2023 Annual Luncheon Honorees

Making a Difference Honoree:

honorary Luncheon co-chair:

featured non-profit:

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

CWIP "Making a Difference" Honorees

The prestigious and amazing women listed below have been honored for their contributions to philanthropy in Chicago:

2023 - Elizabeth 'Liz' Thompson, President, Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education Group
2022 - Unmi Song, President, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation
2021 - Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director, IL Department of Public Health
2020 - Barbara Bowman, Co-Founder, Erikson Institute
2019 - Connie L. Lindsey, Executive Vice President, Northern Trust
2018 - Grace Hou, President, Woods Fund Chicago
2017 - Elizabeth Dozier, Managing Director, Chicago Beyond
2016 - Evelyn Diaz, President, Heartland Alliance
2015 - Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Pediatrics and Chief of Family Planning at the University of Chicago
2014 - Julia Stasch, Vice President of U.S. Programs, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
2013 - Maria S. Pesqueira, President & CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción
2012 - Aurie Pennick, Executive Director and Treasurer of the Field Foundation of Illinois
2010 - Adele Simmons, Metropolis
2009 - Amina Dickerson, Kraft Foods
2008 - Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing Company (previously President of Peoples Gas)
2007 - Anna Roosevelt, Boeing Company
2006 - Gigi Pritzker

view past annual luncheons

Contact us with questions

contact