SUMMIT 2023 Program Book

KAREN FREEMAN-WILSON

The Chicago Urban League has been an advocate for economic empowerment, educational equality, and social justice for Black Americans since its founding in 1916. In 2023, we are still deeply committed to a vision of racial and economic equity.

Our annual SUMMIT convenes members of the Chicagoland business and civic communities around issues that impede our progress toward realizing that vision. SUMMIT 2023 focuses on “Equity in Clean Energy and Water” because sustainability and environmental justice are among the most important issues of our time.

Through our Workforce Development Center, the Chicago Urban League has been a leader in addressing employment equity within the clean energy space in Chicago since 2017. But we know that jobs are only one aspect of the inequities faced by Black communities as it relates to clean energy and water. So, we have brought together dozens of leaders and subject matter experts in the sustainability, DEI, environmental, and energy sectors to discuss challenges and solutions.

We will also recognize two Chicagoans who have been championing environmental justice and minority participation in the green economy for decades. Our first-ever Environmental Equity Leadership Awards will be presented to Naomi Davis, founder of Blacks in Green, and Jacky Grimshaw, vice president of government affairs at the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT).

As always, this year’s SUMMIT aims to spark conversations and inspire new ideas and approaches that help make our city more equitable. Additionally, SUMMIT is an important fundraiser that helps to support the mission of the League. Our work would not be possible without a dedicated staff, a supportive board of directors, committed auxiliaries and, of course, our many sponsors, partners and friends. I thank each of you for your support.

In service to the movement,

SUMMIT 2023 Agenda

8AM - 9AM

Registration & Continental Breakfast Location: Grand Horizon Foyer

9AM - 10:15AM

Opening Plenary

Keynote Conversation: A Discussion with the U.S. Department of Energy & the EPA Location: Grand Horizon Ballroom

10:30AM - 11:45AM

Breakout Sessions - Round 1

Solar Project Development and Financing *

Federal Contracting Processes *

Green Banks *

Private Sector Engagement to Address Climate Change and Green Growth *

Demystifying Decarbonization in New & Existing Construction *

Equity, Sustainability and Resilience Project Opportunities for Public Water, Wastewater and Infrastructure

12 NOON - 1:30PM

SUMMIT Luncheon

Keynote Conversation: The Intersection of Sustainability and DEI Location: Grand Horizon Ballroom

2PM - 3:15PM

Breakout Sessions - Round 2 (Round 1 Sessions will repeat.)

3:30PM - 5PM

Closing Plenary

Keynote Conversation: Creating a Just and Sustainable City Location: Grand Horizon Ballroom

5PM - 6:30PM

Networking Reception Location: Grand Horizon Foyer

Environmental Equity Leadership Award Honorees

Naomi Davis is the founder and President of Blacks In Green (BIG™), an urban theorist, attorney, activist, and proud granddaughter of Mississippi sharecroppers. Her heritage forms the foundation for BIG’s course in Grannynomics™, the 8 Principles of Green Village Building ™, and The Sustainable Square Mile™, which Naomi authored and teaches nationally in lectures and workshops and at universities. Naomi serves as a bridge and catalyst among communities and their stakeholders in the design and development of green, self-sustaining, mixed-income, walkable villages within Black neighborhoods – so that every household can ultimately walk-to-work, walk-to-shop, walk-to-learn, walk-to-play – and neighbors’ dollars can circulate locally to limit the greenhouse gases overheating our planet. She conveys the risks of global warming; the health/wealth opportunities of the new green economy; the power of neighbors to lead in their city’s enviro-economic policy and practice; and the primacy of land ownership.

Jacky Grimshaw is Vice President of Government Affairs for Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT). She joined CNT in 1992, and has since developed its capacity to engage in public policy advocacy and transportation planning, transportation research, environmental justice, public participation tool development, GIS mapping, community economic development and air quality. Jacky advocates for and provides expertise to increase transit in the Chicago region. She created and led CNT’s transportation and air quality programs and led CNT’s Transit Future campaign in the fight for mass transit reform and dedicated funding in the Chicago region. Since 2005, she has led CNT’s policy efforts at all levels of government. Jacky has served on numerous boards, including: Chicago Transit Authority, National Academy of Sciences’ Transportation Research Board’s Environmental Justice and Public Involvement Committees. She has just completed terms on the Women’s Issues in Transportation Committee. She has served in numerous other capacities, including political advisor for the late Mayor Harold Washington and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

NAOMI DAVIS

JACKY GRIMSHAW

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

INNOVATIONSPONSORS

EMPOWERMENTSPONSORS

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MEDIASPONSORS

The Chicago Urban League works to achieve equity for Black families and communities through social and economic empowerment.

Since 1916, we have helped people find jobs, secure affordable housing, enhance their educational experiences, and grow their businesses. One of the oldest and largest affiliates of the National Urban League, we promote strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, innovation, and collaborative community, corporate and civic relationships.