Chicago State Closes Womens History Month with Panel of Iconic Women Leaders

Sharice Bradford, PH.D., CNW Staff Writer

To close out Women’s History Month, Chicago State University and the Chicago State University Foundation, hosted a panel discussion entitled “Women Who Lead Chicago’s Iconic Institutions”. In a room of dynamic accomplished women, mostly African American women, this was a phenomenal way to close out Women’s History Month. Chicago State President, Zaldwaynaka ‘Z’ Scott and her team put together a dynamic panel of iconic women leaders of iconic Chicagoland institutions. The event was held in partnership with United Airlines at their headquarters at the Willis Tower.

The panel was comprised of Larita Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), Meghan Curran, Chief Marketing and Experience Office at Shedd Aquarium, and Perri Irmer, President and CEO of the DuSable Museum and Education Center. The panel was moderated by the President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, Karen Freeman Wilson.

This invitation only event was not only inspirational, it was educational and informative. It was also an opportunity for women at all stages of their career to hear from leaders from various industries about the practical advice they would offer women at any stage of their career.

Freeman-Wilson spoke of being the caretaker of her mother who is a six-time stroke survivor and how her mother was an example to her of how to take care of yourself in the midst of what you do for others. Perri Imer shared the importance of being an advocate for women. She stressed the importance of advocating for others and that people should be given the space to be leaders.

Larita spoke about her challenges in the convention industry that can be a separate ecosystem. She shared about the lack of diversity in the convention industry.

As a woman born and raised on the Westside of Chicago, Larita shared her commitment to inspiring and encouraging those who work for the MPEA. Meghan shared how interacting with new staff at the Shedd inspires her to look at the aquarium with new eyes and explore things she had not experienced in some time.

All of the women spoke of the importance of making calls to trusted women to ask for advice, assistance and even words of encouragement. Freeman-Wilson shared how Janice Jackson of Hope Chicago, formerly Chicago Public Schools, took calls from her and was a consistent resource during and trying time. Freeman-Wilson underscored that as women in leadership it is important to have a circle that reminded you that you are capable and able.

The panel discussed motherhood, self care and other women who inspired them such as Michelle Obama, Shedd CEO Bridget Coughlin, their mothers and others who inspired, encouraged and mentored them along the way. In addition to the distinguished panel other notable Chicago leaders such as Avis Lavelle Northstar Lottery Group, Melissa Donaldson, Wintrust Bank, and Angela Manning-Hardimon, CFO of Illinois Institute of Chicago were on hand to be inspired and hear the words of wisdom the panel offered. The women in the room left not only a lot more empowered but more inspired to continue being change makers in their various industries and supporting and encouraging other women on their paths to success.

The event was a great way to culminate Women’s History Month 2023 with women in leadership from various industries within the city. Kudos to President Scott and her team for closing out Women’s History Month 2023 by celebrating strong, fearless and courageous women from our city. It is apparent that their iconic institutions remain iconic due to the strong, qualified and respected leaders at the helm.