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.