Leadership, mentoring, and Girl Scout cookies were cited as powerful forces during CWIP’s 2019 Annual Luncheon. The event featured several speakers including a keynote by Connie L. Lindsey, this year’s Making a Difference Honoree.
Women’s Leadership Mentoring Program (WLMP) mentor Freeda Warren discussed the importance of mentoring the next generation. “If you are a mentor, realize we can’t take our wisdom to the grave or leave it in our wills…” she said. “Reach out, reach across. You won’t regret it.”
WLMP mentee Anita Banerji talked about her career transition, when she realized she “had to stop trying to do it all alone.” She became part of the WLMP mid-career mentoring cohort. Banerji said she learned to be proactive about professional development and career advancement. “I am not facing feelings of intermittent inadequacy alone,” she said. “Mentorship allows us time to goal set, reflect, and to be our best selves.”
Kathy Scherer, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana board president, thanked CWIP for work that supports girls and women. Board co-chair Sarah Borgeson described CWIP as “a place to model bravery and authenticity.” She added that the organization has been developing a strategic plan, which will be presented at the annual meeting in August.
ABC 7 news anchor Cheryl Burton introduced Lindsey, saying Lindsey helped Burton’s niece receive a Girl Scouts Gold Award. Now, Burton said, the niece is in a prestigious program studying for a career in cancer research.
Lindsey is executive vice president and head of corporate social responsibility and global diversity and inclusion at Northern Trust and former president of the Girl Scouts of the USA. She was honored for her dedication to leadership and empowerment for young women, as well as her work within the philanthropic community. “I am honored and grateful to be recognized for being a voice for the voiceless, to use my gifts however small, and to let others know they matter,” she said.
Lindsey said she appreciated CWIP’s work around justice, equity, and inclusion. "Diversity is being invited to the dance, inclusion is getting asked to dance, equity is getting to pick the song,” she said. Lindsey also talked about her passion for leadership and empowerment. “We are worth more than the value of what we can produce,” she said. “But each individual is a story, and when I can help you realize your value, you are more likely to engage in a way that allows us to get to our common goal.
“We must love. Leaders love. It’s ok to use the ‘L’ word in corporate places. If we don’t get to our humanness, we can’t grow and create and do the things we are called to do,” Lindsey said. “You are neither superior nor inferior to everyone. This realization brings freedom, and you can let everyone else be exactly who they are.”
