The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) has launched its brand new Small Business Connection Series with its first session “Women in Business: Power Hour Lunch” on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Guests are invited to enjoy a catered lunch, network for business introductions, and hear the insights from a fantastic panel conversation. The panel will be moderated by Phaedra Leslie, Vice President of Diversity, Workforce Development, and Community, ALL Construction Group. The esteemed Power Hour Panelists will be:
- Keiana Barrett, CEO, Business Leadership Council
- Shari Currie, Owner, Recycled Modern
- Caprice Lindsay, AVP, Business Development Officer, Hyde Park Bank, A Wintrust Community Bank
- Monica Haslip, Executive Director and Founder, Little Black Pearl
Interested guests must register in advance, and tickets are limited due to space. The experience will be hosted at Little Black Pearl and promises to inform, inspire and motivate.

As a build up to the SECC’s economic development symposium, the Small Business Connection Series offers a unique opportunity to convene engage Chicago entrepreneurs, business executives, property owners, investors, practitioners and policy leaders in preparation for another phenomenal collaboration this fall.
Save the Date for the SECC Southside Connection Symposium on Friday, October 10, 2025.