Small Business Connection Series
CIVIC LEADERSHIP
SMALL BUSINESS CONNECTION SERIES
Countdown to the Obama Presidential Center Power Hour Lunch
Wednesday August 27, 2025
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The Study at University of Chicago
1227 E 60th Street
Join the South East Chicago Commission (SECC) as we host an invigorating Small Business Power Hour Lunch: Countdown to the Obama Presidential Center on Wednesday, August 27, hosted by The Study at University of Chicago in the Woodlawn neighborhood.
- Moderator:
- Darryl Newell, Senior Vice President, Market Manager-IL, WI, MO and Kansas City Region, PNC Community Development Banking.
Newell also serves as an SECC Board Member.
- Darryl Newell, Senior Vice President, Market Manager-IL, WI, MO and Kansas City Region, PNC Community Development Banking.
- Panelists:
- Joshua Harris, Vice President, Public Engagement, Obama Foundation
- Nirali Shah, Senior Director of Procurement and DEI, Obama Foundation
- Ghian Foreman, President and CEO, Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative,
- Duwain Bailey, Board President, Jackson Park Conservancy
- Rob Fotjek, Vice President, Neighborhood Strategy, Choose Chicago
Doors open at 11:00 am for networking and lunch. Panel will begin promptly at 11:30 am.
Available tickets are limited due to space. THIS EVENT IS COMPLETELY FULL AS OF AUGUST 13, 2025.
BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE MAIN SYMPOSIUM 10-10-2025.
Lunch included and catered by The Study at University of Chicago. Donations welcome.
Free on street parking available and paid parking in nearby parking lots located behind/south of the hotel. The Study at University of Chicago draws on the liveliness of the Midway Plaisance and the scholarly energy on the University of Chicago campus
Women in Business Power Hour Lunch
Wednesday June 18, 2025
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Little Black Pearl
1060 East 47th Street
Join us for a catered lunch, introductions and networking and a fantastic conversation with our esteemed Power Hour Panelists.
The Panel Includes:
- Moderator:
- Phaedra Leslie, Vice President of Diversity, Workforce Development, and Community, ALL Construction Group
- Panelists:
- 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
Available tickets are limited due to space.
Free, Complimentary
SOUTHSIDE CONNECTION SYMPOSIUM
SAVE THE DATE – South East Chicago Commission (SECC) will host its annual regional economic development symposium on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm with a mission to strengthen the business districts in Chicago’s Southeast lakefront neighborhoods.
The SECC Symposium will convene entrepreneurs, business executives, property owners, investors, financial institutions, policy leaders and practitioners as a diverse, cross-sector community committed to economic vitality.
Attendance is FREE with advance registration.
Special Thanks To Our Partners
SECC is a Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) granted by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. As an NBDC delegate agency, SECC provides assistance in the development of small businesses in Chicago, serves as liaison between local businesses and the City of Chicago, and delivers local business development services.