On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the Women of Wintrust (WOW) Business Resource Group (BRG) hosted a Women’s History Month celebration at the Wintrust Grand Banking Hall. In honor of leaping into Women’s History Month, the event featured a remarkable panel of local business and philanthropic leaders who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Mary Ann Korenic, CEO of the Chicago Trust Company and chair of WOW, moderated the discussion between panelists Rohini Dey, entrepreneur and founder of Let's Talk Womxn and Vermilion, Gayle Keller, professional speaker, advisor, and bestselling author, Alicia La Hoz, founder and CEO of Family Bridges, Megan McCann, CEO of McCann Partners, and Temitope Sadiku, global head of employee digital experience at The Kraft Heinz Company.

Wintrust WOW members, colleagues, and clients attended the event, which kicked off with hors d’oeuvres and networking. In an effort to include and inspire the next generation of female pioneers, WOW invited members to bring along their daughters aged 13 and older to attend.  One of the daughters in attendance, Shannon Baker, daughter of Jack Baker from Beverly Bank & Trust, provided the musical entertainment throughout the networking portion of the evening. 

WOW member and Community Impact Specialist Jill Airaki gave opening remarks and Korenic proceeded with the panel discussion. Topics included finding common ground across generations of women to gain allyship, finding leadership qualities in yourself to maximize career journeys, promoting mental well-being, and reviewing individual bucket list items each panelist hopes to accomplish in their lifetime. The insights and experiences shared provided valuable perspectives on the challenges and triumphs women face in the business world and beyond and made a lasting impact on all in attendance.

Notable quotes included:

• Rohini Dey: "Be entrepreneurs of your own careers.”
  
  
• Gayle Keller: "My [book’s] topic was to impassion and empower girls to let their unique superpowers shine."
  
  
• Alicia La Hoz: "Lead yourself first to lead others well."
  
  
• Megan McGann: "Every day, do something to lift another human, so we can leave this world better."
  
  
• Temitope Sadiku: "Walk into a space knowing your worth, don’t wait for someone to tell you.”
   

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