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In collaboration with Avanade North America, we hosted a dynamic leadership development workshop for University of Illinois Chicago students and I.C.Stars |* Chicago interns. Through interactive sessions and thought-provoking discussions, students gained insights into the latest tech trends and tips for building successful careers. We can't wait to see how they'll leverage their newfound knowledge to drive innovation in their chosen fields! #SocialImpact
In celebration of Women’s History Month, our Women’s Employee Resource Group (WERG) hosted their signature event allowing employees to take part in a panel discussion featuring the accomplished women leaders from our esteemed Board of Directors. WERG Executive Sponsor and Head of our Mortgage Partnership Finance Program, John Stocchetti, led our panelists through a thoughtful discussion where they shared experiences from their professional journeys, discussed the pivotal roles they’ve played in driving positive change, and provided valuable insights into the strategies that have empowered them as women leaders to advocate for diversity. Thank you to our panelists Michelle L. Gross, EVP and Director at State Bank of Bement, Kathy Burns, Executive Chair and Board Member at Aclaimant, Mary J. Cahillane, Management Consultant, Phyllis Lockett, CEO of LEAP Innovations, Lois Alison Scott, President of Epoch Advisors, Maria E. Wynne, CEO of Leadership Greater Chicago, and Andrea L. Zopp, Managing Partner at Cleveland Avenue LLC, for sharing, and a special thank you to our WERG for organizing this incredible event!
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, our Latino Employee Resource Group (LERG) hosted a Cultural Lunch this week! While employees enjoyed food inspired by Latin culture, members of the ERG discussed the origins and history of the Mariachi, the Xochimilco canals, and other Mexican traditions. Thank you to everyone who participated and a special thanks to our LERG members for hosting this delightful event!
Shalonda Bedenfield is passionate about affordable housing not only in her role as Lead Community Investment Operations Specialist at the Bank, but also in her personal life. She serves as a board member on the Housing Action Illinois and finds great joy in it. Shalonda brings her authentic self to work by showing up with enthusiasm and energy for the impact she makes on local communities. Read below to learn more about her interests. Thanks for sharing this part of your life with us, Shalonda!
In honor of Juneteenth, Carla Egesi hosted a Diversity Digest on behalf of the African American Employee Resource Group (AAERG). This 15 minute conversation was designed to educate employees about the history of the holiday. Carla believes Juneteenth represents an important story of freedom and how its recognition as a federal holiday encourages us to gain a better understanding of the systemic injustices faced by the Black community, both historically and today. Read more below from Carla about one of the ways the AAERG raised awareness as part of their Juneteenth programming.
This month, Bob Shutack presented a Learn About the Bank session on his department, Collateral Operations & Safekeeping, and how it fits in to the Bank’s day-to-day. Bob believes it is beneficial to be curious and thinks that Learn About the Bank is a great way for employees to engage with one another and explore new topics. Thanks for hosting a session and teaching employees about our role as a secure lender, Bob! Read more about his thoughts on the Learn About the Bank initiative below.
Meet Karen Liu-Yates, a key member of our Community Investment team and an avid pottery-maker. Over the last few years, Karen has taken up pottery wheel ceramics as a way to get creative outside of work! She recently put her skills to the test and created 26 mugs for her entire department. Each mug has the employee’s name stamped into it, along with dark blue and white accents to model our brand colors. What Karen has especially enjoyed is how her passion has helped bring her closer to her colleagues. By bringing her authentic self to work and sharing this small part of herself, Karen feels she can connect with her coworkers on an even deeper level! Read more about Karen’s passion for ceramics below.
In honor of Black History Month, the African American Employee Resource Group (AAERG) has been hosting a number of events, – including a Diversity Digest hosted by Bianca Lee focusing on the history and progress of Mardi Gras. During this session, Bianca highlighted how Mardi Gras did not initially begin as an inclusive holiday but in the last 50 years, it has opened up to people from all backgrounds and has showcased much diversity during its recent celebrations. Bianca likes to celebrate Mardi Gras by heading down to New Orleans to celebrate with family and friends. Thanks for sharing with us, Bianca! Read more about the history of Mardi Gras below.
As a way to celebrate our culture and the different personalities, perspectives and people that make up the Bank, we’re introducing a new segment called “In the Spotlight.” This is our way of highlighting the unique and meaningful activities our employees participate in — outside of work! Our first feature focuses on Roseanne Segovia — not only is she an expert in all things communications, but she is also an avid lover of animals and a volunteer at One Tail at a Time (OTAT), a local animal rescue. Roseanne has raised over $1000 for this organization and recently started an Instagram (@roseanne.otat.woofers) dedicated to sharing her moments taking care of these furry friends. Through this volunteer initiative, Roseanne feels more confident in bringing her authentic self to work and especially enjoys discussing anything dog-related. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your life with us, Roseanne!
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