Thank you
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us on February 11 for the Neighborhood Exchange Breakfast Series. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the INVEST South/West initiative and the various ways corporations, community-based organizations and government are working together to support neighborhood-led revitalization across Chicago. We hope the conversation left you both enlightened and energized about the ways that you and your organization can get involved in this crucial work.
SAVE THE DATE
Join us on May 28, 2020 for our next Neighborhood Exchange Breakfast: Leveraging local business to reverse the tide of neighborhood disinvestment. Invitation to follow
February Event Panel
Moderator
Jose Rico – Chief Partnerships & Initiatives Officer, United Way of Metro Chicago
Panelists
Diane Whatton
Diane Whatton heads Community Giving for BMO Harris Bank. In this role, she has responsibility for the bank’s philanthropic strategy and governance across the U.S. footprint. Diane manages a team whose community partnerships span a diverse spectrum of nonprofits and whose work includes corporate donations, charitable sponsorships, and executive board placements.
She serves as primary advisor on nonprofit engagement to the bank’s executive and senior leadership team, exploring philanthropic opportunities and partnerships that help address the needs of the community and that fit the breadth of BMO company values.
A native Californian, Diane has lived and worked in Chicago for over 25 years and considers it home. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Northwestern University and is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory.
Diane’s board service includes Lookingglass Theatre Company and Youth Guidance. She is also a former board member of Arts Alliance Illinois. Diane is a 2017 recipient of Chicago United’s Benefactor Award.
She serves as primary advisor on nonprofit engagement to the bank’s executive and senior leadership team, exploring philanthropic opportunities and partnerships that help address the needs of the community and that fit the breadth of BMO company values.
A native Californian, Diane has lived and worked in Chicago for over 25 years and considers it home. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Northwestern University and is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory.
Diane’s board service includes Lookingglass Theatre Company and Youth Guidance. She is also a former board member of Arts Alliance Illinois. Diane is a 2017 recipient of Chicago United’s Benefactor Award.
Rosa Escareno
Rosa Escareño is a dedicated public servant with more than 20 years of government experience. As Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), Ms. Escareño is a key member of Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot’s administration bringing modernization and equity to Chicago’s marketplace.
Ms. Escareño has made public service her life’s work: she has worked under three Chicago mayors and managed day-to-day operations and implemented policy reforms across multiple City agencies. Throughout her career she’s championed initiatives to enhance the quality of life of Chicago residents and communities. Most recently she’s focused on growing Chicago’s economic landscape supporting small businesses, establishing strong regulations protecting consumers and workers. Previous experience includes leading initiatives on public safety and supporting low-income communities, residents and working families. She holds a Master’s degree in Communications from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University Chicago. Ms. Escareño resides in the Hermosa community on Chicago’s northwest side.
Ms. Escareño has made public service her life’s work: she has worked under three Chicago mayors and managed day-to-day operations and implemented policy reforms across multiple City agencies. Throughout her career she’s championed initiatives to enhance the quality of life of Chicago residents and communities. Most recently she’s focused on growing Chicago’s economic landscape supporting small businesses, establishing strong regulations protecting consumers and workers. Previous experience includes leading initiatives on public safety and supporting low-income communities, residents and working families. She holds a Master’s degree in Communications from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University Chicago. Ms. Escareño resides in the Hermosa community on Chicago’s northwest side.
Carlos Nelson
Carlos Nelson is the CEO of the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation a position he has held since 2003. Carlos has grown the organization from a one-person operation to a staff of nearly thirty full-time and part-time associates; with over 100 volunteers helping the organization carry out its mission of using comprehensive community development strategies to improve the quality of life of the residents and revitalize the places of the underserved southside communities that make up greater Auburn Gresham.
Carlos holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Prior to leading GAGDC’s innovative development strategies that have resulted in the organization being a finalist for the highly competitive Pritzker-Traubert $10M Chicago Prize, Carlos worked in corporate America.
Carlos serves on several committees, advisory councils and boards including the Local School Council for Richard J. Oglesby Elementary School, Advisory Board of the Chicago Development Fund, board of directors for Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, board of directors of MAPSCorps, Inc., and the board of directors for Greater Chatham Initiative. Carlos also co-chairs the 006th Police District’s Business Subcommittee. and is a recipient of the Norm Bobbins Emerging Leaders Award.
Carlos holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Prior to leading GAGDC’s innovative development strategies that have resulted in the organization being a finalist for the highly competitive Pritzker-Traubert $10M Chicago Prize, Carlos worked in corporate America.
Carlos serves on several committees, advisory councils and boards including the Local School Council for Richard J. Oglesby Elementary School, Advisory Board of the Chicago Development Fund, board of directors for Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, board of directors of MAPSCorps, Inc., and the board of directors for Greater Chatham Initiative. Carlos also co-chairs the 006th Police District’s Business Subcommittee. and is a recipient of the Norm Bobbins Emerging Leaders Award.
Event Co-Hosted By
