Join us on Thursday, May 15 for the final session of the 2024-25 LGC Leadership Series | Chicago at the Crossroads, Daring to Lead: Inspiring Change and Innovation.

This in-person session will feature a panel of courageous cross-sector leaders, including:

• Moderator SEAN GARRETT (Daniel Burnham Fellow) — President and CEO, United Way of Metro Chicago
• DARREL HACKETT (LGC Fellow since 2007) — U.S. CEO, BMO
• KATE MAEHR (LGC Fellow since 2005) — Executive Director and CEO, Greater Chicago Food Depository
• JOHN PALFREY (Daniel Burnham Fellow) — President, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

In an era marked by increasing polarization and division, the role of civic leadership is more critical now than ever before. Courageous leaders are needed to navigate through turbulent times, foster unity, and drive positive change. Join us for a dynamic discussion featuring thought leaders, experienced practitioners, and change agents who will share insights on the challenges and opportunities of leading with courage and integrity in a divisive climate. We will examine real-world examples of courageous leadership, discuss strategies for confronting divisiveness, and explore how leaders can inspire collaboration and resilience.

The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a networking reception and breakfast. The program will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.

THANK YOU to our generous 2024-2025 Leadership Series Sponsors! Interested in sponsoring the program? Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To reserve a ticket, click the "Register to Attend" button below. Tickets for this event are exclusively for Fellows and Sponsor Participants. (The LGC Signature Fellows Class of 2025 is preregistered, no ticket required).