This report is a celebration of the incredible progress we’ve made together and the pathways we’ve built for hundreds of individuals seeking a way forward.

In this report, you will see some amazing milestones achieved – like job seekers placed in 1,229 total jobs; 2,488 tons of trash collected by our Cleanslate crews; 2,075 volunteer hours supporting our job seekers; and 138 jobs created by our Cara Plus affiliates, to name just a few.

We also share impactful stories of participants who have transformed their lives, uplift the work of a few key partners, and share accomplishments from our recently completed three-year strategic plan.

Behind every accomplishment are the people who make this work possible: our job seekers, who inspire us with their resilience; our partners and donors, whose belief in our mission fuels our progress; and our dedicated staff and volunteers, who bring compassion and expertise to every interaction. Together, we are proving that when we invest in people, we invest in stronger families, neighborhoods, and economies.

Thank you for contributing to these amazing outcomes and for being part of our community.

Your Friends at Cara Collective

The post Read Our 2025 Annual Report appeared first on Cara Collective.

For the past two years, Phillips has served as Chair of Cara Collective’s Board of Directors. He first joined the Board in 2016 and brings a wealth of experience and deep commitment to our mission. During this time, he has been an active advisor in the expansion strategy for the enterprise, the rollout of the enterprise’s FY23–FY25 Strategic Plan, and the reshaping of the Board of Directors to bring more diverse experiences and skillsets.

In addition to his Board leadership, Phillips is the founder and CEO of Parson Partners, a boutique management consulting and business services firm. In his 25-year career, he has advised C-suites and Boards of Directors for mid- and large-sized firms, Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, hospitals, and large universities throughout the United States as they seek to define and implement transformational business change. Prior to founding Parson, Phillips spent more than 12 years as a senior executive at three of the nation’s largest health insurance carriers.

“Cara Collective has always stood for transformation and opportunity, and I am honored to step into this role during such a pivotal time,” said Phillips. “Together, we will continue to build pathways for individuals to realize their potential and strengthen our community.”

This appointment comes after former Cara Collective President & CEO, Dr. Kathleen St. Louis Caliento, completed her four-and-a-half-year chapter leading the workforce development enterprise. Click here to read our announcement of her transition.

Cara Collective’s Board of Directors has formed a search committee and engaged Russell Reynolds Associates, a nationally recognized executive search firm, to assist in finding the next CEO. An announcement is expected in early 2026.

The post J. Todd Phillips Named Interim CEO appeared first on Cara Collective.

At Cara Collective, we have always believed in the power of transformation—of individuals, of communities, and of ourselves. Today, we share news of an important transformation within our leadership.

After more than four years of dedicated service as our President & CEO, Dr. Kathleen St. Louis Caliento will move on from Cara Collective at the end of this year. Kathleen’s last day will be Friday, December 5. While this news brings a mix of emotions, we are filled with immense gratitude for her leadership and excited anticipation for what lies ahead—for her and for Cara Collective.

Before stepping into the role of CEO, Kathleen was already deeply connected to our mission. Her journey with Cara began not as a leader, but as a believer—in our job seekers, in our purpose, and in the power of community. From her very first experience in the Motivations circle, it was clear that the heart of Cara Collective—the stories, the courage, the shared “why”—would shape her leadership and deepen her impact.

In her more than four years as CEO, Kathleen has guided Cara Collective through moments of profound challenge and growth. From navigating the pandemic to launching new partnerships, expanding our reach, and deepening our commitment to equity and innovation, her leadership has helped position our enterprise for a strong and sustainable future.

Thanks to the strength, resilience, and commitment of our team, our board, and our community, Cara Collective is well-positioned for this next chapter. We will be sharing more in the coming weeks, including updates on the search process as they become more available.

To Kathleen, we offer our deepest thanks—for your vision, your service, and your belief in this community. You have helped write a powerful chapter in Cara Collective’s story, and your legacy will continue to ripple through the lives we touch every day.

With gratitude,
The Staff of Cara Collective

A Statement from Cara Collective Board Chair J. Todd Phillips

Founded by Tom Owens in 1991, Cara Collective has worked tirelessly to deliver solutions that transform lives, build thriving communities, and help break the cycle of poverty. Four years ago, Dr. Kathleen St. Louis Caliento took the helm of this amazing organization during a period of global and local uncertainty. With clarity, compassion, and strategic vision, she guided the organization through this time and positioned Cara Collective for long-term sustainability.

During Kathleen’s tenure as CEO, Cara Collective continued to expand its reach and deepen its impact, including (but not limited to):

• Reinvigorating our programming, resulting in more than 1,000 job placements annually
• Growing Cara Collective’s annual operating budget from $12 million to more than $17 million
• Expanding our reach and impact on Chicago’s South Side through Cleanslate’s move to the Englewood community, including a 57% increase in transitional jobs created annually
• Elevating our local and national profile through innovative partnerships and initiatives that broaden our impact and advance a more inclusive economy

The Cara Collective Board of Directors is deeply grateful for Kathleen’s leadership and proud of the many accomplishments she and the team have achieved together. At the same time, we are equally excited about the opportunity to build on Cara Collective’s strong foundation as we continue to pursue our mission of advancing transformative individual and community success.

Cara Collective’s leadership team and staff are strong, experienced, and already working to ensure a smooth transition. The Board has formed a search committee and engaged Russell Reynolds Associates, a nationally recognized executive search firm, to identify our next CEO. We will also appoint an interim CEO to manage day-to-day executive responsibilities during this process. I look forward to sharing updates in the coming months.

Thank you for your continued belief in Cara Collective. Community has always been at the heart of our work, and your ongoing support remains critical to our continued success.

In friendship,
J. Todd Phillips
Chair, Board of Directors
Cara Collective

The post A Special Update from Cara Collective appeared first on Cara Collective.

The post Cara Collective is Partnering with the Yard appeared first on Cara Collective.

CD One Price Cleaners is partnering with The U and MeTV-FM for its annual clothing drive benefiting Chicago non-profit Cara Collective. From March 15 to March 28, customers can drop off gently-used business professional and business casual attire including button down shirts, blouses, dresses, jackets, pants, pantsuits, blazers and skirts to their local CD One Price Cleaners. Clothes will be cleaned, pressed, and delivered to Cara Collective, which provides job training and access to quality employment for job seekers in Chicago and beyond.

“Our customers love donating to support the Cara Collective as they understand that they are helping to provide Chicagoans with the self-confidence to succeed in their careers,” said Jonathon Reckles, Vice President of Marketing for CD One Price Cleaners. “We are honored to be supporting them for the eleventh year.”

“We are honored to once again partner with CD One Price Cleaners on our annual clothing drive,” said Kathleen St. Louis Caliento, President & CEO of Cara Collective. “Through the generosity of those who support this drive, Cara Collective ensures our job seekers feel a sense of pride and preparedness as they work towards finding gainful employment. We are so grateful to everyone who contributes.”

All CD One Price Cleaners stores across Chicagoland are participating. Find a store here.

About Weigel Broadcasting Co.

Weigel Broadcasting Co. is a family-owned media company based in Chicago, Illinois. The company owns and operates national television networks, as well as local broadcast stations throughout the country. Weigel is the leader in the multicast television network space with MeTV, Memorable Entertainment Television, the number-one rated multicast network, as well as the Movies! Network in cooperation with the Fox Television Stations, the Catchy Comedy Network, the H&I – Heroes & Icons Network, the Start TV Network and the Dabl Network in association with the CBS Television Stations, and the Story Television Network. Weigel produces the original network TV programs Toon In With Me, Svengoolie and Collector’s Call. Weigel’s local stations include CBS, ABC, The U, MyNet, Telemundo and Univision network affiliates, offering a mix of entertainment programing, local news and professional and college sports broadcasts. Weigel and its affiliate companies broadcast network and independent television stations serving New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Houston, Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Orlando, Cleveland, Portland, St. Louis, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Hartford, Milwaukee, Albuquerque, Des Moines, South Bend, Evansville and Rockford. Weigel is the creator of the nationally syndicated music format MeTV FM. For more information on Weigel, visit: https://www.weigelbroadcasting.com/.

About CD One Price Cleaners

Based in Oakbrook, IL, a western suburb of Chicago, CD One Price Cleaners currently operates 40+ locally owned and operated franchise dry cleaning locations throughout the Chicago market, including its newest stores in Homewood, Oak Lawn, Glenview, and Aurora. With one low price for any garment (men’s or women’s) and a fast turnaround, CD One Price Cleaners has revolutionized the dry cleaning industry across the Midwest. Follow CD One Price Cleaners on Facebook, Instagram, or visit www.cdonepricecleaners.com.

About Cara Collective

Cara Collective seeks to fuel a courageous national movement to eradicate relational and financial poverty. Through our three entities – Cara, Cleanslate, and Cara Plus – we work with job seekers, employers, and other organizations across the country to break the cycle of poverty through the power and purpose of employment. Since 1991, we’ve placed more than 9,400 people into more than 16,000 jobs, starting them on their path to real and lasting success.

The post Our Annual CD One Price Clothing Drive is Back appeared first on Cara Collective.

What or who inspired you to join the Associate Board and why?

“Contributing to an organization that has impacted countless lives for the better in my own backyard.”

– Radhika Raman, Culture Amp

“During graduate school, I was a Farber Fellow (intern) with REDF. I distinctly remember learning about Cara, its origins, and the impact it has had over the years. I was truly in awe of Cara Collective’s dedication to serving diverse, underserved communities in the Chicago area, as well as its success in partnering with employers and the community to deliver consistent results.”

– Emily Lapham, NORC at The University of Chicago

“I first learned about Cara at a company event a few months after moving to Chicago. I was inspired by Cara’s dedication to helping individuals rebuild their self-worth and acquire the skills needed to re-enter the workforce. Later, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Cara. My first experience working with Cara’s job seekers on mock interviews was truly inspiring. Sitting face-to-face with participants, hearing their stories, and feeling their determination made me realize that this was the organization I wanted to be a part of.”

– Perry Ramsey, ZS Associates

“I first heard of Cara Collective through a friend who is already a member of the Associate Board. Through him, I attended the Summer Social and was so impressed with the event. I was especially touched by the guest of honor, Vlad, who spoke of his experience being directly impacted by the organization and the future it has unlocked for him and his family.”

– Sarah Stabile, Molson Coors

What is one thing you hope to bring to the Cara community?

“I hope to bring curiosity, creativity, and energy to the work the Associate Board and the Cara community are doing this year. This mission is personally important to me, and I’m excited about the opportunity to help expand Cara’s impact in Chicago and beyond.

FFC and Cara have built a strong partnership, with many success stories. One area where I aim to strengthen this collaboration is by helping Cara participants network within FFC, exploring opportunities to advance their careers, like Pilates or personal training certifications, or connecting Cara job seekers with leadership opportunities within the organization.”

– Sydney Meyer, Fitness Formula Clubs

“Cara’s mission along with the energy and commitment of Cara’s job seekers, staff, and volunteers are what drew me to Cara Collective. I hope to lend my voice to the mission to cultivate an open, curious, and inclusive approach to our work together.”

– Michael Venegas, MacArthur Foundation

What are you excited about for your first year on the Associate Board?

I’m excited to learn from the members and participants of the Cara community, whose experiences will deepen my understanding of Cara and my place within it. Their commitment and resilience inspire me, and I’m eager to contribute to the support system that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. I look forward to collaborating with fellow Associate Board members, the Board of Directors, Executive Council, and alumni. I am excited to be working alongside like-minded individuals, strengthening Cara’s impact, and building meaningful connections while realizing our potential, collectively.

– Rachael Ryan, Stream Realty Partners

I’m eager to take active steps in contributing to the betterment of this city. I’m excited about making a difference, no matter how big or how small. Even if it’s just for one person, I’m excited about the opportunities we have to help Cara’s job seekers and our city flourish.

– Zena McCarthy, Draper and Kramer

How does Cara and its mission Motivate you?

“Cara helps keep me grounded. In my line of work, I can easily and frequently find myself feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. During those moments, I remind myself of who I am beyond my job. I remind myself that as an Associate Board member for Cara, I represent what Cara represents: the embodiment of compassion, service, patience, and selflessness. In essence, Cara motivates me to stay true to my values, even in challenging situations.”

– Kris Butler, Northwestern Medicine

“Cara and its mission inspire me to be the best version of myself, challenging me to channel that energy into making a positive impact in my communities. What stood out to me most about Cara is our focus on helping job seekers not just secure a job, but to maintain it; and especially how we don’t just support our participants while they’re on the job, but that we provide their employer’s support. That’s what sets Cara apart.”

– Calin Petro, Harbor

“Connecting talent with opportunities is what I do for a living. Joining an organization like Cara, which takes a holistic approach focused not just on placing people in jobs but also on healing and supporting individuals in all aspects of their lives, is incredibly motivating. Our job seekers and the staff at Cara have a spirit and energy that is both contagious and uplifting. Our mission to eradicate poverty by cultivating opportunities for historically underinvested communities inspires me to keep pushing forward, to expand this framework to other communities, and to proliferate employment opportunities in Chicago and beyond.”

– Natalie Peric, Truity Partners

“Cara’s dedication to empowering returning citizens through comprehensive support is truly inspiring. Seeing the transformative impact of our work, how job seekers who come to Cara rebuild their lives, drives my desire to make a difference. Cara Collective embodies the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance and offers a clear pathway for participants to escape their circumstances.”

– Josh Ransone, Bank of America

“In high school, I led tutoring and mentoring volunteers for elementary students. One day, a mentee of mine, Cameron, expressed a bleak outlook on the future, emphasizing the stark differences in our upbringings. What they said motivated me to improve the resources at that school. I wanted to show students a brighter future than the one Cameron imagined. Cameron’s words have stuck with me over the years, and now that I’m an adult, I am even better equipped to make a difference. Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore their passions and find their purpose. I love Cara’s mission because it empowers people to discover their purpose and build up their lives.”

– Sarah Mathew, Ares Management

Who or what gives you great joy? Why?

“What brings me joy is my community. My friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues support and encourage each other to become the best versions of ourselves. These are the people I can rely on; who can rely on me through life’s ups and downs. My community brings me unparalleled joy!”

– Mary Clancy-Shute, Campbell & Company

“My son gives me great joy. Watching him learn, grow, and explore his curiosity fills me with pride and gratitude. He is my biggest motivator, reminding me every day why it’s so important to persevere and pay it forward. As a single parent, I’ve experienced firsthand how important it is to have support during life’s challenges. That’s why I’m so grateful for the love and encouragement from my family, community, and the opportunities that have helped me keep moving forward, even in tough times.”

– Monique Shelton, NAMI Metro Suburban

“Music brings me immense joy. Some of my favorite memories are from live performances and moments when people come together through music. It’s a universal language that unites people and fosters vulnerability almost instantly. There’s a unique magic in the connection that music creates. At Cara, we start every day with Motivations, and I love how central music is to Cara’s identity.”

– Shay Bratt, EX3 Labs

Keep an eye out for our upcoming events, where you will meet our new members and the rest of the Cara Associate Board!

The post Meet our new Associate Board members appeared first on Cara Collective.

Originally published January 22 to the City of Chicago website.

A Washington Park health center, a Riverdale nutritional facility and a South Lawndale learning center are among $148 million in proposed construction projects citywide that will be supported by Community Development Grants, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) announced today.

“I am proud to issue this round of Community Development Grants in recognition of the local organizations, businesses, and development projects that are revitalizing our communities,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “These grants will help neighborhood visionaries achieve their goals for community improvements where they are needed most. We look forward to seeing their projects completed and further supporting equitable growth throughout Chicago.”

Totaling approximately $30 million, the grants will support 14 projects with eligible construction and rehabilitation costs, site preparation needs, and related expenses.

“The grants are making dreams come true where they’re needed most: on the commercial corridors that neighborhoods depend on for convenient goods, services, cultural amenities, entertainment and jobs,” DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright said.

The selected projects include:

• After School Matters, 1065 N. Orleans St., Near North Side
  $5 million to create a $25.9 million Orleans Teen Center that will provide educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for youth and young adults.
• Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St., Uptown
  $2.43 million to improve an existing performing arts complex with a $5 million, 150-seat studio theater.
• Blue Azul, 7950 S. Emerald Ave., Auburn Gresham
  $3.7 million to build a fitness center, mental health clinic, basketball court and other amenities projected to cost $7.9 million.
• Carole Robertson Center for Learning, 2929 W. 19th St., South Lawndale
  $1.15 million to renovate an early care and education center with $11.47 million in improvements.
• Mayfair Arts Center, 8701 S. Bennett Ave., Calumet Heights
  $792,000 to improve and expand the headquarters for the Chicago Human Rhythm Project and Mayfair Performing Co, with total project costs estimated at $1.2 million.
• Sunshine Community Health Center, 6016 S. King Drive, Washington Park
  $5 million for construction of a 77,050-square-foot, $38.4 million recreational facility and community center.
• TCA Health Nutrition Innovation Center, 1029 E. 130th St., Riverdale
  $5 million to build a 9,992-square-foot health center addition that includes food sales and nutritional resources, with total project costs estimated at $13.3 million.
• The K Entrepreneurship Hub, 4400 W. Madison St., West Garfield Park
  $1.5 million to repurpose a vacant building as a $4.1 million social innovation hub.
• The Re-Up, 1158 W. 59th St., Englewood
  $2.5 million to revitalize an existing commercial building with office space, a restaurant and a security training facility projected to cost $6.16 million.
• Ujima Hive, 6529-33 S. Stewart Ave., Englewood
  $1.81 million to repurpose a former school building as an $11.3 million education and community center.

First-ever pre-development grants for four additional projects will support eligible design and engineering fees, among other soft costs. The pre-development projects include:

• Cara Collective Community Hub, 6027 S. Wentworth Ave., Englewood
  $150,000 for a proposed $11.9 million, 13,000-square-foot workforce development complex that would serve 2,000 people annually.
• CTRL Kitchen, 4551 W. Fulton St., West Garfield Park
  $150,000 for a proposed $2.7 million, 8,600-square-foot commercial kitchen.
• The Englewood Emerald, 6855 S. Emerald Ave., Englewood
  $150,000 for a proposed rehab of a historic neighborhood building as an $8.59 million food hall, banquet space and business incubator.
• Garden to Table Farm, 1431-41 S. Harding Ave., North Lawndale
  $150,000 for a proposed $516,000 buildout of an existing neighborhood farm.

Finalists were selected from 242 proposals submitted to the City in the second round of submissions in 2024. All applications were evaluated for location, neighborhood equity, readiness, community benefits, and other criteria.

Community Development Grants are funded through proceeds from Tax Increment Financing (TIF), the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) and the Housing and Economic Development (HED) bond. Funding is distributed incrementally to awardees as individual project phases are completed.

For questions about Cara Collective’s South Side expansion, please contact Tara Harper, Chief External Affairs Officer.

The post Mayor Johnson Announces $30 Million in Community Development Grant Awards appeared first on Cara Collective.

Click here to view a list of CD One Price locations.

“We are honored to once again partner with CD One Price Cleaners on our annual clothing drive,” said Kathleen St. Louis Caliento, President & CEO of Cara Collective. “Through the generosity of those who support this drive, Cara Collective ensures our job seekers feel a sense of pride and preparedness as they work towards finding gainful employment. We are so grateful to everyone who contributes.”

“Our customers love donating to support the Cara Collective as they understand that they are helping to provide Chicagoans with the self-confidence to succeed in their careers,” said Jonathon Reckles, Vice President of Marketing for CD One Price Cleaners. “We are honored to be supporting them for the tenth year.”

CW26 and MeTV FM will once again serve as a media partner to the drive, encouraging viewers and listeners to take part in the campaign. CW26 can be found on WCIU and on YouTube TV search for CW26. MeTV FM airs in Chicago on 87.7 FM and is available everywhere on the Audacy app and by saying “Play MeTV FM” on Alexa and Google.

About CD One Price Cleaners

Based in Oakbrook, IL, a western suburb of Chicago, CD One Price Cleaners currently operates 40+ locally owned and operated franchise dry cleaning locations throughout the Chicago market, including its newest stores in Homewood, Oak Lawn, Glenview, and Aurora. With one low price for any garment (men’s or women’s) and a fast turnaround, CD One Price Cleaners has revolutionized the dry cleaning industry across the Midwest. Follow CD One Price Cleaners on Facebook, Instagram, or visit www.cdonepricecleaners.com.

About Weigel Broadcasting Co.

Weigel Broadcasting Co. is a family-owned media company based in Chicago, Illinois. The company owns and operates national television networks, as well as local broadcast stations throughout the country. Weigel is the leader in the multicast television network space with MeTV, Memorable Entertainment Television, the number-one rated multicast network, as well as the Movies! Network in cooperation with the Fox Television Stations, the Catchy Comedy Network, the H&I – Heroes & Icons Network, the Start TV Network and the Dabl Network in association with the CBS Television Stations, and the Story Television Network. Weigel produces the original network TV programs Toon In With Me, Svengoolie and Collector’s Call. Weigel’s local stations include CBS, ABC, The CW, MyNet, Telemundo and Univision network affiliates, offering a mix of entertainment programing, local news and professional and college sports broadcasts. Weigel and its affiliate companies broadcast network and independent television stations serving New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Houston, Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Orlando, Cleveland, Portland, St. Louis, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Hartford, Milwaukee, Albuquerque, Des Moines, South Bend, Evansville and Rockford. Weigel is the creator of the nationally syndicated music format MeTV FM. For more information on Weigel, visit: https://www.weigelbroadcasting.com/.

The post Our CD One Price Clothing Drive Returns appeared first on Cara Collective.

The 9^th Annual Cara Gala presented by The Gidwitz Family returns on Friday, May 17. Our signature event, gathers more than 550 civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders in celebration of this work.

We are pleased to announce this year’s Gala Co-Chairs – dedicated members of our community who are passionate about the issues Cara Collective addresses, and who are deeply committed to building economic vibrancy in Chicago and beyond.

We are so grateful to have a dynamic group of Gala Co-Chairs this year, representing a multitude of industries and histories of involvement with our organization. Thank you to this amazing group of supporters! 

Jim & Sandy Reynolds

James Reynolds, Jr. is Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Loop Capital. Mr. Reynolds founded Loop Capital in 1997 with a simple motto as a guide: “To provide client service beyond expectations.”  The motto still serves as the foundational driving force of the firm. Mr. Reynolds currently oversees all aspects of Loop Capital, including investment banking, brokerage, project finance, financial advisory services and asset management.

A 30-year veteran of the financial services industry, Mr. Reynolds held senior-level positions at several global Wall Street firms prior to founding Loop Capital—then a municipal bond firm. Since, Loop Capital has grown into one of the most dynamic and diversified investment banking firms in the country, expanding into corporate finance, global equity trading, taxable fixed income trading, tax-exempt fixed income trading, mergers and acquisitions, public finance, infrastructure investment and financial consulting.

As Chairman and CEO, Mr. Reynolds spearheaded the accelerated growth and diversification of the firm, which is now one of the largest privately-held investment banks in the United States. Additionally, Loop Capital is partner in multiple business enterprises including, LoopWealth platform, Asset Management and JLC Infrastructure, an investor and asset management firm formed in 2015 with Magic Johnson Enterprises.

A passionate advocate of giving back to the community, Mr. Reynolds currently serves as a board member of the Chicago Community Trust, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), Chicago Urban League, World Business Chicago and Intersect Illlinois.

Additionally, Mr. Reynolds serves as a Board Member of Kellogg Global Advisory Board, Hope Chicago Executive Leadership Advisory Board,, as well as a member of the CFA Institute.

Mr. Reynolds holds a Masters of Management in Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.  He received his Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the AIMR in 1991 and holds 7, 24, 52, 53, 63 and 79 licenses.

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Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias & Josephine Giannoulias

Secretary Alexi Giannoulias was sworn into office as Illinois’ 38th Secretary of State in January, committing to restore trust in government, modernize services and strengthen state ethics.

On his first day in office, Secretary Giannoulias signed a wide-ranging Executive Ethics Order to improve transparency, enhance protections afforded to victims of sexual harassment or threats of violence, and simplify the public’s ability to submit complaints to the Inspector General’s office.

As State Librarian, Secretary Giannoulias is dedicated to fighting against book censorship in our libraries. Amid the surge of book bans nationwide, Giannoulias introduced first-in-the-nation legislation, which was signed into law in June, designed to support public and school libraries by withholding state grants from libraries that remove books. He is a staunch supporter of librarians, who have found themselves on the frontlines of culture wars and have been targeted by extremist groups in Illinois.

Secretary Giannoulias also drafted legislation to narrow the digital divide by increasing access to ebooks and digital materials. His “License to Read” bill, which passed the General Assembly this spring, allows his office to negotiate with publishers on behalf of public libraries to enable them to acquire the licenses needed to allow more library users access to more e-books and audiobooks. He also secured a reoccurring $5 million appropriation in the state’s budget for annual technology grants that allow libraries to update and upgrade their equipment and services to provide the latest technology and better serve their users, regardless of where they live.

Secretary Giannoulias served as a member of the Chicago Public Library’s Board of Directors for five years and has seen first-hand how indispensable libraries are to communities. One of his priorities as State Librarian is improving the public’s access to the vital services libraries provide and ensuring libraries have the resources to continue providing the tools and knowledge that open doors for learning and opportunity.

In 2006, Giannoulias was elected Illinois State Treasurer, becoming the youngest State Treasurer in the nation at age 30. After leaving the Treasurer’s office in 2011, Giannoulias was appointed chairman of the Illinois Community College System. He also became senior director at BNY Mellon Wealth Management and taught at Northwestern University.

Secretary Giannoulias graduated cum laude from Boston University with a degree in economics and earned a law degree from Tulane University’s School of Law. He is a lifelong Chicagoan and still calls the city home along with his wife and their three daughters.

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Dr. Suzet McKinney

Dr. Suzet M. McKinney is a public health expert, medical executive, thought leader, strategic thinker and nationally recognized expert in emergency preparedness and response.

As Principal and Director of Life Sciences for Sterling Bay, Dr. McKinney oversees relationships with the scientific, academic, corporate, tech, and governmental sectors involved in the life sciences ecosystem. She also leads the strategy to expand Sterling Bay’s footprint in life sciences nationwide. 

Dr. McKinney previously served as CEO and Executive Director of the Illinois Medical District, where she managed a round-the-clock environment, including: 560 acres of medical research facilities, labs, a biotech business incubator, universities, raw land development areas, four hospitals and more than 40 healthcare-related facilities. Within two years of leadership, Dr. McKinney accomplished a financial turnaround of the IMD, successfully retiring more than $40 million in debt.

In 2020, Dr. McKinney was appointed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as Operations Lead for the State of Illinois’ Alternate Care Facilities, a network of alternate medical locations designed to decompress the hospital system during the COVID-19 pandemic. She worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and multiple construction, architecture and project management teams to prepare five facilities to open for overflow patient care.

Dr. McKinney is also an experienced expert, frequently discussing healthcare disparities and racial inequities amplified by the pandemic, climate-related emergencies, biological and chemical threats and natural disasters. She’s been featured on CNN, ABC, NBC Nightly News, and in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Crain’s Chicago Business and The Chicago Tribune, among other notable publications.

Dr. McKinney serves on numerous boards and advisory committees. Her current board memberships include the Board of Directors for Wintrust Financial Corporation, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Thresholds, and the Advisory Board of the Executive’s Club of Chicago.

In academia, Dr. McKinney serves as an Instructor in the Division of Translational Policy and Leadership Development at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health and as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Health Policy Administration at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health. She is the co-author of the text: Public Health Emergency Preparedness: Practical Solutions for the Real World (2018) and was named Real Estate Journal’s Woman of the Year (2022), one of Chicago’s Top 50 Business Leaders of Color (2021), one of Chicago’s 50 Most Powerful Women (2020), and one of Chicago’s Notable Women in Healthcare (2018 & 2019).

Dr. McKinney holds her Doctorate degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, with a focus on preparedness planning, leadership and workforce development. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) where she was also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellow. She received her Master of Public Health degree (Health Care Administration) and certificates in Managed Care and Health Care Administration from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL.

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Judge Charles Burns

Judge Charles Burns hears felony cases at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building at 26th and California. In addition, Judge Burns presides over the Cook County Rehabilitative Alternative Call (RAP) and Women’s Rehabilitative Alternative Call (WRAP). These nationally recognized drug treatment court programs provide treatment alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders whose addictions lead to criminal activities. The WRAP program had been designated as one of the ten mentor courts by the National Drug Court Institute (NCDI) and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP), now known as All Rise. His court has received that designation three times, most recently in 2022. His court was chosen as a pilot partner with Sesame Street in the Communities, to educate and address the impact of addiction to children of parents suffering from a substance abuse disorder.

Judge Charles Burns was  honored in July 2023 with a prestigious induction into the  All Rise Stanley Goldstein Treatment Court Hall of Fame. The award is the most esteemed accolade presented by  the leading national organization for training, membership, and advocacy in treatment court. In December 2023, the National Judicial College named Judge Burns as one of the nation’s 60 Courageous Judges during their 60th Annual conference and celebration. The Chicago Inn of Courts, a highly respected federal and state legal organization, has bestowed on him their Donald Hubert Public Service Award in February 2021. The Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (IACDL) who bestowed their Promotion of Social Justice Award to him in 2016. He also received a Distinguished Service Award from Friends of Recovery, a nonprofit recovery support network in 2021.

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For tickets, sponsorships, or to hear more about the event, head to The 9th Annual Cara Gala for more information.

The post Meet Our 2024 Gala Co-Chairs appeared first on Cara Collective.

“Through its influence and reputation, Allstate demonstrates its dedication to creating opportunity and improving communities by taking bold steps and challenging conventions,” said Kathleen St. Louis Caliento, President & CEO of Cara Collective. “They’re an integral part of our Cara Collective community, fueling our mission to support our job seekers, striving to become a more inclusive employer through participation in our Inclusion Action Labs, and building our leadership capacity and supporting the professional advancement of our staff. We are thrilled to honor this partnership at our signature Gala.”

“This award highlights the importance of removing barriers to employment and supporting workforce development,” said Francie S. Richards, Allstate’s Vice President of Social Impact and The Allstate Foundation. “Working alongside Cara Collective helps us further embrace unique identities, provide more opportunities, and deepen relationships with local communities.“

The Cara Gala is annually attended by more than 550 civic, philanthropic, and business leaders and raises more than $900,000 for the nonprofit. This year’s Gala Co-Chairs include Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias & Josephine Giannoulias, Judge Charles Burns (Circuit Court of Cook County), Dr. Suzet McKinney (Sterling Bay), and Jim & Sandy Reynolds (Loop Capital).

(left) Mario Rizzo, President, Property-Liability, will accept for Allstate. (right) Da’Sean Hillsman, Cara graduate and staff member will also be honored.

Previous Trailblazer recipients include Bank of America, Sterling Bay, Rivers Casino, JPMorgan Chase, and philanthropists Dona and Sam Scott, Pete and Amy Kadens, Jim and Kay Mabie, and Martin H. Nesbitt.

In addition to Allstate, Cara Collective will honor program graduate and staff member Da’Sean Hillsman with the Jesse Teverbaugh Distinguished Alumni Award. This award is given annually to a graduate who is a shining example of Cara’s work to transform lives and communities. Da’Sean started his Cara journey in 2010, after serving a nearly decade-long prison sentence. For the past 12 years, he has served on Cara’s coaching team, walking alongside hundreds of job seekers in their journey out of poverty.

The 9th Annual Cara Gala will be held at The Geraghty. Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.caragala.org or by contacting Tara Harper, Chief External Affairs Officer, at tharper@carachicago.org or 312.798.3307.

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