Chicago’s financial sector marked a notable leadership transition on March 26, 2026, as Ariel Investments elevated Emma Rodriguez-Ayala to president—ushering in a new era for one of the nation’s most prominent minority-owned asset management firms.
The move is more than a title change. It represents a carefully orchestrated succession strategy, a reaffirmation of Ariel’s long-standing investment philosophy, and a signal of where leadership in finance is heading.
In fast-paced, performance-driven workplaces, it’s easy to assume that success comes down to strategy, technology, or talent alone. Yet a growing body of research points to a surprisingly simple driver of performance—kindness.
Not grand gestures or corporate initiatives, but small, everyday actions: a quick “thank you,” offering help on a deadline, or recognizing a colleague’s effort. These moments may seem minor, but their cumulative impact on productivity, culture, and business outcomes is any
As the first day of spring arrives, it signals more than a change in weather—it marks a natural opportunity for renewal. Longer days, increased energy, and a psychological sense of “starting fresh” make this one of the most powerful times of the year to reassess your career direction and take intentional steps forward.
Just as people declutter their homes and refresh routines in spring, professionals can use this seasonal shift to reset goals, sharpen their personal brand, and position themselve
Chicago’s most inspiring women leaders take the stage tomorrow at EmpowerHER 2026: A Night Celebrating Women’s Influence. Before the conversations begin, take a moment to meet the accomplished executives, founders, and changemakers who will be sharing their insights, experiences, and vision for the future. From corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, media, and nonprofit impact, these women represent the power of influence, resilience, and opportunity shaping today’s business landscape.
Moder
Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, a global observance recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. But beyond celebration, the day also serves as a powerful reminder that advancing gender equity requires continued leadership, community engagement, and opportunity creation.
Across industries and communities, organizations are using Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day as a catalyst for mentorship, networking,
Every March, Women’s History Month becomes more than a national observance — it becomes a powerful professional catalyst.
Across the United States, companies, universities, nonprofits, and professional associations activate leadership forums, networking receptions, mentorship programs, and career development events designed to elevate women’s voices and accelerate opportunity.
For professionals, the message is clear: March is a month to show up, connect, and build momentum.
Events like EmpowerHE
Every March, Women’s History Month celebrates the achievements, resilience, and influence of women across industries and generations. But beyond recognition and reflection, the month also serves as a powerful reminder of something equally important: career advancement often begins when individuals step forward before they feel fully ready.
Across business, healthcare, government, technology, and nonprofit leadership, women continue to shape innovation, build organizations, and lead communities.
The modern workplace rewards speed, responsiveness, and constant availability. Emails arrive late at night, meetings stack across calendars, and digital tools keep employees connected around the clock. While this level of connectivity has increased efficiency, it has also created a growing challenge for professionals across industries: how to manage priorities without burning out.
Today, researchers and workplace experts increasingly argue that the future of productivity isn’t about doing more
Every March, Women’s History Month becomes more than a cultural observance — it becomes a catalyst for professional momentum. Across the United States, corporations, nonprofits, universities, and professional associations activate leadership panels, networking receptions, mentoring forums, and industry summits designed to spotlight women’s impact and accelerate opportunity.
For professionals — women and allies alike — attending these events is not symbolic. It is strategic.
In an economy define
2013 HispanicPro Women's History Month Forum
For 13 consecutive years, HispanicPro has marked Women’s History Month not just with celebration — but with intention. What began as a gathering to recognize Latina leadership in Chicago has evolved into a powerful, cross-cultural platform that elevates women executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and rising professionals from across industries.
As Women’s History Month continues to grow in national visibility, HispanicPro has remained consis
Women’s History Month isn’t just a celebration—it’s a marketplace moment.
Every March, organizations across the country activate leadership programming, ERG initiatives, community partnerships, recruiting events, and sponsorship campaigns that spotlight women’s impact in business, culture, and society. For professionals and entrepreneurs, this creates a rare window where visibility rises, decision-makers pay attention, and new relationships form faster than usual.
That’s why attending Women’s H
March 1 isn’t just another date on the calendar. It marks a psychological and strategic shift in the business year.
The first quarter is nearly complete. Budgets are being finalized. Marketing campaigns are launching. Companies are assessing early performance. And professionals are deciding who they will align with for the rest of the year.
If January is about resolutions, March is about execution.
For ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs, March 1 should signal one thing: It’s time to activ
Every March, Women’s History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the women who have shaped industries, communities, and culture. It is a time to celebrate progress — and to actively create momentum for the next generation of leaders.
This year, HispanicPro’s ElevateHER at the House of Blues Chicago stands out not just as a celebration, but as a strategic opportunity for professional growth, leadership development, and cross-cultural networking.
Importantly, ElevateHER is not a women-only eve
February is short — but in business, it’s powerful.
For entrepreneurs, executives, and growth-focused professionals, the final weeks of February set the tone for how Q1 finishes and how Q2 begins. Those who use this time strategically don’t just “wrap up the month” — they position themselves for revenue growth, brand visibility, and stronger partnerships in March and beyond.
If you want to finish February strong and leverage March networking events to accelerate your influence and pipeline, her
When layoffs rise, the labor market gets noisier fast: fewer open roles, longer interview cycles, more competition per posting, and higher scrutiny on “what outcomes can you drive right now?” In that environment, sales knowledge becomes less of a job title and more of a survival skill—because it’s the clearest line to what every organization is protecting during uncertainty: revenue, renewals, and cash flow.
In 2025, U.S. emplo
Communication is one of those “everyone says they have it” skills—so simply listing “Excellent communicator” rarely moves the needle. The goal is to prove communication through outcomes, artifacts, and specific behaviors that match the job.
That effort is worth it: in NACE’s Job Outlook research, employers regularly rank written and verbal communication among the most-searched-for attributes on resumes (with written communication and verbal communication each cited by large majorities of employe
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have moved from “nice-to-have” community spaces to a core part of how large companies compete for talent, build leaders, manage culture, and even reduce business risk. At the Fortune 500 level, ERGs are no longer a niche program: they’re mainstream infrastructure. The real story in 2026 isn’t whether ERGs exist—it’s whether they are built to drive outcomes.
Across Fortune 500 companies, ERGs have become standard pr
In 2026, the most valuable professionals aren’t just the most technical—they’re the ones who can communicate clearly, collaborate across teams, adapt fast, and lead through change.
That’s because the modern workplace is being reshaped by AI, automation, hybrid work, and nonstop information flow. Tools are accelerating tasks, but they’re also increasing complexity: more stakeholders, more cross-functional work, more ambiguity, and more moments where judgment matters. In that environment, “soft s
In today’s labor market, talent alone is no longer enough. Professionals are competing in an environment shaped by automation, AI-driven recruiting, remote work, and globalized talent pools. As a result, personal branding has evolved from a “nice-to-have” into a critical career development strategy that directly influences hiring decisions, promotions, compensation, and professional mobility.
A strong personal brand is the deliberate shaping of how others perceive your skills, values, credibili
Featured Guest Biographies: Winter Networking Noche at the Godfrey Hotel Chicago | Thursday, February 05
Steve Bernas, President & CEO, Better Busines Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois
Steve Bernas is the President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, where he leads the organization’s mission to build trust between businesses and consumers in the marketplace. This year, the Chicago BBB proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of adva
