Fireside Chat:

Chicago's Next Move

Auditorium

We’ll start by examining the legal, political, and historical context surrounding the national rollback on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), exploring how shifting federal policies and court rulings are challenging long-standing equity programs—and what that means for Chicago’s legacy of inclusivity across industries. From there, we’ll look at the on-the-ground impact, focusing on those most at risk as equity language is stripped from policies, including the real-life consequences for minority- and women-owned businesses and the ripple effects on historically marginalized communities. Finally, we’ll turn to solutions—highlighting how inclusive economic opportunity can be defended through advocacy, adaptation, and coalition-building, and exploring ways to reframe equity goals in legally sound terms to ensure minority businesses remain part of the conversation as the landscape evolves.