Chicago International Gala 2023: Celebrating Global Leadership and Innovation
- This week, we celebrate Chicago's international connectivity, highlighted at the Chicago International Gala last Thursday at the Field Museum.
- The event was sold out, featuring over 50 members of the Consular Corps and more than 700 business leaders.
- Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago, emphasized that the gala showcases leaders who enhance Chicago's reputation.
This week, we celebrate Chicago’s international connectivity, highlighted at the Chicago International Gala last Thursday at the Field Museum.
The event was sold out, featuring over 50 members of the Consular Corps and more than 700 business leaders. It honored Chicago’s 28 Sister Cities and recognized individuals who promote our city globally.
Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago, emphasized that the gala showcases leaders who enhance Chicago’s reputation. This year’s honorees include prominent figures who are making a global impact.
Charles Smith, Vice Chair of World Business Chicago, noted that honorees elevate Chicago’s presence globally. Their work spans business, finance, and social equity, demonstrating Chicago’s potential.
The gala recognized several distinguished individuals:
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2024 Global Citizen Award: John W. Rogers, Jr., Founder of Ariel Investments, was honored for his contributions to economic development and diversity.
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2024 Rocky Wirtz Corporate Ambassador Award: PsiQuantum received this award for advancing quantum computing and investing in Chicago’s tech ecosystem.
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2024 WBC Innovation Award – Women’s Sports: Jointly awarded to the Chicago Sky and Chicago Red Stars for promoting diversity and inclusion in sports.
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2024 DuSable Chicago Legacy Award: Michael Moskow, Vice Chairman of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, was recognized for his international leadership.
- 2024 Chicago Sister Cities International Volunteer of the Year: J. Christoph Lichtenfeld was honored for promoting Chicago’s global image through partnerships.
The gala illustrated Chicago’s role as a hub for global business and foreign investment. The city connects businesses to major markets, with key exports in life sciences, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Looking ahead, we celebrate these honorees while recognizing Chicago’s ability to unite global leaders to inspire innovation. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event. Together, we will shape Chicago’s future as a global hub.
Next week, we will spotlight our initiatives to promote Chicago’s manufacturing industry and inspire local high school students.