News, Resources & Events

An evening of conversation, connection, and celebration under the Chicago sky  On July 22, 2025, LWE hosted the inaugural LWE Summer Soirée — a special evening of cocktails, dinner, and meaningful connection under the Chicago sky. The event brought together more than 80 Fellows representing 27 cohorts from the past 16 years to reconnect with familiar faces and expand their networks in a relaxed yet elegant setting.  Throughout the evening, Fellows enjoyed lively conversation, shared reflections on their leadership journeys, and celebrated the strength and impact of the LWE community. It was an energizing and memorable night among peers and friends filled with laughter, inspiration, and a renewed sense of shared purpose.  During the Soirée, we also introduced the LWE Next Level Network — a signature one-on-one networking experience designed to connect current LWE participants with accomplished LWE Fellows through purposeful, personal conversations. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to exchange insights, deepen relationships, and foster meaningful interaction across cohorts, continuing LWE’s mission to help women lead at the next level.  Co-founder Cheryl Francis reminded attendees that these evenings remind us of the power of connection, community, and shared purpose. We are especially thankful to those who traveled, carved out time, and brought such wonderful energy to the event. 

An evening of dinner, wine, and meaningful connections in Fort Lauderdale, Florida On February 11, 2025, LWE hosted the Southwest Regional Networking Dinner at DUNE by Laurent Tourondel, a stunning oceanfront venue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Fellows from across the region gathered for an evening of dinner, wine, and meaningful connections overlooking the Atlantic.  The evening offered Fellows the opportunity to celebrate old friendships, forge new ones, and expand their professional networks. Attendees also had the chance to reconnect with Deb DeHaas, CEO of Corporate Leadership Center, and to meet Kathleen Walton, Executive Director of LWE, who joined the conversation for her first regional event since stepping into the role.  It was a small but mighty group of Florida Fellows. Rich with great energy, thoughtful dialogue, and laughter throughout the night.  The dinner was part of the LWE Regional Event Series, designed to bring together Fellows located in the same geographic region and help them strengthen and expand their strategic networks. 

The CEO Perspectives 20th Anniversary Celebration, held on September 11, 2024, brought together Fellows from 19 of our 20 class years, faculty, and other members of the Corporate Leadership Center community to reflect on the program’s two decades of profound impact and look forward to its future. Held at Health Care Service Corporation’s beautiful headquarters, the day featured three thought-provoking keynote sessions with distinguished speakers, including Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM; Rana Foroohar, acclaimed Financial Times columnist; and Daniel Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author and renowned thought leader. Attendees enjoyed engaging conversations, networking opportunities, and reflections on the program’s evolution, highlighting its role in shaping executive leaders and fostering lasting connections. The celebration concluded with a toast to the future, as participants shared inspiration, insights, and a commitment to continued leadership excellence. Special thanks go out to our sponsors, Health Care Service Corporation, for serving as event hosts, providing the support of their team, AV and food and beverages and to ITW and Morningstar whose financial support allowed us to secure amazing speakers for the celebration.  We’re excited to share a highlights reel that captures some of the event’s standout moments. CEO Perspectives Fellows can access detailed session summaries on our private portal.