Women looking to accelerate the growth of their business should look no further.  The Women’s Business Development Center has been the nation’s leading supporter of entrepreneurs for more than 30 years.  Its upcoming conference, Connect & Celebrate, brings together local and regional women business owners and community, corporate and government partners for a dynamic networking and match-making experience.  

Calling all Evanstonians: the City of Evanston, Northwestern University, and the Evanston Chamber of Commerce are coming together for a night to remember: the MashUp!  The MashUp has been the networking event of the season for 10 years, orchestrated with Hoopla since its inception.  Against a backdrop of decadent eats, meet and greets, and views of the lake, you’ll meet a cast of characters ranging from entrepreneurs to executives, artists to accountants, and politicians to professors.

The Center for Neighborhood Technology has led the way to more livable and sustainable urban communities for 40 years.  This event will celebrate its accomplishments like preserving the CTA Green Line, rooftop gardens, and emission efficiency projects around the country.

Do you wonder if your healthcare provider is invested in your community, your whole personhood, beyond your health?  Chicago Family Health Center is working towards that reality.  They weave dignity, respect, and community partnerships with superb healthcare.  Healing Hands honors CFHC’s community and healthcare leaders for their generosity and support.

Have you ever walked by a building and thought, “I wish I could see what’s inside?” Now you can, at Open House Chicago! Last year, more than 100,000 people entered over 250 of Chicago’s most architecturally stunning sites in one weekend. Be one of the 100,000+ people attending this year! Click below to volunteer for the event.

Magicians, live music, and world-class cat videos on display at this swanky cabaret themed event, all benefiting Tree House Humane Society, a no kill animal shelter with an focus on the care and placement of stray cats with special physical and emotional needs.

Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law leverages the law to move civil rights forward.  Every year at its annual event, CLC and its community celebrate and support its mission: equal rights for all.  This year, Nikole Hannah-Jones, distinguished New York Times investigative journalist, is the featured speaker.

Jazz Institute of Chicago is focused on jazz education, supporting burgeoning musicians, and cultivating a lively jazz scene here in the city.  The event will feature prominent contemporary jazz artists, honor leaders in the jazz community, and lots of pizazz!

Human Rights Watch uses impartial reporting, effective use of media, and targeted advocacy to press for changes in policy and practice that promote human rights and justice around the world.  At this year’s Voices for Justice dinner we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and HRW’s tenacious Children’s Rights Division.

Join us for an evening of live music celebrating over 20 years of culturally-relevant education with Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, activist, and hip-hop artist, Mumu Fresh.  BSICS combines African culture and influence with quality education.

In Illinois, the justice system is designed for little to no chance of redemption for those convicted of a violent crime.  At Stories of Second Chances, you will meet people who spent decades in prisons for crimes in their youth; you will meet their mothers, sisters, brothers, and best friends. See how the simple act of caring about someone can be a redeeming act not just for them, but for all of us.