Presenters:  ​

  ​Mary Persons, Director Diversity Programs at Chicago Transit Authority

"Doing Business with Chicago Transit Authority"









 Diversity leader, responsible for enhancing CTA’s commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and a workplace free of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation for internal staff, external customers, and organizations, which conduct business with CTA. As Senior Manager, administer CTA’s compliance with all federal and state regulations and statutes related to the following programs: Supplier Diversity (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise –DBE), and Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (Title VII). 

"Are you Small Business Insurance savvy?"











Gwendolyn G. Shaw has worked as a Financial Representative with COUNTRY Financial for 7 years with an agency office based in the Chatham neighborhood.  In her role at COUNTRY, Gwen offers insurance and investment solutions to individuals and businesses to protect their income, protect their families and help with the planning and providing of retirement, education and business succession needs.  In 2014, Gwen became the first and remains the only African-American female to earn the status of agency owner for COUNTRY in Illinois. 

Monthly Membership Meeting held by Chatham Business Association, Small Business Development Inc. are held to inform current members and prospective members about issues and activities going on in Chatham and the City of Chicago.  You do not need to be a member to attend.  Breakfast is provided for a small fee.