2026 Making a Difference Annual Luncheon
This annual event honors a woman who has made an impact in philanthropy
We are thrilled to share that the CWIP Luncheon has reached sold-out capacity due to the incredible level of interest and support.
We are currently exploring options to open additional seating. If you are interested in sponsoring or attending, we invite you to join our wait list, and we will reach out if additional seats become available.
Thank you for the overwhelming enthusiasm and support—we truly appreciate it! If you have any questions, please contact us at info@cwiponline.org.
If you are unable to attend but would like to donate to CWIP's mission, please do so here.
If you have any questions please reach out to info@cwiponline.org
Each year, this signature event celebrates a woman whose leadership has made a powerful and lasting contribution to philanthropy. Thanks to the generous support of our attendees and sponsors, our 2025 luncheon raised more than $165,000, allowing us to expand programs that empower women to confidently advocate for themselves and strengthen their communities. The luncheon also offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, forge new relationships, and celebrate the collective impact we create together.
| 2026 Making a Difference Honoree |
Honorary Co-Chair |
Featured Non Profit |
 |
 |
 |
| Andrea Sáenz President & CEO The Chicago Community Trust |
Renetta McCann Chief Inclusion Experience Officer Publicis Groupe |
National Louis University |
Sylvia Ewing
Vice president of Journalism and Media Engagement
Public Narrative
Sylvia Ewing is a trusted voice in Chicago’s civic and media landscape. Sylvia is a communications strategist, and a certified meditation teacher who brings a holistic approach to leadership and management. She has deep experience covering social change issues, producing events, helping nonprofits communicate effectively and providing tips on community building and personal growth.
Sylvia is an inductee into The HistoryMakers African American Archives for Media and an on-air talent for PBS pledge drives. Her executive experience includes marketing and communication strategy, leadership development, fundraising, narrative change, financial inclusion, media training, and special events. She has worked with government agencies, non-profits, and political campaigns.
Sylvia is a poet, an award-winning former journalist and a popular moderator and facilitator.
She serves as Vice president of Journalism and Media Engagement for the nonprofit Public Narrative. Sylvia chairs the Kartemquin Films Board, and serves on the board of the Chicago Headline Club Foundation and the Chicago chapter of SAG AFTRA.
Agenda
| May 5 | |
| 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Registration & Networking |
| 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Making A Difference Program, Lunch and Fireside Chat |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Member Ticket
Registration Ended 4/24/26 at 2:30 PM CDT
|
$150.00 |
|
Non-member Ticket
Registration Ended 4/24/26 at 2:30 PM CDT
|
$175.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Presenting Sponsor
|
$15,000.00 |
|
Mentorship Program Sponsor
|
$10,000.00 |
|
Networking Reception Sponsor
|
$7,500.00 |
|
Accessibility & AV Sponsor
|
$7,500.00 |
|
Decor Sponsor
|
$5,000.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Leader Sponsor
|
$10,000.00 |
|
Visionary Sponsor
|
$6,000.00 |
|
Trail Blazer Sponsor
|
$3,500.00 |
|
Advocate Sponsor
|
$2,500.00 |
|
Ally Sponsor
|
$1,000.00 |
We are thrilled to share that the CWIP Luncheon has reached sold-out capacity due to the incredible level of interest and support.
We are currently exploring options to open additional seating. If you are interested in sponsoring, we invite you to join our wait list, and we will reach out if additional seats become available.
Thank you for the overwhelming enthusiasm and support—we truly appreciate it! If you have any questions, please contact us at info@cwiponline.org.
Sponsor the 2026 Making a Difference Annual Luncheon
Showcase your organization and be part of this impactful event! Act Fast! Some sponsorship levels are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
New this year! We’re pleased to invite all sponsors contributing over $5,000 to our exclusive VIP reception in recognition of their generous support.
View Sponsorship Opportunities
To secure a sponsorship, click the "Register Now" button and choose your preferred level of support.
Special Sponsorship Opportunities
Presenting Sponsor - 1 Available
$15,000
Support CWIP programs impacting over 1,000 individuals annually, including professional development, networking, and racial equity workshops.
- Benefits of a Leader Sponsor
-
Speaking Opportunity at the Annual Luncheon & Meeting
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Recognition as Presenting Sponsor & Co-Presenting Sponsor for all CWIP events for one year
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Featured Interview & Full-Page Ad in a CWIP newsletter
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Co-Branded Gift for event attendees
- (X5) VIP Invitations to the VIP Reception
Mentorship Program Sponsor - 1 Available
$10,000
Support 75 women and girls in mentoring pairs through a 9-month professional development initiative.
- Benefits of a Visionary Sponsor
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Special Recognition at the Annual Luncheon, mentoring events, and on program materials
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Engage In-Person at One Professional Development Session with the adult network
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1/2-Page Ad in a CWIP newsletter
- (X5) VIP Invitations to the VIP Reception
Networking Reception Sponsor - SOLD OUT
$7,500
Foster connection and networking during the one-hour reception, including a VIP area with the honoree, other top sponsors, and Chicago’s leaders.
- Benefits of a Visionary Sponsor
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Recognition on Signage during networking session at the annual luncheon
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Verbal Recognition from the podium at the Annual Luncheon
- (x5) VIP Invitations to the VIP Reception
Accessibility & AV Sponsor - SOLD OUT
$7,500
Empower CWIP's event visibility and accessibility by supporting features like live captioning for attendees.
- Benefits of a Visionary Sponsor
-
Recognition on Signage at the Annual Luncheon
-
1/2-Page Ad in a CWIP newsletter
- (x5) VIP Invitations to the VIP Reception
Decor Sponsor - SOLD OUT
$5,000
Enhance the event ambiance with your logo displayed at each table's floral arrangement.
- Benefits of a Trailblazer Sponsor
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Logo on Flowers at each table
Table Sponsorship Opportunities
Leader Table Sponsor
$10,000
- (x2) Premium Tables at the Annual Luncheon
- (x2) CWIP Organizational Memberships (Up to 6 individual memberships)
- (x5) VIP Invitations to the VIP Reception
- Verbal acknowledgment from the podium during the Annual Luncheon and Annual Meeting
- Recognition on CWIP’s website
- Logo featured on CWIP emails and materials for the Annual Luncheon
Visionary Table Sponsor
$6,000
- (x1) Premium Table at the Annual Luncheon
- (x1) CWIP Organizational Membership (Up to 3 individual memberships)
- (x5) VIP Invitations to the VIP Reception
- Verbal Acknowledgment from the podium during the Annual Meeting Luncheon and Annual Meeting
- Recognition on CWIP's website
- Logo featured on CWIP emails and materials for the Annual Luncheon
Trailblazer Table Sponsor
$3,500
- (x1) Standard Table at the Annual Luncheon
- Recognition on CWIP's website
- Name featured on CWIP emails and materials for the Annual Luncheon
Advocate Table Sponsor
$2,500
- (x1) Standard Table at the Annual Luncheon
- Name featured on CWIP emails and materials for the Annual Luncheon
Ally Table Sponsor
$1,000
- (x4) Tickets to the Annual Luncheon
- Name featured on CWIP emails and materials for the Annual Luncheon
We’re excited to welcome you to the CWIP 2026 Making a Difference Annual Luncheon on Tuesday, May 5 from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM at the Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile!
The event honors Andrea Sáenz, President & CEO of The Chicago Community Trust, with Renetta McCann, Chief Inclusion Experience Officer of Publicis Groupe, serving as Honorary Co-Chair. We're also proud to feature National Louis University as our Spotlighted Non-profit.
This event is SOLD OUT! Please let us know at info@cwiponline.org if your plans have changed and you are no longer able to attend.
Below, you’ll find important details to help you prepare for the event.
If you registered on behalf of others and included their email addresses, they will receive this message via email. If you didn’t provide their contact information, please be sure to share this information with your guests so they have the necessary details.
Schedule
10:30AM - 11:30AM
- All guests are invited to join us for registration and networking.
- VIP guests, invited through select sponsorship levels, have been notified and will have access to a dedicated VIP reception area during this time.
11:30AM - 1:30PM
- Making A Difference Program, Lunch and Fireside Chat between Andrea Sáenz and Renetta McCann.
Event Location
Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile, 5th Floor
540 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611
- Enter from Rush Street or Michigan Avenue.
- Driveway entrance is on 541 N. Rush St.
- Registration and Luncheon will be held on the 5th Floor.
- Look for the CWIP greeter upon entry for guidance to the North elevator.
Additional information about the Marriott Hotel can be found here.
Parking
The Marriott has kindly provided the document below to assist you with parking information for the day of the event.
Self-park is available at a discounted rate of $35 for CWIP guests at InterPark Garage, 50 East Ohio Street. Bring your ticket to the CWIP registration desk on the 5th Floor for validation of discounted fee.
Parking at the ROW garage may be limited, especially with increased traffic from the nearby casino. While parking is available, the lot could fill quickly.
Please note we cannot guarantee parking on the day of the event.
To avoid delays, we highly encourage attendees to consider public transportation, ride share services, or carpooling. If you plan to drive, SpotHero can offer significantly less expensive options than the discounted hotel parking rate.
Thank you for planning ahead!
Upon Arrival
Once you exit the elevators on floor 5 please make your way to the registration desk to pick up your badge and check in.
- Sponsor table guests will receive their pre-assigned table numbers at registration.
- Individual ticket holders will not have assigned seating and are welcome welcome to sit at any table marked "Open Table."
Dress Code
Wondering what to wear? The event invites guests to dress in business or business casual attire—whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable.
The forecast is calling for mild spring weather, let’s hope it stays that way! Please note that while we won’t have a formal coat check, hangers will be available for coats and jackets if needed.
Help Us Meet Our Goal—Donate Now
Thank you for your generous support of CWIP and for helping make this event possible. As we work toward reaching our fundraising goal, we still need to raise $10,000 to fully meet our target. We would be grateful for your help in sharing our mission with others or considering an additional contribution on the day of the event. Every gift helps us continue our work and expand our impact.
Stay in touch with CWIP, and join our mailing list. Please contact us with any questions at info@cwiponline.org.
Wishing you safe travels—we look forward to welcoming you!
Annual Luncheon Inclusive Access
We believe in inclusivity. A limited number of reduced-price tickets are available if the cost is a significant financial barrier for you.
These $50 tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis* and are reserved for those who truly need them.
To access these tickets, please fill out the form below. If demand exceeds the number of tickets available, you will be placed on the waitlist for potential additional openings. Your presence matters!
To register for CWIP events, you’ll need to be logged in with either a free guest account or a member account. If you don’t have an account yet, click here to create one. All guests must also have a free guest account or member account before they can be added to your registration.
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