Michelle Collins has always approached life with curiosity, ingenuity, and determination. That inspirational attitude is evident in the ways she has helped shape Chicago’s business landscape, shown a deep commitment to education, and continually proven her love of all things Chicago.
An early female leader of color in the city’s financial world, a champion for culture and education, and an integral member of Chicago’s civic community, Michelle has made countless meaningful contributions to our city. That’s why the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is honoring her with its Award for Distinguished Leadership at the upcoming 33rd Annual Daniel H. Burnham Award Dinner on November 19 at Hilton Chicago.
To truly appreciate the impact and breadth of her life experiences, here are five facts about Michelle:
1. Michelle grew up on Chicago’s South Side, a proud former resident of Jackson Park Highlands. She attended the University of Chicago Lab Schools, followed by Yale University for her BA in Economics and Harvard Graduate School of Business for her MBA.
2. Michelle became acquainted with Michelle Obama at the Hyde Park Tennis Club, where they both played tennis. She was delighted to reconnect with her at the Erikson Institute Luncheon in 2022, when they had a public conversation about the importance of early childhood development.
3. Michelle loved working at a Chicago-based global investment bank William Blair & Company, but sought to continue to work with entrepreneurs at a private equity firm she co-founded with John Svoboda. After 10 years as Managing Director, Michelle became an Advisory Board member and remains an investor at the firm, Svoboda Capital Partners.
4. Michelle continues to be an active investor in and advisor to mostly local companies through Cambium LLC. She has served on public company boards for over 30 years. and today she serves on the boards of CIBC, Ulta Beauty, and Ryan Specialty Group.
5. Over the last three decades, Michelle has been involved with many notable nonprofits, including three of Chicago’s major museums: the Chicago History Museum, the Field Museum, and she currently is a trustee at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. She is also a Life Trustee at both the Chicago Public Library Foundation and the Erikson Institute, and she is Chair of National Louis University.
Bonus fun fact: In her senior year of college, after meeting her academic requirements to graduate, Michelle organized Centipede video game tournaments at a local bar in her spare time for pocket change. She remains a big fan of the games Centipede and Tetris.
Join the Chamber in Honoring Michelle Collins on November 19
On November 19, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce will honor Michelle Collins, President of Cambium LLC, with the Daniel H. Burnham Award for Distinguished Leadership in recognition of her outstanding contributions to our community.