Inside Chicago’s Food Ecosystem: Women Leading the Way

Hosted by the Chicagoland Chamber’s Women’s Business Council and Emerging Leaders UNITY

Join us for one of the Chicagoland Chamber’s most anticipated events of the year, a Women’s History Month experience that sells out annually, as we go inside Chicago’s world‑class food ecosystem with the women who are leading it forward.

Hosted by the Women’s Business Council and Emerging Leaders UNITY, this flagship program brings together senior leaders from iconic brands, restaurant groups, and the upstream supply chain for a dynamic, candid conversation on what it takes to lead, innovate, and thrive in today’s fast‑moving food industry.

Set inside McDonald’s Global Headquarters, the program will explore the full food value chain, from ingredient innovation and sourcing to brand growth, customer experience, and operations, through the lens of women shaping the industry at every level. Attendees will gain real‑world insights on navigating complexity, responding to evolving consumer expectations, and building resilient, values‑driven organizations.

New this year:
Exclusive tours of McDonald’s Global Headquarters, offering a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at one of the world’s most recognized brands.

Moderated by McDonald’s leader Kimberly Walz, the panel will feature accomplished women whose influence spans restaurants, consumer brands, and global supply networks, creating a truly end‑to‑end view of Chicago’s food ecosystem.

Come for the conversation. Stay for the connections. Leave inspired by the women redefining leadership across one of Chicago’s most powerful industries.