By: Tracey L. Schroeder
On May 31, 2023, the WBAI hosted its 109th Annual Installation Dinner & Awards Gala celebrating incoming WBAI President Whitney K. Siehl and the 2023-2024 Board. The event was held at the Field Museum against the beautiful backdrop of Sue, the T-Rex, and other amazing prehistoric creatures. The event featured a live band, Becca Kaufman Orchestra, a dance floor, a drum line, access to some of the exhibits, and so much more!
The event kicked off with a VIP Reception, followed by a Cocktail Reception, Dinner, the Program and Dancing! To gather everyone for dinner, a Drum Line marched through the upper floors of the event space, encouraging everyone to follow them downstairs as they went. They played their way all the way down the stairs and up onto the stage, where they performed for another 10 minutes. It was energizing and exciting and it really got everyone revved up for the Program!
Next, the Becca Kaufman Orchestra took the stage and Becca Kaufman emceed the Program, playing a curated list of appropriate and fun music to keep the night lively and entertaining.
Service Awards were presented to WBAI Board Members Hayley K. Graham, Tracey L. Schroeder and Whitney K. Siehl for their outstanding commitment and work for the WBAI.
Next, WBAI members and friends heard inspiring words from Andrea Zopp, the managing partner of Cleveland Avenue. The WBAI was honored to present Ms. Zopp with our Myra Bradwell Woman of Achievement Award as our Keynote speaker.
Ms. Zopp leads Cleveland Avenue’s work investing in and supporting minority and women entrepreneurs and their companies. Previously, she served as President and CEO of World Business Chicago, where she led the organization’s mission of inclusive economic growth, supporting businesses, and promoting Chicago as a leading global city. She broke barriers serving as the first woman and African American First Assistant in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The WBAI was also delighted to honor Kathrine Switzer with our Woman with Vision Award. Ms. Switzer has long been one of running’s most iconic figures, known as The Marathon Woman. She broke barriers as the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967, at that time considered a men’s-only race. She completed the marathon after the race director tried to forcefully remove her. She is an accomplished runner, author, speaker, activist, and created a global non-profit, 261 Fearless, to empower women through running. Her work has changed forever the face of sports, health, and opportunities for women around the world.
After the new 2023-2024 Board was sworn in, dinner was served and then it was on to dancing! WBAI members, friends and family danced the night away to the Becca Kaufman Orchestra and the night was over way too fast, as always. Congratulations to our honorees, WBAI Board President Whitney K. Siehl and the 2023-2024 Board!
This article was originally published in the WBAI 2023-2024 Year in Review Newsletter on page 26.