The Chicago Network luncheon honors trailblazer Tricia Griffith

The 36^th annual "Women in the Forefront" luncheon welcomed 1500 women (and a few men) to the Hyatt Regency Hotel Chicago on June 4. This annual event, presented by The Chicago Network, showcases prominent women leaders like Ginni Gometty, Mellody Hobson and Jane Pauley, and brings together hundreds of local, influential business leaders for an afternoon of networking, storytelling and inspiration.

This year’s keynote speaker was Tricia Griffith, president and CEO of Progressive Insurance. She is celebrating her 36^th year with Progressive and is credited with, not only being the first woman CEO in the company’s history, but also for helping the company secure the top spot on Forbe’s Best Companies for Diversity for the third year in a row.

The moderator for the Q&A with Griffith was Lana Zak, CBS News anchor, and a success in her own right. She is a multiple Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, Peabody, Frontpage and Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University awarded journalist. CBS News Chicago anchor Erika Sargent served as the event emcee.

The Chicago Network’s Board Chair Suzet McKinney and President and CEO Maria Doughty welcomed the crowd. McKinney congratulated Doughty on her leadership and partnership and acknowledged the event's many sponsors.

During the program, Griffith exhibited all the traits that have brought her to the top- smarts, drive, common sense, family-support and empathy. She shared that her husband, who had a successful career, was willing to become a stay-at-home parent to help raise their six children while she pursued her career.

“During the first fifteen years of my career, I was just trudging along, moving up, but I could never see myself in the C-suite at all. I never saw in myself what others saw in me,” she said.

She opened the company up to more diversion and encouraged her staff (and herself) to know their value. She urged people to not compare themselves to others, but rather focus on their own strengths and work on enhancing those. Griffith also stressed taking full advantage of your down time and to separate it from company business.

She spoke about how important it is to get support from your parents and how much it affects your confidence. “My mom made me feel like I was the smartest person who ever walked into a Denny’s,” she joked.

Griffith provided an hour of inspiration and the event concluded with a rousing, well-deserved standing ovation.

The Women in the Forefront Luncheon Committee included Francesca DeBiase and Jule Scott (co-chairs), Paulita Pike, Joyce St. Clair, Mary Lee Schneider, Jill Smart, Karen Teitelbaum, Yasmine Winkler and Kathleen Yosko.

The Chicago Network’s mission is to empower women to lead and to connect for personal and professional growth. The Network also aspires to advance civic and philanthropic communities and to inspire and support the next generation.