Kecia Steelman has what many would call a “dream job” as Chief Operating Officer of the country’s largest beauty retailer, Ulta Beauty, but getting to that role wasn’t always so rosy for her. Steelman’s humble beginnings started in a lower middle class family in a small farming community in Iowa. Her parents divorced when she […]
Many ultra-high-net-worth families rely on a family office and family law practice to help manage their finances, investments, long-term planning and charitable giving. These services are even more helpful to blended families who may come from different backgrounds, with different assets and different financial histories. To discuss best practices for establishing a blended family office […]
Effectively operating in the nonprofit sector — specifically, working hand-in-hand with some of our most vulnerable community members — requires the ability to meet people where they are at, and an eagerness to offer assistance as opposed to passing judgment. This mentality has guided Ric Estrada, CEO of Metropolitan Family Services (MFS), who has served […]
Family-owned businesses are considered the backbone of the American economy. According to the US Census Bureau, they comprise 90% of all business enterprises in North America. Jill McCall, MBA, JD, CAE, Director of the Family Business Center at Loyola University Chicago says, “Family-owned businesses positively impact the general business climate because they set good examples. […]
Portillo’s President and CEO, Michael Osanloo, joined the Executives’ Club of Chicago to discuss how the beloved Chicago restaurant reaches a new legion of fans nationwide. Based on his successful career in food service and retail, Osanloo sat with moderator Andy Lansing, CEO of Levy, to discuss lessons learned and his passion for growing brands […]
Within Chicagoland is a network of organizations, businesses and nonprofits that all aspire to do good for the larger community. Partnerships between these institutions are imperative, but what’s the best way to foster and sustain them, maximizing impact for all? To answer this question and more, Make It Better Media Group hosted a virtual discussion […]
For over 50 years, PBS and its more than 330 member stations have fulfilled the mission of providing trusted programming that is uniquely different from commercial broadcasting. Last November, Paula Kerger, the longest-serving PBS President and CEO, spoke with journalist Bill Kurtis during an Executives’ Club “Meeting the Moment” event to share insight on how […]
January 24, 2023 at 9am PT/11am CT Join us for a live discussion with Ric Estrada, CEO of Metropolitan Family Services, and Kecia Steelman, COO of Ulta, as they share insights on how they sustain a successful partnership between the nonprofit and corporate leaders. During the virtual event, moderated by Make It Better Media Group […]
January 24, 2023 at 9am PT/11am CT Join us for a live discussion with Ric Estrada, CEO of Metropolitan Family Services, and Kecia Steelman, COO of Ulta, as they share insights on how they sustain a successful partnership between the nonprofit and corporate leaders. During the virtual event, moderated by Make It Better Media Group […]
I grew up working in our family’s small chain of grocery stores in Indianapolis — appropriately named Richard’s Market Baskets, because my father was Richard Blankenbaker. My jobs included cashier, bagger, produce packager, stocker, fruit basket maker and eventually head night cashier. I even returned from college, work as a US Congressional Aide, and law school […]
