The Chicago Network is expanding its efforts to empower women by introducing a new cohort called ‘The Rung.’ This group comprises 40 women, aiming to connect high-performing female professionals in the early stages of their careers in Chicago. The program is designed to guide these women toward leadership roles.
‘We are building this program for these women to come together, to be able to support each other in community,’ said Maria Doughty, CEO of The Chicago Network. She emphasized the importance of building networks early in one’s career, noting that too often, women start too late.
The Chicago Network was founded in 1979 by nine female executives. It initially served as a support system for women leading organizations within the city. Since then, the network has grown significantly, now boasting members from various professional sectors, including astrophysics, Fortune 500 CEOs, artists, renowned surgeons, and a university president.
Feedback from network members highlighted a need for a similar group to provide career guidance earlier on. ‘It’s lonely at the top, but getting there is also lonely,’ said Suzet McKinney, committee chair for The Rung. She believes The Rung will address this challenge.
Maria Doughty spoke at a Chicago Network event at the Art Institute of Chicago, flanked by deputy director Sarah Guernsey, emphasizing the program’s value in nurturing leadership ambitions among women.
Suzet McKinney, CEO of the Chicago Loop Alliance, expressed her enthusiasm for The Chicago Network, which she joined after experiencing the empowering environment at a Launchpad event in 2012.
The Rung functions as a steppingstone, promoting collaboration on the leadership journey. Despite women constituting over 50% of the population, Doughty points out the gap in leadership roles, noting the need for women to be encouraged to apply for leadership positions, even if they do not meet all criteria.
The initiative seeks to create a ‘full pipeline for women’ in leadership roles, addressing the imbalance in representation at executive levels.
Doughty highlights Chicago’s growth potential, urging companies to sponsor women actively, fostering environments where they can gain crucial experiences.
Applications for The Rung opened on October 22 and close on December 1. The annual membership fee is $975, aiming to be more affordable than other leadership networks. The selected members will be announced in early January.
‘Over time, I would like Chicago to be known for is the city where women’s leadership is built deliberately at every stage,’ Doughty said.
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