The Dialogue Presents: jigsaws

jigsaws, hosted by Lema Khorshid, is a thematic experience that invites guests to hear from local movers and shakers from different ages, backgrounds and perspectives.

Through compelling live storytelling and experience shares, this unique series draws on the wisdom and inspiring stories of thought leaders while inviting the audience to participate in a dialogue.

May's Theme:

Sharing Words of Wisdom: Insights from Successful Women in Business

Join us as we learn valuable lessons and insights on life and business from successful women in Chicago as we share our perspectives with each other.

Agenda:

530 PM – 6 PM: Networking

6 PM – 6:40 PM: Round Circle 1

BREAK

6:50 – 7: 30 PM: Round Circle 2

About the speakers:

Lisa Nigro:

Lisa Nigro has always served marginalized communities, beginning with her work in the Chicago Police Department and continuing with her work in founding the Inspiration Corporation which has served the homeless community of Chicago for the last 30 years. Currently she is a full-time caregiver to her son who suffered a brain injury in 2015, leading her to advocate for the disabled community. In 2010, Lisa was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal for her ongoing community work, and has been featured in magazines such as People, Mirabella and, most recently, Parade. She has proven that one person can lead the way to making a difference in the lives of others.

Anna Maria Viti-Welch:

Anna Maria Viti-Welch serves as the President of The VITI Companies, a third-generation, family-owned independent insurance agency established by her grandfather in 1938. Since joining the company in 1984, she has been dedicated to providing personalized insurance solutions for both individuals and businesses.

In addition to her role at The VITI Companies, Anna Maria actively collaborates with incubators such as MHub, The Hatchery, and Good Food to offer guidance to founders and owners regarding business insurance matters. She also extends her mentorship through organizations like 1871 and various business development centers including the Women’s Business Development Center and Polsky Center.

Anna Maria maintains memberships with prominent organizations such as the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), The Hatchery, and several local Chambers of Commerce. Her commitment to community involvement is further demonstrated by her appointments to the Board of Directors for institutions like the First Bank of Highland Park, The Gaples Institute, Fenix Family Health Center, and the Highwood Chamber of Commerce.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Anna Maria received the NAWBO 2014 Business Owner of the Year award and the 2017 Women Entrepreneur Excellence Award from The Indian American Business Council. She is a proud graduate of Arizona State University, holding a Bachelor of Science Degree.

Bonita Harrison:

Bonita Harrison the CEO and lead developer of Sunshine Management and Managing Broker/Owner of KBM Realty. Bonita is a proud Chicagoan, born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and was awarded a full ride scholarship for a Master of Science in Mathematics.

She spearheaded a group of 5 black developers to “Buy Back the Block’” in the West Woodlawn community, a community that has experienced decades of disinvestment. This initiative received mass news coverage because of its catalytic impact to the West Woodlawn community and black culture. Her team has developed more than 650 units on the South Side of Chicago, created 700 jobs for local businesses of color, aging citizens, returning citizens, and women owned businesses, $150M of Wealth in the Black community, and $1.5M in annual tax revenue. Bonita is committed to revitalizing distressed, outdated and underperforming properties on the South Side of Chicago.

She was the 1st Woman, 1st Black, and the youngest person to be recognized by The Cook County Land Bank as the Developer of the Year. She has went on to receive countless awards and news coverage from the front page of Chicago Sun times Real Estate section, Crains Magazine, NBC, ABC, Telemundo, WGN, WBEZ, CBS, Chicago Urban League, and countless others media outlets for her impact in BIPOC communities.

She is passionate about bridging the equity gap in BIPOC communities. Collaboration is the fundamental blueprint to her success.

Jessica Malkin:

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live," George Bernard Shaw.

As the Executive Managing Director & Chief Marketing Officer For Cresset (http://www.cressetcapital.com) I Iead business development, marketing and communications as well as strategic growth initiatives—including enhancing the client experience, curating learning events, and expanding the firm's national business and civic engagement initiatives.

Before joining Cresset, I served as the founding Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Ideas, as well as the founding Co-Director of the Bluhm/Helfand Social Innovation Fellowship. Recognized for my commitment and impact on both civic and private endeavors, I am a member of Crain's 40 Under 40 in 2016, a list of Chicago's "builders, thinkers, and leaders who make us hopeful about our city's future." Additionally, I was honored as a Disruptor Foundation Fellow through the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards. I also sit on the Board of Directors of Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School and the Susan Crown Exchange.

Formerly, I served as Chief of Staff to the Founder & CEO of Uptake, an industrial AI software company that harnesses the power of data and predictive analytics. During my tenure, the organization was distinguished as a CNBC Disruptor 50, a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, and named one of the hottest startups by Forbes.

My multidimensional experience across industries defines my career. I take an idea and then manifest it into broader significance.

I live in Chicago with my husband, three daughters, and Blue (a Goldendoodle). I love to travel, spend quality time with my family, and read when not working.

Shital Daftari Bio:

Shital Daftari is a visionary entrepreneur and esteemed business leader whose innovative endeavors span the dynamic landscapes of fashion and biotechnology. As the Founder and CEO of Saris and Things, Daftari has played a pivotal role in bridging cultural divides, making Indian fashion widely accessible across the United States. This venture not only democratized access to designer Indian apparel but also celebrated the rich tapestry of Indian culture, connecting age-old traditions with the modern-day needs of consumers.

Expanding her impact beyond the realm of fashion, Daftari ventured into the healthcare sector with the establishment of SNT Biotech. Under her guidance, SNT Biotech has flourished into a leading national distributor specializing in laboratory and medical supplies and test kits. The company boasts an extensive catalog featuring over 100,000 products from more than 500 national and private label brands. Moreover, SNT Biotech has become a trailblazer in offering at-home test kits, serving as an indispensable resource to health insurance providers and adapting to the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.

In 2022, Daftari further augmented her contributions to healthcare by founding SNT Biotech Lab, a full-service laboratory committed to enhancing healthcare through comprehensive diagnostic services. This initiative exemplifies her dedication to addressing global challenges and elevating community health standards.

Daftari's entrepreneurial journey and leadership have been acknowledged through numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. She has been honored among the Top 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Businesses by the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) and JPMorgan Chase. Her companies have been featured on the Inc. 500 list for two consecutive years, highlighting their rapid growth and innovation. Additionally, Daftari's achievements have earned her a WPO Woman to Watch recognition, a Stevie Award for the Fastest Growing Business, and a finalist position for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Midwest. She was also listed on Crain's Chicago Fast 50, showcasing her significant impact on the Chicago business community.

A passionate advocate for women's empowerment and a firm believer in lifelong learning, Shital Daftari is currently pursuing the Owner/President Management (OPM) program at Harvard Business School. This reflects her belief that leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. Her motto, "Work each day with the same dedication as the day you first started," encapsulates her approach to business, leadership, and continuous growth.

Daftari's aim is to inspire and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with determination and integrity. Dedicated to making a difference, she combines innovation with a commitment to social responsibility, striving for excellence in every endeavor.

Mara Smith

Mara Smith is a former attorney, corporate strategist and stay-at-home mom who is the founder of Inspiro Tequila. Mara began her legal career at Mayer, Brown & Platt in Chicago before joining the corporate strategy team at McDonald’s Corporation.

After her twins were born prematurely, Mara made the difficult decision to leave the corporate world to stay home.

She never stopped thinking about what was next. Mara always envisioned running her own company and in February of 2020 she set out on her journey to create a new tequila brand.

Mara started drinking tequila when she was looking for a “better-for-you” adult beverage. She discovered that the tequilas she was drinking contained undisclosed additives so she searched for a brand that was additive-free with a look, taste and messaging that appealed to her and thoughtful female consumers like her. That perfect tequila did not exist, so she decided to create one. The goal was not just to create impeccable tequilas, but it was also to bring more female voices to the spirits industry. Inspiro Tequila is proudly distilled, owned and led by women.

Giving back is core to the company’s ethos. As a Certified B Corp, Inspiro Tequila is committed to social impact and elevating other women in business. The company provides grants and mentoring to other female founders to support them on their entrepreneurial journeys.

if you have questions, please email [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

lululemon Lincoln Park, 944 W North Ave, Chicago, United States