The 2024 Chicago International Gala

This week, we’re taking a brief pause from our usual economic development-topic-focused format to celebrate the city’s extraordinary international connectivity, as showcased at the annual Chicago International Gala held last Thursday at the Field Museum. Photo gallery.

The sold-out gala exemplified Chicago’s strong international appeal, bringing together over 50 members of the Consular Corps, representing countries worldwide, and more than 700 business and civic leaders. The evening paid homage to Chicago’s vibrant 28 Sister Cities and the Chicagoans who champion our city on the global stage.

Celebrating Leadership, Innovation, and Global Trade

“The Chicago International Gala is an annual celebration of the leaders who shape Chicago’s global reputation through business, culture, and innovation,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “This year’s honorees exemplify the very best of our city, and we are thrilled to recognize their contributions in front of an audience of Chicago’s most prominent leaders and innovators.”

This year’s event gathered Chicago’s top business and civic leaders to honor individuals whose work is shaping the future of the city and making a global impact. The gala featured remarks from honorees, celebrated the city’s recent successes, and reinforced a shared commitment to driving growth and innovation in the years ahead.

“Tonight’s honorees are the epitome of Chicago’s global influence—leaders who have not only shaped our city’s success but have also elevated its stature on the world stage,” said Charles Smith, Founder & CEO of CS Strategies, and Vice Chair, Board of Directors, World Business Chicago. “Whether they are trailblazers in business and finance or champions of innovation and social equity, these individuals reflect the excellence that defines Chicago as a city of limitless opportunity. Their contributions remind us that Chicago’s reach extends far beyond our borders, serving as a hub where the world’s most influential leaders and companies come to thrive, innovate, and lead with purpose and progress.”

Honoring Chicago’s Leaders and Trailblazers

This year’s distinguished honorees showcased the city’s commitment to innovation, cultural significance, and economic progress, strengthening Chicago’s global connections:

2024 Global Citizen Award: John W. Rogers, Jr., Founder, Chairman, Co-CEO, and Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Investments, was honored for his lifelong contributions to Chicago’s global reputation and economic development. Through visionary leadership, Rogers has reshaped the financial sector, championed diversity, and fostered leadership. His commitment to financial literacy, youth education, and community empowerment has solidified his legacy as one of Chicago’s most influential figures. Click here for video.

2024 Rocky Wirtz Corporate Ambassador Award: PsiQuantum received recognition for its groundbreaking advancements in quantum computing and transformative investment on Chicago’s Southeast Side. PsiQuantum’s role in Chicago’s tech innovation ecosystem exemplifies progress and leadership. The award was presented by Danny Wirtz in memory of his father and Chicago business titan, Rocky Wirtz.

2024 WBC Innovation Award – Women’s Sports: Jointly awarded to the Chicago Sky (accepted by Nadia Rawlinson, Co-owner and Operating Chairman) and the Chicago Red Stars (accepted by Laura Ricketts, Executive Chairperson) for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional sports while raising Chicago’s profile on the national and global stage.

2024 DuSable Chicago Legacy Award: Michael Moskow, Vice Chairman and Distinguished Fellow on the Global Economy at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, was recognized for elevating Chicago’s global reputation through international affairs and economic leadership. This award, renamed in honor of the city’s founder, celebrates those who make lasting contributions to Chicago’s cultural and social fabric. Click here for video.

2024 Chicago Sister Cities International Volunteer of the Year: J. Christoph Lichtenfeld, Co-Chair of the Hamburg Committee, was honored for his dedication to promoting Chicago as a global city. His efforts to develop international partnerships and foster connections through citizen-to-citizen relations in areas such as culture, education, and business have greatly furthered the mission of Chicago Sister Cities International.

 

Driving Foreign Investment and Trade

The gala highlighted World Business Chicago’s ongoing work to position Chicago as a hub for global business and foreign investment. With our city’s central location, unparalleled transportation infrastructure, and the third-largest trading port in the country at O’Hare International Airport, Chicago connects businesses to a vast network of opportunities. The city’s international trade ecosystem continues to thrive, with key markets such as Japan, China, and Germany importing billions of dollars in goods, while life sciences, manufacturing, and agriculture remain pillars of Illinois’ export strength.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of these honorees and the success of this year’s gala, we are reminded of Chicago’s unique ability to bring together leaders from across the world to inspire progress and innovation. Thank you to all who attended and supported this extraordinary event. Together, we continue to shape the future of Chicago as a thriving global hub.

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Stay tuned for next week’s edition, where we’ll spotlight our agency’s initiatives to promote Chicago’s manufacturing industry, including programs designed to inspire local high school students with exciting career opportunities in this vital sector.