Writing My Legacy

Dr. Suzet M. McKinney is a public health expert, medical executive, thought leader, strategic thinker and nationally recognized expert in emergency preparedness and response.

As Principal and Director of Life Sciences for Sterling Bay, Dr. McKinney oversees relationships with the scientific, academic, corporate, tech, and governmental sectors involved in the life sciences ecosystem. She also leads the strategy to expand Sterling Bay’s footprint in life sciences nationwide. She previously served as CEO and Executive Director of the Illinois Medical District.

Nicole Robinson is the Chief Executive Officer for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, a human centered organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. Inspired by this mission and the resilience of the families who turn to the YWCA, Nicole is committed to building community resilience to heal from violence; unleashing youth potential and ensuring communities have economic equity needed to thrive. It’s a privilege for Nicole to serve as steward of the mission, vision, strategy, operational and financial leadership of a $44MM, 300 team member human services enterprise, with 15 sites across Cook County, DuPage County and Lake County.

Dr. Kathleen St. Louis Caliento has spent the past two decades committed to urban education, student success, and dismantling social injustice. Before joining Cara Collective in 2021, Caliento was the Chief Learning and Design Officer at the Academy Group, where she worked to help people rise above the effects of poverty, while demonstrating a professional commitment to access and equity. Prior to the Academy Group, she held several leadership positions at Spark, including Executive Director of Spark Chicago; was Chief Program Officer for Project Exploration; Director of Program Investments for The Chicago Public Education Fund; and a teacher in New York City Public Schools.