Cindu Thomas-George is a disrupter of injustice and cultivator of inclusion. As the Founder and Principal Trainer of Shakti Training, she designs and facilitates professional development experiences that promote inclusion, equity, antiracism, and intercultural intelligence.
Alicia Del Real is an executive coach and CEO of the Center for Advanced Emotional Intelligence (AEI). At AEI, Alicia helps leaders reach their potential. Alicia focuses on the whole person to increase both self and social knowledge resulting in meaningful growth.
Desiree Vargas Wrigley is a Latina serial entrepreneur and Chief Innovation Officer of P33, Executive Director of TechRise by P33, and founder of The Josephine Collective, an angel group focused on empowering women and people of color to become investors.
CWLA Advisory Council
We are deeply grateful to our Advisory Council for their dedication, expertise, and commitment to the CWLA mission. Their leadership ensures CWLA’s longevity and impact, empowering women leaders across Chicago.
CWLA Team
The CWLA thrives because of our talented team. From capturing powerful moments to crafting compelling visuals and amplifying the CWLA message, our team plays a vital role in maximizing the impact of CWLA for attendees. If you are interested in supporting and joining our talented team, please contact us.
Pooja Shah, CWLA Photographer | Founder and CEO | Tembo Tones
A multidisciplinary artist from Kenya with roots in India, Pooja Shah’s photography explores themes of womanhood, cultural identity, diaspora, and intentional living, with a focus on the BIPOC experience and depicting black and brown people in states of joy. In addition to her photography work, Pooja is a creative director, consultant, and former public relations specialist, working with designers and brands to ideate and execute real world activations and events across the globe.
Heather Moore, CWLA Creative Director | Founder of Moore Creative Media
Heather Moore is a multidisciplinary creative and strategic storyteller with expertise in photography, videography, graphic design, illustration, editing, and writing. As Creative Director for the Chicago Women’s Leadership Accelerator, she shapes visual narratives that inspire, engage, and amplify impact. With an MBA and a background in marketing, Heather seamlessly blends artistry with strategy, ensuring every project is both visually compelling and purpose-driven.
Prior Panelists
Paving Pathways: Women Leaders of Chicago
Chief Brand Officer | Blue Meridian Partners
Managing Director | Exposition Ventures | Early Stage Venture Investor
Philanthropy Executive in Residence | Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation
Chief Executive Officer | Purpose Brand
Chief Executive Officer | DeVry University
Managing Director | Birch Lake Associates, LLC
Sr Director | Commercial Sales Strategy | PepsiCo Beverages North America
Founder & Chief Executive Officer | WeSolv
Maria Sotelo
Chicago Community Builder & Innovator
Director of People of Culture | MacArthur Foundation
Chief Executive Officer | inFlow
Speaker, CMO, CCO and Resiliency Expert
Chief Growth Officer | P33
CEO | Jellyvision
Immigration Attorney & Partner | Quarles & Brady LLP
CFO | COO I Startup Advisor
Kimberly Dickens
Chief Strategy and Growth Officer | Momentus Capital
