NextUp Chicago

Never too early to get this on your calendar—this is going to be a great one 👇

This fall, NextUp Chicago is bringing together learning, networking, and real, practical growth—all in one evening.
✨ Choose your experience:

2 breakout sessions
4–5 learning tracks
Focused on the most critical skills for success today

Walk away with insights you can actually use—and new connections to take with you.

📅 October 21 | 5–8 PM

📍 Accenture (Chicago)
500 West Madison, Chicago, IL

More details coming soon—don’t miss it!

✨ We’re excited to welcome you to NextUp Chicago’s Spring Learning Event featuring Elise (Gelwicks) Powers!

Join us for an evening of insightful conversation, meaningful connections, and community in the heart of Fulton Market.



📅 Thursday, May 14
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Kimberly-Clark | 155 W Fulton Market
⏰ Program starts promptly at 5:30 PM

✈️ Coming solo? You’re not alone.

Join our Flying Solo Meetup before the event:
📍 The VIG West Loop
🕓 4:00–4:50 PM
Meet fellow attendees + walk over together!



🚆 Easy access via Morgan (Green/Pink), Grand (Blue), or nearby parking options.

👯‍♀️ Know someone who should be there? Bring a friend or share this post!



🔗 Register via link in bio

🌸 This spring, step into your executive presence.

Join NextUp Chicago’s Spring Learning Event for an interactive evening with leadership coach Elise Gelwicks, focused on influence, confident communication, and showing up powerfully in everyday leadership moments—plus rooftop networking and happy hour to follow.



📅 May 14 | 5–8 PM
📍 Hosted by Kimberly‑Clark
🔗 Registration link in our bio

🎉 Let’s Rally & Give Back! 🎉

We’re teaming up with Girls on the Run Chicago and need your energy on Saturday, May 9 (6–11 AM) at Grant Park for their inspiring Spring 5K!

Join nearly 8,000 girls, coaches, and supporters as we celebrate confidence, community, and accomplishment 💜—no running required.

Jump in to help at the finish line, activity stations, aid areas, or greet buses and be part of something truly meaningful.

🗓️ Register by EOD Thursday, April 30 here: https://www.nextupisnow.org/events/event-calendar/nextup-chicago-2026-volunteer-event-with-girls-on-the-run/

Grant Park – Arvey Field

Let’s show up strong and make this day unforgettable! See you there!

✨ Executive Presence: Influence, Communication & Confidence in Everyday Leadership Moments
In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to:

• Define and strengthen your executive presence through body language, tone, word choice, and appearance

• Navigate generational differences in what “professional” looks like today

• Build a strong, intentional reputation in every interaction—from meetings to networking events

• Give meaningful, actionable feedback to help others grow their presence
Whether you’re leading a team, building your network, or stepping into your next big role—this is the room you want to be in.

📅 May 14
📍 1155 W Fulton Market, Chicago
🎟️ Registration + promo code in bio

Networking and Happy Hour on the Rooftop to follow ✨

We’re excited to spotlight Emily Ilic! 🌟

A dedicated NextUp member since 2021, Emily has been an engaged supporter of the Chicago community and a strong contributor to the Growth & Development team. Her commitment to meaningful connection and inclusive leadership continues to make a real impact.

Emily believes the best growth comes from genuine relationships, thoughtful conversations, and being open to new challenges. Her advice for fellow members? Lean into opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone—and approach every NextUp event with curiosity and intention.

Thank you, Emily, for all you bring to NextUp Chicago. We’re grateful to have you as part of our community! 💜

Join us for our Spring Learning Event 🌷 featuring Elise Gelwicks, an accomplished leadership coach and speaker, for an engaging and interactive session focused on building executive presence at every level of leadership.

Networking and Happy Hour on the Rooftop to follow ✨

Register today at www.nextupisnow.org/events/event-calendar/nextup-chicago-spring-learning-event-executive-presence-influence-communicati/

Registration is open! We’re excited to share an opportunity to volunteer with Girls on the Run Chicago! We’re looking for volunteers on Saturday, May 9th in Grant Park (6–11 AM) to support Girls on the Run Chicago at their Spring 5k.

Volunteers support the event by helping at stations such as activities, aid stations, bus greeting, and the finish line. No running is required.

Learn more and register to volunteer here: https://www.nextupisnow.org/events/event-calendar/nextup-chicago-2026-volunteer-event-with-girls-on-the-run/

Please register by EOD on Thursday, April 30.

TWO Weeks Until April Casual Meet Ups!

Join NextUp Chicago this April for our Casual Meet‑Ups across the city and suburbs! These informal, in‑person gatherings are a great way to connect, network, and build community. Members and non‑members welcome — bring a friend and RSVP below

🌸Lincoln Park
RSVP to Barb Levick Millen at [email protected]

🌹Northern Suburbs
RSVP to Rebeca Cardona Ufford at [email protected]

🌷Western Suburbs
RSVP to Aliy Puhalla at [email protected] &
Stephanie Gorecki at [email protected]

🌻West Loop
RSVP to Marianna Swallow at [email protected] & Moyosola Akinkanju at [email protected]

We can’t wait to see you this April!

Save The Dates!

Join NextUp Chicago this April for our Casual Meet‑Ups across the city and suburbs! These informal, in‑person gatherings are a great way to connect, network, and build community. Members and non‑members welcome — bring a friend and RSVP below

🌸Lincoln Park
RSVP to Barb Levick Millen at [email protected]

🌹Northern Suburbs
RSVP to Rebeca Cardona Ufford at [email protected]

🌷Western Suburbs
RSVP to Aliy Puhalla at [email protected] &
Stephanie Gorecki at [email protected]

🌻West Loop
RSVP to Marianna Swallow at [email protected] & Moyosola Akinkanju at [email protected]

We can’t wait to see you this April!