44th Annual Meeting Celebration
Stronger Together:
United in Purpose, Empowered by Action
Join us for a transformative experience at the Chicago Jobs Council Annual Meeting. This year’s theme emphasizes the power of unity and collective action in advancing workforce equity. Together, we can create meaningful change in the workforce development ecosystem. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and make a lasting impact!
Why Attend?
In a time when workforce development is more critical than ever, our Annual Meeting provides a space for thought leaders, advocates, and practitioners to come together with a shared purpose. Whether you’re passionate about policy, professional development, or advocating for systemic change, this event will empower you to:
Amplify Your Impact: Learn how joining our membership and supporting our advocacy work multiplies individual efforts.
Engage with Key Leaders: Hear from influential voices in the workforce development field, including our guest speaker(s) (stay tuned!).
Build Connections: Network with like-minded professionals who share your commitment to shaping an equitable workforce.
Support Workforce Equity: Participate in our silent auction, where proceeds will help fund our capacity-building efforts.
Event Details
Date: June 12, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: UIC Student Center West, 828 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Dress Code: Business Casual
Program Highlights:
Breakfast & Networking: Start your day connecting with fellow attendees over a delicious breakfast buffet.
Keynote Speaker: Get inspired by our thought-provoking guest speaker(s) (announcement coming soon!).
Silent Auction: You can bid on one-of-a-kind items and experiences designed to enhance your time at home or around the Chicago-land area.
and more!
Early Bird Tickets – Don’t Miss Out!
Early Bird General Admission: $60 (ends June 1st)
Regular General Admission: $70
Day-of General Admission: $80
Friend of CJC GA: $100
CJC Hero: $125+
Members receive a discount on all ticket types! Email ivana@cjc.net to inquire about the member discount code.
Panel Discussion
Julio Rodriguez is Deputy Director of the Office of Employment and Training (OET) at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). With a wealth of experience overseeing federal and state workforce programs, including those under the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Climate and Equity Jobs Act (CEJA)—Mr. Rodriguez plays a pivotal role in shaping Illinois' workforce development landscape.
Before joining the state, he honed his expertise at Macro International, where he provided technical assistance to federally funded projects across the US, Latin America, and its territories. A nationally recognized speaker and trainer, Mr. Rodriguez brings deep insights into organizational development, workforce innovation, and advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access.
Hailing from Chicago and proudly Puerto Rican, Mr. Rodriguez earned his degree in Business from DePaul University.
Ryan Croke serves as the First Assistant Deputy Governor for Health & Human Services in the Office of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. In collaboration with Deputy Governor Grace Hou, he oversees several key state departments, including Human Services, Healthcare and Family Services, Public Health, Children & Family Services, Veterans Affairs, and Aging.
Previously, Ryan served as Chief of Staff at the Illinois Department of Human Services during Governor Pritzker's first term and as Chief of Staff to Governor Pat Quinn from 2009–2015. His career also includes leading the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living and teaching a graduate seminar at the University of Illinois – Springfield, where he worked during the state’s budget impasse.
A proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) raised in Wheeling, Ryan draws on his personal and professional experiences to champion equity and inclusion. He lives in Springfield with his wife, Brook, and their four children. Ryan holds both master’s and undergraduate degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Ayom Siengo serves as the Senior Director of the Critical Needs strategy at The Chicago Community Trust, where he leads initiatives aimed at addressing systemic challenges and advancing equity. Prior to this role, Ayom held leadership positions, including Vice President of Mission Services at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin & Metropolitan Chicago, Vice President of Community and Strategic Initiatives with Skills for Chicagoland’s Future, and Program Officer for Financial Stability at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago.
A native Chicagoan, Ayom earned a B.S. in Political Science: International Studies from Illinois State University and pursued a Master of Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois. He is a graduate of the Chicago Urban League’s IMPACT program and the Latino Policy Forum’s Multicultural Leadership Academy. Ayom is an active board member of the Chicago Jobs Council and Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy, demonstrating his deep commitment to fostering equity and opportunity in the community.
Current 2025 Sponsors
Silent Auction
Interested in participating in our silent auction? Reach out to Program Coodinator, Melina Jancovic at melina@cjc.net.
Sponsorship
Interested in sponsoring our event? Click here to download the sponsorship flyer and reach out to Operations Coordinator Kyra Young if you have any questions at kyra@cjc.net.
FAQs
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Yes, ticket purchases are capped at 10 tickets per organization until June 1st to ensure fair access for all attendees.
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The theme is “Stronger Together: United in Purpose, Empowered by Action,” focusing on how collective advocacy supports workforce development and multiplies individual impact.
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Unfortunately, this event is in person only. We value this time of gathering together and making in person connections. It is a highlight of our year.
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If you need to cancel or transfer your ticket, please contact us at diana@cjc.net by June 6th to ensure accommodations.