Dinner Series Strengthens Posse Chicago’s Alumni Community
This year, Posse Chicago launched a Dinner Series aimed at fostering deeper engagement between alumni and site leadership—creating space for authentic dialogue, mentorship, and professional growth.
The idea emerged from former representatives of the Posse National Alumni Advisory Council (PNAAC), who identified a need for more intentional opportunities for alumni to connect with board members and community leaders. Each dinner is designed to be intimate and interactive, reinforcing Posse’s commitment to lifelong community and leadership.
“Our goal is to create environments where alumni can both give and gain—sharing their experiences, learning from others, and building relationships that last well beyond the event,” said one Leadership Council member.
The inaugural dinner, held in July, focused on entrepreneurship in all its forms—from intrapreneurship and side ventures to full-time startups and social innovation. Hosted by Carlos Manalo, co-CEO of The Office of Experience and a member of the Posse Chicago Leadership Council, the evening featured guest speaker Erwin Cruz, head of Innovation, R&D, and Enterprise Legal Management at W.W. Grainger.
Participants explored diverse entrepreneurial pathways and engaged in hands-on business planning using the “lean canvas” model—a tool for mapping business ideas and identifying growth opportunities. Alumni also shared their own ventures and insights in an entrepreneurial “show and tell,” leaving with new perspectives, actionable goals, and a renewed sense of connection within the Posse network.
In August, the series continued with a dinner centered on the legal profession, hosted at the Posse Chicago office. Leadership Council members Brigid Carmichael, Lisa Kpor, and David Susler led an engaging discussion on the many paths within law, offering candid reflections on their careers and practical guidance for alumni exploring legal fields.
The evening also included conversation around law school preparation—from LSAT strategies and financial planning to managing academic rigor and personal well-being. Alumni exchanged advice and encouragement, creating a supportive space for shared learning and growth.
Looking ahead, Posse Chicago’s Leadership Council plans to expand the dinner series to spotlight additional industries and themes, including leadership development and career advancement. The initiative continues to strengthen the bridge between Scholars, alumni, and professional leaders—advancing Posse’s mission to cultivate lifelong networks of opportunity and success.
