Letter From Charli

There’s something special about Chicago. Maybe it’s the way the skyline dances against the lake, the way the city hums with life at every corner, or how history meets innovation on every block. But for me, it’s more than a favorite city. It’s a place that holds my heart—and a part of my purpose.

Being back in Chicago for our Empowering Women in Industry conference, I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement. Not just because it’s one of the most vibrant, soulful cities in the world—but because of what it represents to me as a leader, a mother, a daughter, and a woman on a mission.

Chicago was the backdrop of so many “firsts” in my life.

I’ve walked these streets hand-in-hand with my children, laughing through museum visits, boat rides, and unexpected adventures. I’ve watched their eyes light up at the planetarium and cheered them on as they took in the city’s energy like they belonged to it. My mom has been by our side for many of these memories too—another woman of strength, teaching me every day what it means to show up with love and intention.

But it wasn’t just personal memories that anchored my love for this place. Chicago was also home to our very first Empowering Women event. I still remember standing in front of that room—nervous and hopeful—watching women from across the industry gather to share stories, spark connections, and shift perspectives. It was the beginning of something powerful. That event didn’t just inspire others; it transformed me too. It confirmed that this movement was bigger than I had even imagined, and it reminded me that when women come together with purpose, magic happens.

As a leadership coach, I often talk about the importance of environment. Where we are—physically, mentally, emotionally—matters. Certain places just call us back to ourselves. Chicago is that place for me. It reminds me who I am and why I started.

Too often, we get caught in the rhythm of “what’s next,” always chasing the next milestone, deadline, or goal. But leadership—true leadership—is about being grounded. It’s about returning to the places, people, and experiences that anchor your purpose.

Chicago anchors me.

When I walk these streets, I’m reminded of the mom who just wanted to show her kids the world. I remember the woman who dared to bring a community together for the first time, unsure if it would work but believing deeply that it had to. And I remember the leader who continues to rise—not because of perfection, but because of the people walking beside her.

Why I Keep Showing Up

Some might ask why I continue to do this work—why I travel, speak, coach, and pour into women year after year. The truth is, I keep showing up because I believe that empowered women change everything. They change companies, communities, and cultures. But first, they change themselves. And that change often starts in spaces like the ones we create at Empowering Women.

So yes, I’m heading back to Chicago. To find the right venue. To revisit old memories. To walk familiar streets with a new sense of clarity and confidence. But more than anything, I’m going back to be reminded: This is what purpose feels like. This is what alignment looks like. 

I hope you’ll join me there—whether in spirit, in conversation, or in person when the time comes. Because when women gather in the right place, at the right time, with the right intention, everything becomes possible.

And trust me, this is only the beginning.

Read the latest edition of the Empowering Women Digital Magazine: https://empoweringwomen.mydigitalpublication.com/volume-9/page-2