PAST EVENTS

CUP's July 9 Panel Features Cecile Richards and Lillian Rodríguez-López

On July 9, CUP hosted "Reflections on Women and the 2008 Election," a conversation with Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund & Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Lillian Rodríguez-López, President of the Hispanic Federation. CUP Board Member Maryana Iskander moderated the discussion.

The host committee included CUP Members Tess Amodeo-Vickery, Karina Cabrera, Brooke Daniels, Kristin Johnson, Adrienne Harris, Malika Hinkson, Maryana Iskander, Myah Moore and Beatrice Sibblies.

"This event was both dynamic and inspiring, and, in my opinion, a call to action for women everywhere," said CUP Member Tess Amodeo-Vickery. "Cecile Richards and Lillian Rodríguez-López told captivating stories from personal experience as women finding their passion and realizing their contribution to society. The political underpinning was a relevant backdrop to the conversation, which focused on how women can be valuable contributors in the 2008 election, including what steps we need to take in joining together to force our country to recognize issues central to women and their families. I think CUP's "Reflections on Women and the 2008 Election" was a huge success, and I am excited to see how women will play a part in November's big decision."

U.S. Mayors Discuss Urban Revitalization with CUP Members - June 30

CUP held a U.S. Mayors Roundtable Discussion featuring Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, Trenton, NJ; Mayor Byron W. Brown, Buffalo, NY; and Sharon Pratt, former Mayor, Washington D.C. Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League and former Mayor of New Orleans, LA, moderated the panel. The mayors discussed the role that CUP Members, as business leaders, could play in efforts to revitalize urban areas. CUP Member Donald Cogsville chaired the event.

"CUP provided a credible and outstanding platform to promote dialogue between mayors and business leaders about the need to work together to rebuild our inner cities," said Cogsville.

Top Obama Advisor Meets with CUP Members

CUP hosted an intimate conversation with Valerie Jarrett, a senior advisor to the Obama campaign, on June 24.

Jarrett is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Habitat Company, which is based in Chicago.

Jarrett, a long-time mentor of the Obamas, shared stories from the campaign trail and some thoughts about Michelle and Barack Obama. She also discussed the senator's positions on major policy issues, including education reform, economic development, and support of minority and women-owned businesses.

"Valerie's willingness to meet with CUP underscores the extraordinary reputation that CUP has developed and the depth of relationships that CUP has been able to foster," said CUP Board Member David Hinson. "Her presence is yet another example of why participation in this organization is crucial for those who want to achieve the highest levels in business and government."

CUP Holds Conversation with New York County Republican Party Chair, Jennifer Yaffa

CUP Members were invited to a discussion with New York County Republican Party Chair, Jennifer Yaffa, and other Republican district leaders on June 23. Members had the opportunity to learn about Republican strategies for upcoming city, state and national elections.