April 11, 2007 - Since 1989, The Chicago Network has hosted its Women in the Forefront Luncheon to honor the leadership role of women in the Chicago metropolitan area. The event features a prominent woman at the forefront of her industry as keynote speaker, sharing both her professional and personal accomplishments and insights with an audience now exceeding 1,000. The event's nationally known speakers have included such acclaimed leaders as Charlotte Beers, Ann Fudge, Rosabeth Moss Kantor, Indra Nooyi, Marjorie Scardino, Gloria Steinem, and several of The Chicago Network's members; Betsy Holden, then Co-CEO of Kraft Foods, Inc., Ann Marie Lipinski, Senior Vice President and Editor of the Chicago Tribune, and Sheli Rosenberg, corporate business leader and advocate for women.

The Network was especially delighted this year to have our own Brenda C. Barnes as keynote speaker. Barnes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sara Lee Corporation, was named by Forbes Magazine as #9 of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women. She became president and chief executive officer of Sara Lee Corporation in February 2005 and was appointed to her current position in October 2005. Barnes was formerly president and chief executive officer of PepsiCola North America. She has served on many boards and is currently a member of the board of directors of The New York Times Company, Staples, Inc. and the Grocery Manufacturers Association.