SBA Diversity Alliance Group

This event provides a chance for SBA members to network, get more acquainted with other business leaders in support of a more diverse community.  This month's Diversity Alliance will feature a panel of inspiring women doing incredible things.  
 

The panel will include the following women:
 
 
 Vandana Walia - Founder of Vchilli Group & Co-chair for the SBA Diversity Alliance Group - one of the only South Asian woman owned Event planning and production companies in Chicago. She is a community leader who has served on numerous boards and given back to the Chicago community. Vandana has successfully integrated and brought the South Asian culture to the mainstream in Chicago. She has won numerous awards and has been featured in Voyager Chicago, Business Media Radio, Global Event Resource, Women’s Economic Forum and Brown Girl Magazine.  
 
 



 


Shobna Johri Verma - Executive Director at South Asian American Policy & Research Institute
An active and trusted leader within the South Asian American community with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively, drive engagement and build consensus within diverse immigrant populations and collaborative coalitions in Chicagoland and beyond.
 
 






 
Ana Gephart - Chief Medical Officer at Amita Health - Physician recognition award for lifetime achievement outstanding patient care and commitment to the betterment of the community and society.
 









Gabi Vargas – Founder for NHSPN and Poiema – A mother, daughter, trailblazer for mental health and suicide prevention who was recently recognized for Latinos 40 under 40 (Chicago). A bilingual Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor with the National Council of Mental Wellbeing, a social entrepreneur, also has created a safe space for community mental wellness in the city of Elgin.
 
 










Dr. Elizabeth Boone – Dr. Boone is the Interim President of the DuPage County NAACP she has been an online course professional for over 25 years. Her career includes the responsibilities of implementing technological systems and advocating for online education for over 20 years. As a Course Designer, Program Director, and Assistant Dean, her focus has been to enhance the quality of learning programs for students. Currently, she is an Adjunct Professor at Roosevelt University.