Center for Next-Generational Leadership
Serving Our
Local Businesses
We empower small and medium-sized businesses with the tools, insights, and talent they need to thrive in today's fast-changing world. Through hands-on workshops and certification programs, we help businesses develop strong leaders, embrace innovation, and drive sustainable growth.
Collaborations
with Businesses
Students have partnered with businesses across industries to explore how sustainability can drive positive environmental, social, and economic impact. These projects apply the UN Sustainable Development Goals to real-world business challenges, helping organizations identify opportunities for sustainable growth and develop practical solutions.
DCH Hauling
The project focused on DC’s Construction & Hauling, a Chicagoland company involved in major infrastructure projects, including work on the I-294 corridor. The students evaluated the company’s operations and identified opportunities to improve sustainability through more efficient freight movement, construction logistics, and economic opportunities for smaller owner-operator trucking businesses.
Using the UN Global Compact SDG Compass framework, the students developed evidence-based recommendations, measurable goals, and potential KPIs to help DC’s Construction & Hauling reduce its environmental and social impacts. Overall, the project demonstrated how sustainable practices can support efficient infrastructure development, strengthen communities, and create long-term business value.
Top Pallets
The project focused on Top Pallets, a Chicago-based pallet manufacturer and distributor, and its efforts to build sustainability into its business model. The students examined how the company reduces waste and environmental impact through initiatives such as repairing and reusing damaged pallets, repurposing unusable materials, sourcing locally, and improving operational efficiency.
The project also highlighted Top Pallet’s social and economic impact, including its focus on diversity, employee development, and inclusive growth. Overall, the students connected the company’s existing sustainability efforts to relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrated how its business practices support both long-term business success and environmental and societal value.
Wintrust
The project focused on Wintrust and its efforts to integrate sustainability, climate action, and community impact into its banking strategy. The students highlighted initiatives such as financing renewable energy projects, offering climate-focused investment options, improving energy efficiency, tracking greenhouse gas emissions, and using technology to streamline sustainability reporting.
The project also explored Wintrust’s commitment to local communities through local hiring, financial education, partnerships with nonprofits and universities, and support for underserved communities. Overall, the students connected these efforts to UN Sustainable Development Goals 9, 11, 13, and 17, demonstrating how sustainable finance, community investment, and environmental responsibility can support long-term business growth.
Pepper Construction
The project focused on Pepper Construction and its efforts to advance sustainability within the construction industry through its High-Performance and Sustainable Construction division. The students highlighted how the company incorporates practices such as reusing existing structures, reducing embodied carbon, using energy-efficient and low-carbon materials, improving waste management, and expanding renewable energy solutions.
The project also explored Pepper Construction’s commitment to creating healthier environments for workers and communities by improving air quality and reducing the environmental impact of construction sites. Overall, the students connected these efforts to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 9, 11, 12, and 13, demonstrating how sustainable construction practices can benefit the environment, employees, communities, and long-term business growth.
Current Business Partners
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Wintrust
Golin
Bosch
Abelson Taylor
JP Morgan Chase
CDW
Sikich
CIBC
Morningstar
Forvis Mazars
PorteBrown
Turn Learning Into Action for Your Business
The Next-Generational Leadership Certificate is designed to help business and nonprofit professionals move beyond learning and toward meaningful implementation. Through the program, you will explore sustainability and responsible AI while developing an initiative that can be brought directly back to your organization.
Expert
Mentoring
You will be paired with experienced industry leaders who provide feedback and guidance as you develop your initiative. Your mentor will help you think through how to connect what you are learning to your specific business, organization, and goals.
A Plan You Can
Put Into Practice
Rather than leaving with ideas alone, participants develop an actionable, organization-ready initiative designed for their own business or company. You will leave with a clear implementation roadmap, governance considerations, and measurable goals to help move your ideas forward.
Preparation for a Changing
Business Landscape
Build the knowledge and leadership skills needed to navigate the evolving relationship between sustainability, emerging technology, and responsible AI—while helping your organization adapt and lead through change.
A Valuable
Professional Credential
Upon successful completion of both program components, participants earn a Certificate in Next-Generational Leadership in Sustainability and Responsible AI.
Resources for
Businesses
This section includes resources, tools, and certifications that help small businesses operate more sustainably, improve their social and environmental impact, and take actionable steps toward responsible business practices.
