The 2025 International Women’s Day theme is “Accelerate Action,” which emphasizes the necessity of taking collective, decisive steps toward gender parity and equality. This theme was the guiding force behind 1871’s annual International Women’s Day celebration. Over 600 people registered up for the festivity — making it the biggest event of its kind — demonstrating the power of coming together under a common cause.
The day’s excitement began 30 minutes before registration. Attendees lined up down the hallway of the 12 floor of the Merchandise Mart, chatting with neighbors and eagerly awaiting the morning’s kickoff. At 8:30 a.m., the doors opened and hundreds of women and allies made their way inside, grabbing a colored lanyard that denoted their career status and grabbing a specialty beverage from the U3 coffee cart.
As guests connected over breakfast and coffee, many stopped by the bookmark-making station, featuring custom-made bookmarks with quotes from influential women. They beaded, bedazzled, and bonded and then headed to the auditorium for the official start of the event.
The first session of the morning was a workshop led by Pamela Culpepper, Managing Partner of the Leadership Advisory Practice at Hanold Associates and Founder of Have Her Back, LLC. Culpepper brought her extensive experience in coaching C-level executives and functional leaders to the 1871 stage for her session, “Understanding and Managing Emotional Reactions.”
“Sometimes we just need to hear that what we’re doing is exactly the right thing we should be doing,” she said. Together, the audience learned to practice radical acceptance, cognitive behavioral techniques, and grounding methods. “I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to be among powerful young people who are going to set this world on fire,” Culpepper shared.
Attendees then engaged in speed networking, where they connected with peers in the same stage of their career journey and on different paths all together. With new contacts, allies, and mentors, the group gathered for the keynote conversation, delivered by Jodi Fyfe, Founder and CEO of The Paramount Group, and moderated by 1871 CEO Betsy Ziegler.
Fyfe discussed her career journey — from experiencing her “aha moment” at a young age while bussing tables at a restaurant, to launching her own catering business. She had the crowd laughing with anecdotes of her roller skating at Ed Debevic’s and applauding as she spoke vulnerably about being a single mother and founder. “I think believing in yourself is one of the hardest things in the entire world,” she said, as she wiped away tears.
The biggest takeaway from the conversation was the importance of surrounding yourself with amazing people. Fyfe personally shouted out the influential individuals in her life — from her daughter, who was watching in the crowd, to her assistant, to her mentors — and her gratitude permeated the entire packed auditorium.
After learning about the Paramount Group’s development, guests enjoyed its delicious food for lunch, and spent the rest of the afternoon connecting with new friends and colleagues. The energy of the day was enthusiastic, optimistic, and inspiring, and every moment solidified the importance of 1871’s commitment to supporting women in the professional world.
“We don’t just believe that diverse founders create stronger businesses and stronger economies, we know it,” said Betsy Ziegler in her opening remarks. “Despite our collective progress, the numbers tell us that the playing field is still not level.” At 1871, that is what we aim to change — it is our goal on International Women’s Day and every day.
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