Civic Leaders

Niagara Foundation Welcomes Andrea Sáenz, Executive Director, Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement for a Luncheon Forum.

Theme: Latinos in the Changing U.S. Labor Force

Date: March 27, Thursday,  2008

Reception: 12:00 p.m.

Luncheon: 12.15 p.m.

Venue: Niagara Foundation

203 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60601

T- (312) 701-0086 F- (312) 701-0087 info@niagarafoundation.org

Andrea Sáenz's Speech

Andrea Saenz, the executive director of the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), gave a very informative presentation about Latinos or Hispanics in America. Mrs. Saenz began her presentation by defining terms such as “American”, “Latino”, “Hispanic”, “Chicano”, etc. She explained that people living in Central, and South American countries identify themselves as American. To them, people living in the US are simply known as US citizens, with the term “American”, being more inclusive. The definition of the terms “Hispanics” and “Latinos” are used interchangeably although there is a slight distinction. Hispanic is the term for people who use Spanish as a language. The term “Latino” is used to describe people whose language is Latin based. This would include Brazilians who speak Portuguese. According to statistics, Latinos make up 15% of the population in the US. By 2010 that percentage would increase to 20%. One should keep in mind that these statistics are a measurement of self identification. In other statistics there is a growing trend in the Latino population. While education is at a low for Latinos, their being a part of the workforce is high. Concerning college, there is an increase in enrolment, but there is a lesser percentage for completing college. Also of importance is the trend of Latino populations moving from the city to the suburbs. Mrs. Saenz stated that building a network is important. Being bilingual is also an advantage in the workforce. HACE is occupied with helping Latinos and Hispanics in high school and college with the purpose of furthering their careers. There are a large number of students who do not have their careers planned out yet. HACE is working with them to lay out a map so to speak to make such endeavors attainable. In the question and answer session, Mrs. Saenz discussed the reason why Latinos are moving to the suburbs. Also she gave advice on how colleges can reach out to high school students.

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Niagara Foundation Welcomes  James W. Wagner, President of  Chicago Crime Commission for a Luncheon Forum!

www.chicagocrimecommission.org

Theme: History of the Chicago Crime Commission and History of Crime in Chicago

Date: Thursday-Jan 31, 2008

Reception: 12:00 p.m.

Luncheon: 12.15 p.m.

Venue: Niagara Foundation

203 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60601

T- (312) 701-0086 F- (312) 701-0087 info@niagarafoundation.org

James Wagner's Speech

James Wagner has had his share of experience in law enforcement. Among his accomplishments include working for the FBI as a special agent, earning the Chicago Chamber of Commerce for excellence in law enforcement in 1998, along with numerous other awards. He is respected internationally for fighting organized crime, and was a guest on TV news programs as an expert on crime. Currently, James Wagner is the president in the Chicago Crime Commission. (2:00 – 5:15) He begins his presentation by talking about the history of crime in Chicago. (7:00) James relates events from his book entitled Friend and Foe. According to his book, the Chicago Crime Commission was formed by 30 business men who were concerned about the problems of law enforcement. There were apparently not enough courts. And thus many cases were not being prosecuted. Many of these included murder cases. The Chicago Crime Commission found itself up against Al Capone and his gang of bootleggers, and Al Capone was the first to be known as public enemy number 1. The next part of James’s presentation focuses on more recent gangs. According to James, “organized crime evolves, organized crime is a business.” (17:57) He states that statistics show that there are around 100,000 members in Chicago gangs (12:57) today. There also seems to be a trend of gangs moving from the city to the suburbs. Another trend is gang members in the military. What happens when gang members enter the military and are trained killers because of military training? And then there are those who profit by stealing military equipment. Lastly, James covers the subject of the drug trade. He states that 93% of all opium comes from Afghanistan. According to James, Osama Bin Laden says that it is okay because the money is used to kill infidels (28:25). One can easily see what organized crime can do to a country. James in his Q & A session answers questions concerning drugs, guns, terrorism, and the criminal justice system.

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Niagara Foundation Welcomes Eboo Patel, Founder and Executive Director of Interfaith Youth Core for a Luncheon Forum!
www.ifyc.org

Theme: The Faith Line: The Need for a Different Conversation On Religion

Date: Tuesday-January 8, 2008

Reception: 12:00 p.m.

Luncheon: 12.15 p.m.

Venue: Niagara Foundation

203 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60601

T- (312) 701-0086 F- (312) 701-0087 info@niagarafoundation.org

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Niagara Foundation Welcomes Irene Bahr, President of  Illinois  State Bar Association for a Luncheon Forum.

Theme: The future of the Law and Women’s Place in the
Profession.

Date: Tuesday-December 4, 2007

Reception: 12:00 p.m.

Luncheon: 12.15 p.m.

Venue: Niagara Foundation

203 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60601

T- (312) 701-0086 F- (312) 701-0087 info@niagarafoundation.org

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Niagara Foundation Welcomes Jonathan F. Fanton, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for a Luncheon Forum.

http://www.macfound.org

Theme: “MacArthur's Commitment to International Justice”

Date: Friday-September 7, 2007

Reception: 12:00 p.m.

Luncheon: 12.15 p.m.

Venue: Niagara Foundation

203 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60601

T- (312) 701-0086 F- (312) 701-0087 info@niagarafoundation.org

Jonathan F. Fanton 's Speech

Since its foundation, Niagara Foundation dedicated itself to establish peace and dialogue condition, to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue and to build ever-lasting and strong friendship and relationship among Chicago’s very diverse set of religious, ethnic and cultural communities. Having determined to non-stop work in this aspect, Niagara Foundation again hosted a very significant player in the Chicagoland area, Mr. Jonathan F. Fanton. Jonathan F. Fanton: Mr. Fanton introduces with his view on Niagara Foundation. He discusses the role of Niagara and its correlation with the MacArthur Foundation in helping the city of Chicago better its cultural movement, celebration of diversity and improvement of education. He moved into the elements that make up the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. It was founded in 1978, by John D MacArthur. With assets of over $6 billion, MacArthur is one of the nation’s largest foundations. It makes grants and program-related investments in the United States and abroad totaling more than $225 million annually. Domestically, its programs encompass community development, housing, juvenile justice, and education, with a focus on digital media and learning. Internationally, it works in the fields of human rights and international justice, biodiversity conservation, population and reproductive health, international peace and security, and migration and human mobility. The Foundation works in 65 countries and has offices in India, Russia, Nigeria, and Mexico. The Foundation also funds public radio and television and the making of independent documentaries. The Foundation is well known for its support of exceptionally creative individuals through the MacArthur Fellows Program. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the MacArthur foundation are that they are global, national and local all at the same time. Most big companies do not have this on the local level. An estimated 20% of their annual donation goes to the city of Chicago ( Art Institute, Field Museum, Lunanegra dance theatre, neighborhood riding alliance, etc). They have a particular interest in Mayor Daley's idea of a transformation to the Chicago housing system and have funding a great deal of money to this idea. A major theme that defines the MacArthur Foundation is helping build a more just world. Mr. Fanton then hands out a copy of their annual report and discusses world problems in India, the U.S., Russia, and Africa. One of his main points is that the MacArthur Foundation is trying to build a system of international justice. To bring those who commit crimes to the forefront and to be brought to account for abusive acts around the world. Also they are set on improving human rights in countries that they have offices in. Mr. Fanton went on to give a brief background on the history of crimes against civilians and humanity, and the genocide of selective peoples or ethnic groups. He asks what can MacArthur do to help this global problem? One of the main ways in which they do their part in this question is by supporting the International Criminal Court in all ways, even in funding for the actual building. Jonathan then begins to discuss the combination of the worlds non-profit organizations to better humanity. This is why the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur foundation helps these organizations, for the betterment of humanity. Interestingly, the U.S. is not a part of this court, which makes things difficult for the MacArthur Foundation to function. Mr. Fanton does however, think that the United States will eventually join the court. He also explains that this is not the only court that exists in the idea of international crimes. There are many on the regional level as well (Africa, South America, etc). They do not usually deal with large crimes like genocide, but to be there for the individuals in those particular countries. He ends with the idea of prevention of these crimes and the world's commitment to preventing these atrocities. MacArthur is now working on providing new offices and officials for the prevention of genocide.

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Niagara Foundation Welcomes Sunny P. Chico, President of SPC Consulting, LLC for a Luncheon Forum.

Theme: Multi Cultural Education in Schools

Date: February 22, 2007

Reception: 12:00 p.m.

Luncheon: 12.30 p.m.

Venue: Niagara Foundation

203 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60601

T- (312) 701-0086 F- (312) 701-0087 info@niagarafoundation.org

Sunny P. Chico 's Speech

Sunny Chico: NF is Reducing Prejudice and Discrimination by Putting Different Cultures Together Already became a catalyst on strengthening and deepening friendships among different and various groups and communities in Chicago, Niagara Foundation’s Luncheon Forum challenging to end alleged ‘clash of civilizations’ in Chicago by continuing to host significant leaders of Chicago area so that to cause people from diverse communities to come together and get to know each other. Having stressed by many participants, some of them have met some people that didn’t really know who they are although living side-by-side for years. Certainly, Niagara Foundation’s contribution is of utmost importance to diversity of Chicago area and will always be remembered for its deeds. As announced earlier, the next speaker of the Luncheon Forum was Sunny Chico, President of SPC Consulting, LLC. Sunny Chico’s topic was entitled as ‘Multicultural Education in Schools’ and she elaborated and eloquently delivered a very comprehensive lecture to the audience. Before Sunny Chico’s speech, Kemal Oksuz, the Executive Director of Niagara Foundation presented her to the audience by stressing her rich contribution to Chicago’s multicultural education. Kemal Oksuz also noted that Niagara Foundation’s Luncheon Forum continues to enlighten Chicago’s future horizon as recently hosted Robert Grant, a special agent in charge of Chicago admitted that ‘Niagara Foundation is an excellent platform for different communities to share their culture’. Then Mr. Oksuz went on admiring and praising Sunny Chico by emphasizing her good deeds in multicultural education. In turn, Sunny Chico also admired Kemal Oksuz and his staff on an incredible job on interfaith level. “I say the same words to Kemal, his commitment, dedication and his staff’s dedication and commitment is one that I truly admire. When I see this dedication and people, I can help to get back and think what all is about and why I am here today”. Sunny Chico then went on talking about theory and practice side of multicultural education. Being an experienced master in multicultural education sphere particularly in Chicago area, Sunny Chico first gave several definitions to multicultural education. According to Sunny Chico, multicultural education is a philosophical concept embodying issues like justice, equality, freedom and foremost – compassion. Also it acknowledges human dignity and it affirms all educators to prepare their students for the complex world awaits them. Multicultural education defends the principle of which educators should take students’ background, history and experience into consideration. Because, immigrants, or students from other countries lack American experience or they have less knowledge about American classroom culture. Therefore, it is an educator’s responsibility to take all these cases into account. She lamented about her experience when she was in an elementary school in America. She spoke only Spanish and she didn’t know any single word in English. Also she was under huge pressure of discrimination as well as under depression of being misunderstood by her teachers. And thereby she decided to jump into education ‘business’ and she thanks her those years for her current self-development and the place where she is now. She concluded theoretical part of her speech by noting that a multicultural educator should understand the needs of his/her students and USA has a very long way to go. “In practice”, she argues, “Educational institutions must demand that they are culturally competent and culturally diverse”. Also curriculum materials, textbooks, materials, academic process and tests should be in line with international standards or at least in a capacity that a student should be able to learn. Teachers must commit and facilitate learning for each student regardless of how culturally different they may be. She also narrated a sad story of her when a teacher told her that she can’t be obsessed with one problematic student because she has 26 kids to be busy with so as to she claims that compassion is a key to educate and a key to be a successful multicultural educator. She told that she doesn’t work with anyone who has no compassion and she has a particular question to find out whether or not a candidate possesses compassion. According to Sunny Chico, a multicultural educator must possess the commitment to continually examine his/her personal assumptions, ambitions and biases. Also to be a multicultural leader in an education sphere, one must be in a constant process of self-evaluation and self-conversation. Later on, she complained about the problems that American teachers face. Two of them would be prejudice and discrimination. “Prejudice”, Chico claims, “significantly differs from discrimination”. “You are doing prejudice, when you don’t know facts about someone but you judge” she added. However, “when you know all those facts about the person, but still you act in the way that you are not supposed to act, and then you discriminate” she said. She also added that it is a very big problem in Chicago area and Niagara Foundation is doing an excellent job by bringing all people together and alleviating these problems. “Niagara Foundation puts all these facts together to make cultures understand themselves” she told. She appreciated how Niagara Foundation awarded her and she felt so humble that she kept asking herself what she is doing here. She then talked about her previous experiences when she first time visited Turkey. Her family and close friends told her not to go there because they thought it is not a safe place over there. But she said that one should step away from his/her first initial reaction and judge things deeply. That’s the only way we can tackle multicultural education problems of society. The speech ended up by Kemal Oksuz’s generous gift to Sunny Chico after addressing the questions. Kemal Oksuz officially closed the event after the lunch. The next luncheon forum is announced to be on 28th February, by the president of Benedictine University, William Carroll.

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Niagara Foundation Welcomes Marshall M. Bouton, President of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs for a Luncheon Forum.
www.thechicagocouncil.org

Theme: Chicago as a Global City

Date: Thursday-January 4, 2007

Reception: 12:00 p.m.

Luncheon: 12.30 p.m.

Venue: Niagara Foundation

203 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60601

T- (312) 701-0086 F- (312) 701-0087 info@niagarafoundation.org

Marshall M. Bouton's Speech
Marshall Bouton: Chicago is one of the advanced cities in the world! Niagara Foundation, Chicago based organization aiming at contributing to peace by bringing together various cultures by so many different events, hosted a very important guest in the framework of newly established “Luncheon Forums”. Marshall Bouton, the President of one of the leading think tank organizations of Chicago – “The Chicago Council on Global Affairs”, delivered a presentation entitled “Chicago as a Global City”. Stressing the importance of Chicago not only in the US but also in the world, Marshall Bouton, also emphasized the fact that Chicago is home to one of the busiest airports in the world. Emphasizing on the advantage of geographic location of Chicago, Bouton stated that the almost all trade routes to the West pass through Chicago. Bouton also noted that by 1990s, Chicago advanced in spheres of production and trade and stepped to an important level; “living standards advanced, and unemployment decreased”. Ethnic colorfulness and very loud society of our city has been enhanced for the last 30 years. Migration increased. Especially immigrants from Latin America dramatically changed the ethnic composition of Chicago. “For the last 20 years, average household income has been drastically increased” said Mr. Bouton. “Chicago and its suburbs host most of the so-called “Fortune 500” world’s biggest organizations” claimed Bouton, “Chicago has become the locomotive of Midwest of the USA for the last 20 years”. Bouton also shared his views about the future policy recommendations on making Chicago a global city. “First of all, we need to know how 21st century economy works. Then we should have links with other global cities in the world. The last but the most important, we should increase the number of qualified people and human resources with large capacity. In order to realize them, we need to make Chicago a very attractive place for those mentioned human resources.” Bouton also stated that Chicago, which has world-wide famous universities, museums, entertainment centers, is not far from above-mentioned characteristics and looking forward to becoming a global city very soon. After addressing the questions that asked by audience, the Executive Director of Niagara Foundation, Kemal Oksuz, presented a present to Marshall Bouton. After the program, vice-president of Elmhurst College James Kulich answered the questions of ZAMAN as he congratulated Niagara Foundation due to its activities and found Marshall Bouton’s presentation very useful. He noted that high college officials and some professors will have a trip to Turkey soon and in this respect, he appreciates Niagara Foundation’s efforts and thinks that they represent Turkey and Turkish culture in the best way. Mayor of Arlington Heights, Arlene J. Mulder said that they are very much informed about the Turkish community in Chicago thru Niagara Foundation and she was very much impressed about the academic background and intellectual level of speakers and participants. The Consul General of Turkey to Chicago Naci Koru, the German Consul General Wolfgang Drautz, Australian Consul General Bob Charles, French Vice-Consul Isabelle Marques Gross, Canadian Consul General Georges Rioux, Pakistan Consul General Aitzaz Ahmed, Bulgarian Consul General Ivan Sotirov, Czech Republic Consul General Marek Skolil, Elmhurst College Vice-president James Kulich, Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene J. Mulder, DePaul University Vice-president J.D. Bindenagel, Loyola University Vice-President Patrick Boyle, Daily Herald Newspaper editor Jim Slusher, Chicago International Visitor Center, Director Peggy Parfenoff, Chicago State Radio representative Jason DeRose were among important guests that attended the event. The next guest at Niagara Foundation’s Luncheon Forums will be ABC 7 TV President and General Director, Emily Barr.

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