Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow Financial Empowerment Summit (BWTT) 2025
Sat, Oct 4, 2025, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm CT
UIC Forum
1213 S Halsted
Chicago, IL 60607, United States (US)
About the Event
It’s time to build wealth, Chicago. 💸 Everything you need for financial success is here under one roof—for one special day only!
Join us October 4th, 2025, at the UIC Forum for the 5th Annual Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow (BWTT) Financial Empowerment Summit!
Dive into expert-led workshops on financial planning, homeownership, entrepreneurship, credit & money management, retirement planning, investing, growing an online brand, and more. Plus, wealth wisdom from celebrity keynotes!
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to empower your financial future. 🚀
See you there! Free parking available with validation. Complimentary lunch and free professional portraits will also be available on-site.
Learn more and revisit the excitement of past years at chicagocitytreasurer.com/bwtt
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Main Stage Schedule
10:10 am | Welcome to BWTT 2025
Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin opens the Summit with a powerful message of financial empowerment, setting the tone for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration.
10:20 am | Scholarship Recognition 2025
The Chicago Treasurer’s Office proudly awards 10 outstanding high school students with $5,000 scholarships to support their college education. These young leaders embody achievement, service, and the spirit of building wealth for tomorrow. Join us in celebrating their success and bright futures!
11:00 – 11:45 am | Breaking Barriers: Women Leading On and Off the Court
Be inspired by our dynamic conversation on female leadership with Renee Montgomery (Co-Owner and VP, WNBA Atlanta Dream), Karen Leetzow (President, Chicago Stars FC), Sharí Nycole (ESSENCE), and more.
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm | Building Wealth Fireside Chat with Chicago Rapper and Actor, Common
Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist, actor, and activist Common discusses creativity, purpose, and financial empowerment in a one-on-one conversation with Chicago Treasurer, Melissa Conyears-Ervin.
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm | Wealth Conversations with George Kamel
Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin will sit down with George Kamel, personal finance expert and Ramsey Solutions personality, for an engaging conversation on building long-term wealth. Together, they will explore practical strategies for managing money, eliminating debt, and creating a financial roadmap that secures your future. This main stage session will offer approachable insights and real-world advice to help you take control of your finances and build wealth today for tomorrow.
2:00 – 2:45 pm | Serving Up the Future, Innovation in Business featuring Damola Adamolekun, CEO Red Lobster
Join this candid conversation that explores how Adamolekun guided Red Lobster through financial challenges by blending tradition with transformation, leveraging technology, and re-imagining customer experiences.
3:00 – 3:45 pm | Black & Hispanic Spending Power with Peter O. Estévez & James Ramos
Industry leaders Peter O. Estévez and James Ramos discuss the influence and opportunities within Black and Hispanic communities, highlighting strategies for wealth-building and economic growth.
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Breakout Sessions Schedule
Homeownership – Room D
10:30 am – Comprender Es Tu Poder (Knowledge is Power) Tu Guia Para Comprar Casa (Your Guide to Buying a House); hosted by RATE
11:30 am – Making Homeownership Possible for the First Time, hosted by Old National Bank
12:30 pm – Your Money at Work – Home Buying Simplified, hosted by BMO
1:30 pm – Estate Planning – Wells Fargo
2:30 pm – Buy Your First Multi-Unit in 90 Days with less than $10k, Even If Your Credit Ain’t Perfect; hosted by Jasmine Hagan @shetalksmillions
Homeownership – Events Center – 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Money Matters Institute and The Resurrection Project present: The Home Stretch – Your Financial Jumpstart to Owning a Home. Calling all aspiring homebuyers! Join us for a special workshop designed to help you move from dream to doorstep. Gain the tools, guidance, and confidence you need—no matter where you are on your journey. Spots are limited and pre-registration is required. Click here to register today!
Small Business and Entrepreneurship – Room E
10:30 am – Marketing in a Digital World; hosted by Chase
11:30 am – Banking on Your Business: Unlocking Capital & Financial Tools; hosted by US Bank
12:30 pm – Removing Barriers in Underserved Communities; hosted by Old National Bank
1:30 pm – Supercharge Your Wealth Through Entrepreneurship; hosted by State Farm
2:30 pm – Real Talk: A Panel with Chicago Entrepreneurs hosted by Joseph Business School
Credit & Money Management – Room F
10:30 am – Money Matters Institute presents Maximizing Social Security; hosted by KimCo International, Inc.
11:30 am – Credit 101; hosted by TransUnion
12:30 pm – Investing is for Everyone; hosted by Chase
1:30 pm – Small Business Access to Capital; hosted by Huntington Bank
2:30 pm – Supercharge Your Wealth Through Life Insurance; hosted by State Farm
*Session times and locations subject to change.
Location
UIC Forum
1213 S Halsted
Chicago, IL 60607, United States (US)
Date and Time
Sat, Oct 4, 2025, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm CT
Sales Ended
Organizer
Chicago Treasurer’s Office
The Treasurer’s Office is committed to fulfilling this mission in a highly professional and ethical manner, while striving for transparency, efficiency, and preservation of public trust.
The Office of the City Treasurer serves as the banker, investor and custodian of public funds for the City of Chicago and the four City of Chicago employee pension funds. As the City’s investor, the Treasurer’s office oversees a $9 billion portfolio designed to protect and grow the city’s investments.
The Treasurer seeks to do more than simply earn money for the city; she seeks to positively impact the individual lives of Chicago residents in every neighborhood. The Office equitably promotes financial empowerment and small business growth in Chicago’s neighborhoods, working to ensure that every community has the tools it needs to develop and sustain its small businesses. The Office seeks to provide valuable services to citizens through research, best practices in financial management, and transparent, data-driven decision-making.
The City Treasurer has three main functions:
- Banker: The City Treasurer is responsible for maintaining all records and accounts associated with the City’s operating funds, as well as the escrow accounts held with various trustee banks.
- Investor: The City Treasurer is the Chief Investment Officer for the City and is responsible for managing the City’s investment portfolio.
- Advocate: The City Treasurer is authorized to conduct educational programs, provide counseling, and disseminate information regarding financial education, small business support, and access to banking for residents of the City.
Organizer
Chicago Treasurer’s Office
The Treasurer’s Office is committed to fulfilling this mission in a highly professional and ethical manner, while striving for transparency, efficiency, and preservation of public trust.
The Office of the City Treasurer serves as the banker, investor and custodian of public funds for the City of Chicago and the four City of Chicago employee pension funds. As the City’s investor, the Treasurer’s office oversees a $9 billion portfolio designed to protect and grow the city’s investments.
The Treasurer seeks to do more than simply earn money for the city; she seeks to positively impact the individual lives of Chicago residents in every neighborhood. The Office equitably promotes financial empowerment and small business growth in Chicago’s neighborhoods, working to ensure that every community has the tools it needs to develop and sustain its small businesses. The Office seeks to provide valuable services to citizens through research, best practices in financial management, and transparent, data-driven decision-making.
The City Treasurer has three main functions:
- Banker: The City Treasurer is responsible for maintaining all records and accounts associated with the City’s operating funds, as well as the escrow accounts held with various trustee banks.
- Investor: The City Treasurer is the Chief Investment Officer for the City and is responsible for managing the City’s investment portfolio.
- Advocate: The City Treasurer is authorized to conduct educational programs, provide counseling, and disseminate information regarding financial education, small business support, and access to banking for residents of the City.
