This Notables section features 56 LGBTQ executives and 10 companies that champion diversity. A number of the honorees work for or support leading advocacy organizations, including AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Center on Halsted, Chicago House & Social Service Agency, Equality Illinois and Howard Brown Health.

Some of the attorneys on the list represent gay clients in employment or family law matters. Others have handled asylum cases for clients who were persecuted in their home countries. They help advance colleagues through the LGBT Bar Association and other legal forums.

These Notables are working at small businesses and large corporations, arts organizations and nonprofits. Typically, they started or sponsor employee resource groups and serve on diversity and inclusion councils with an eye to breaking down the barriers that keep LGBTQ people from advancing to leadership positions. And they mentor colleagues informally or in structured settings to help them get ahead.

The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in June that civil rights law protects gay and transgender employees from discrimination pleases this cohort of Notables and the broader community that advocates equality.

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Rich Sypniewski heads boutique management consultancy Sagin, an LGBTQ-certified business. The consultancy specializes in IT managed services, organizational development, recruiting and risk management. Clients have included ComEd, Dell, Hyatt, Loyola Medicine and Second City. During the pandemic, the firm has retained its staff and expanded into online training and education as well as reselling technology hardware and software. It also has offered crisis management consulting to help clients navigate the pandemic and its fallout. The consultancy contributes 15 percent of its profits to causes in equality, education and the environment. Two years ago, Sypniewski launched CityLvn, an online ticketing platform that links consumers to merchants that provide events, tours and classes. He serves as treasurer of the Pride Arts Center and also provides guidance to LGBTQ startups.

SAGIN, LLC is a professional services firm which provides services in consulting, technology and talent management. If you would like to learn more about these solutions you can contact us at: +1.312.281.0290 or info@saginllc.com. Also visit us at www.saginllc.com