EP 82 - Meet Melissa Donaldson, SVP, Chief Diversity Officer of Wintrust Financial Corporation

I Choose the Ladder

In this episode you meet, Melissa Donaldson. Melissa Donaldson, a self-described business leader with a heart for human capital, is the first chief diversity officer at Wintrust and responsible for developing diversity and inclusion strategies for increasing competitive advantage while positioning Wintrust as an employer of choice and responsible corporate citizen. The heart of her practice is that advancing diversity, equity and inclusion should be business-owned and leader-led to promote shared responsibility in action. A direct report to the CEO, Melissa established the ubiquitous “One Wintrust” masthead as a unifying guidepost. Noted accomplishments include: establishing the annual executive diversity forum assembly of top senior executives, co-designed 360°Inclusivity multicultural segment framework, launched Paired to Win hybrid mentorship- sponsorship program targeting underrepresented leaders, regular Board of Directors engagement, and contributor to ESG reporting. Prior to joining Wintrust, Melissa led inclusion practices as a director with both Walgreens and CDW LLC, which received the Exemplary Voluntary Efforts Award from the U.S. Department of Labor in 2008. Skilled in communications, strategic planning, stakeholder management and innovative high-impact programming, Melissa is a versatile change agent who enjoys collaborating with internal and external partners to drive results. Crain’s Chicago Business named Melissa among Top Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Executives and Most Influential Women in Commercial Banking. Chicago United selected Melissa to the esteemed 2021 Business Leaders of Color, to name a few of her accolades. Melissa is a Leadership Greater Chicago Daniel Burnham Fellow, and member of the Economic Club of Chicago, and The Links, Incorporated. A prolific writer and speaker, she has contributed to numerous industry publications, conferences, podcasts, radio and other media outlets. Melissa holds an MSC from Northwestern University, MSA from Central Michigan University, and a BS Wright State University Raj Soin College of Business. She has guest lectured at Northwestern University and serves on a variety of boards and councils. Some of the things we discussed that stood out to me were: - Following the steps that you think you are supposed to when make career choices. - How a layoff shifted her perspective on being left behind professionally. - Understanding your path and the ability to cheer on the success of others without envy. Enjoy!