#United States #Evanston #Kellogg School #Ann Drake #Executive Center

Kellogg School of Management Unveils New Executive Center

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University has made headlines recently with the announcement of a new state-of-the-art executive center named in honor of influential alumna, Ann McIlrath Drake. This recognition comes following Drake's remarkable philanthropic contribution of $70 million towards the establishment of the center, marking a significant moment in the school's journey toward fostering innovative learning and global engagement.

Ann Drake, a distinguished 1984 graduate of Kellogg's Executive MBA program, has long been a champion of education and women's leadership. Her generous spirit and dedication have transformed her family's warehouse and trucking business in Chicago's South Side into a leading global supply chain management firm. Under her leadership, supply chain services have evolved into critical components of successful business strategies, emphasizing the importance of good leadership in today’s corporate world.

A Visionary Leader

As a visionary leader, Drake embodies the ideals of both philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Francesca Cornelli, the Dean of the Kellogg School, stated, "Ann Drake exemplifies the bold leadership we cultivate at Kellogg. She has significantly impacted industries and empowered numerous individuals. Her indelible contributions resonate within our students and programs."

Drake's past philanthropy includes her support for scholarships, faculty development initiatives, and events like the Kellogg Global Women's Summit, which has been critical in promoting women's leadership in business. The new Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center is envisioned to be more than just a building; it is to be a hub for collaboration where industry leaders and students converge to share knowledge and experiences, ultimately enriching the overall educational landscape.

Innovative Educational Experience

The center is being designed with cutting-edge technology that integrates both in-person and virtual learning experiences. This innovative approach aims to maximize resources and provide a unique platform for interaction among faculty, students, alumni, and corporate leaders. This convergence of ideas and cultures is primarily focused on enhancing educational practices and understanding global business complexities.

Drake's aspirations for the center resonate deeply: "This project realizes a dream of mine to advance how we study, support, and inspire leadership everywhere, especially women’s leadership. Good leaders matter because they contribute to making the world a better place."

Set for completion in fall 2027, the center will serve as the heart of Kellogg's Executive MBA and Executive Education programs, shaping the next generation of leaders with a commitment to excellence and community advancement. It is a vital piece of Kellogg's Full Circle Campaign, an ambitious $600 million fundraising initiative designed to revolutionize business education for future generations.

Commitment to Women's Leadership

In addition to her influential role in supply chain management, Ann Drake's commitment to women's leadership shines through her establishment of the non-profit organization, Lincoln Road Enterprises, which aims to elevate women's leadership across various fields, including technology, engineering, and global supply chains. She is also a founder of AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education), which has become a vital community for women pursuing careers in supply chain management.

Drake's legacy at Kellogg further cemented by her position on the school's Global Advisory Board, indicates her ongoing influence and unwavering commitment to the school and its mission to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. The Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center stands poised not just as a physical structure, but as a beacon of learning, leadership, and collaborative growth for all who aspire to excel in the business world.

In summary, the Kellogg School's acknowledgment of Ann Drake through this new center symbolizes a momentous commitment to education, leadership, and community engagement, reflecting the ideals that both she and Kellogg embody. As this state-of-the-art facility begins to take shape, it promises to play a crucial role in shaping the future of business education and inspiring countless individuals to embrace leadership roles in their careers and communities.