Overview
At Boeing, we know that the most enduring improvements come as the result of hard work and the vision of leaders who find new ways to make the world a better place. We think of these leaders as "game changers." Game-changing leaders are capable of breathing new life into our communities, fostering what is best in all of us and uniting diverse groups to work to bring about lasting systemic changes. They see our problems in new ways, take risks, and, as a result, develop new solutions. In 2007 Boeing Chicago Global Corporate Citizenship inaugurated an annual award, the Boeing "Game Changer" Award, to recognize Chicago-area community leaders who serve diverse and disadvantaged communities and are new and/or new in their position and/or are initiating a new diversity program or undertaking. That same year, the Game Changer program received Boeing's Global Diversity and Compliance Process Improvement Team Award, an enterprise-wide recognition by Employee Diversity and Employee Rights. Boeing Chicago/Gary employees are eligible to submit a nomination. Click here to download the nomination form. Please email or fax completed nomination forms to ChicagoGlobalCorpCitizenship@boeing.com or 312-544-2077.
2010 Winner
The 2010 Game Changer Award was presented to Jim Alexander of Illinois Action for Children. Alexander was recognized for his leadership in fostering healthy and well-nurtured children throughout the state. Since August 2009, he has served as vice president of Strategic Planning and Execution for the IAFC, a nonprofit agency that provides social services and advocacy support in early care and education to Illinois families.
Rick Stephens, senior vice president, Human Resources and Administration, presented the award to Alexander during Leadership Greater Chicago's annual gala at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on April 15. "Jim is someone who unites diverse groups to look at problems in new ways, takes risks and, as a result, works toward lasting systemic changes in a community," Stephens said as he presented the award to a surprised and speechless Alexander, who was not notified of the honor in advance. "He was selected for his broad-sighted vision for change, his mentoring of the next generation of leaders and his ability to execute on that vision. Simply stated, Jim Alexander is a Game Changer."
In 2007, the Game Changer program received Boeing's Global Diversity and Compliance Process Improvement Team Award, an enterprise-wide recognition given by Global Diversity and Employee Rights.
Award Categories and Nominee Eligibility
The award is a $100,000 grant to the organization the community leader represents, to be used to fund a diversity project or organizational development. The nominee must be in a mentoring relationship with an up-and-coming leader of color in his/her organization.
The vice president of Global Corporate Citizenship accepts nominations from Chicago-area community leaders, philanthropy colleagues and Boeing Chicago/Gary employees.
Submission and Review Process
- Nominations are accepted beginning in August
- Deadline for submissions is September 30
- Nomination reviews occur in November
- Winner is announced in February
Categories
Award nominees (and the organization he/she represents) must engage in one of five focus areas* in which Boeing makes outcomes-based grants:
- Education
- Early Learning
- Primary/Secondary Education
- Arts and Culture
- Civic
- Environment
- Health and Human Services
* Note: This award is rotated through the five Focus Areas. In 2011 only Civic and Environment organizations are eligible.
Nominee Eligibility
- Nominee must serve in one of Boeing's five focus areas.
- Must be new or new in current position and specifically serves diverse and underserved communities or is a new leader initiating a new diversity program/undertaking.
- Must have a proven track record and demonstrate leadership attributes.
- Nominee and/or organization must demonstrate effective business and financial controls; promote integrity; show commitment to and take advantage of diversity; and create an environment of respect and inclusion.
2008 Winner
The second Game Changer Award was presented to Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director Ashley C. Wheater in a surprise presentation that took place on stage at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago, at the Dec. 18 opening night performance of "The Nutcracker." The award recognizes Wheater's efforts to teach children, especially those from Chicago Public Schools and underrepresented communities, the whole concept of dance -- not just the steps and moves, but also the history, culture, science and math skills that combine to create the dancer's experience. Wheater's key initiative is launching and leading the Academy of Dance, Official School of the Joffrey Ballet, which opened the preceding Monday.
"We think of leaders like Ashley as 'game changers,'" Global Corporate Citizenship vice president Anne Roosevelt said. "They breathe new life into our communities, unite diverse groups to work to bring about lasting systemic changes, and foster what is best in all of us. Ashley Wheater is committed to furthering The Joffrey's hallmark of acknowledging that individual and cultural differences enrich his company."
2007 Winner
The first Game Changer Award was presented in 2007 By Boeing Chief Financial Officer James Bell (right) to Cheryle Jackson, president and chief executive officer of the Chicago Urban League, at the Urban League's 46th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner on Nov. 3. Her high energy, laser-like focus and dedication have made a huge difference in the Urban League's course and direction since she has taken the helm--and helped take its game to a whole new level.