Executive Club of Champaign County Presents:
Balancing Passion and Purpose: Leadership, Growth, and Building a Legacy
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: I Hotel, Lincoln Room
What does it take to balance passion and purpose while leading across diverse industries? Kara Demirjian Huss, a visionary entrepreneur and corporate leader, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of leadership, from founding and growing DCC Marketing to driving innovation in clean energy and manufacturing at TCCI.
This talk will provide a behind-the-scenes look at Kara’s journey of building a multi-million-dollar marketing agency from the ground up and helping to shape her family’s global manufacturing company into a leader in sustainability and innovation. Kara will share how to align ambition with purpose, embrace change, and foster meaningful partnerships in work, community, and life. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your leadership journey, this session will leave you inspired to lead with intention and impact.
Kara Demirjian Huss is a dynamic leader and innovator in electric vehicle technology, marketing, and community development. As Senior Vice President of TCCI Manufacturing, she spearheads advancements in sustainable technology, highlighted by the development of the Illinois EV Innovation Hub. She is also the Founder and President of DCC Marketing, a certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE/WBENC), known for impactful campaigns in workforce development and clean energy advocacy. A recognized thought leader, Kara has contributed to national policy, including EPA standards for heavy-duty vehicles, and holds numerous leadership roles, such as Vice President of the Illinois Manufacturers Association Board. Her dedication to education and equity has earned her accolades like the 2024 Novak Mission Impact Award and recognition among the Top 50 Most Influential Women by Fighting Illini Athletics. Kara holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Luncheon Agenda:
11:30 am: Check-in
11:45 am: Lunch is served
Noon: Program starts
Registration Information:
This event will be hosted in person and via Zoom. The location is at the I Hotel, 1900 South First Street, Champaign, IL 61820.
Registration for in-person members is $25.00 and includes lunch.
The registration deadline for the luncheon is Monday, February 17, 2025. Refunds can also be issued up until this date.
Cancelation and Refunds:
If payment is not received by Monday, February 17, 2025, or a cancellation hasn't been made, attendees are responsible for the luncheon fee. If you need to cancel your registration, please get in touch with Treasurer Shari Fox.
Non-Members: If you are not a member of ECCC and wish to attend as a guest, please register with the Outreach Chair, Susan Toalson-McGinty.