Executive Club of Champaign County upcoming events

July 2026 Luncheon - The Ripple Effect of Leadership: Annual Legacy Lunch (16 Jul 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Lodgic Coworking, 1807 S. Neil Street, Champaign

The Ripple Effect of Leadership: Annual Legacy Lunch

Who helped shape the leader you are today—and whose leadership are you helping shape?

Join us for Executive Club's annual Ripple Effect of Leadership Lunch, a special gathering celebrating mentorship, connection, and the lasting impact we have on one another. Members are encouraged to invite someone who has influenced their journey or someone whose growth they are helping to nurture—a mentor, mentee, daughter, son, grandchild, student, colleague, emerging professional, friend, or future leader.

Together, we'll explore the lessons, experiences, and relationships that have shaped our paths while creating space to encourage and inspire those who will lead in the years ahead. Through guided conversation and shared stories, we'll reflect on what we've learned, what we wish we had known sooner, and how leadership extends far beyond titles through the ways we support, challenge, and uplift one another.

Whether you're celebrating someone who invested in you or introducing the next generation to a community of leaders, this luncheon is an opportunity to strengthen connections across generations, honor the people who have shaped our lives, and recognize the ripple effect created when we intentionally invest in others.

Because the impact of leadership is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by the lives we touch along the way.

Facilitated by Lainey Emmons

Luncheon Agenda:
11:30 am: Doors open and check-in

11:45 am: Lunch is served (catering by Blue Dragonfly)

Noon: Program starts

Luncheon Menu:

Salad bar: Fresh lettuce, Assorted vegetables, Grilled chicken, Fruit, Cottage cheese
Cucumber and onion salad
Assorted dressings
Crackers
Cookies

***Please note dietary restrictions on your registration and we will try to accommodate by informing our chef.***

Registration Information:

The location is at the Lodgic Coworking, 1807 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820

Registration includes lunch and is $25.00 for in-person members and $30.00 for in-person non-members.

The registration deadline for the luncheon is Monday, July 13, 2026 at Midnight.

No refunds or credits will be given. Registration can be transferred to another person. We often have a waiting list; please email us if you are unable to make it, and we will fill your seat: ExecutiveClubofChampaignCounty@gmail.com.

Non-Members: We love having non-members join our lunch! You are welcome to register on your own, with a current member, or email our Outreach Chair, Caitlyn Floyd to be a guest of the board!

Booked for an Evening: Book Basket Gift Exchange (22 Jul 2026)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Calling all readers, gift-givers, and lovers of a good surprise!

Join Executive Club of Champaign County and host Sharla Jolly for an evening of great food, great company, and a book-themed gift basket exchange that's sure to spark conversation and maybe even help you discover your next favorite read.

Wednesday, July 22 | 6:00 PM
Big Grove Tavern, Neil St. Room, 1 East Main, Champaign

Here's how it works:

Choose a favorite book (or one you've recently loved)

Create a gift basket inspired by that book—think themes, treats, goodies, inside jokes, or anything that captures the spirit of the story

Exchange baskets with fellow attendees and leave with a fun surprise curated by another book lover

Whether you're a lifelong reader, audiobook enthusiast, beach-read devotee, mystery solver, romance fan, or fantasy adventurer, this event is all about sharing stories and connecting through the books that have stayed with us.

We'll enjoy dinner, laughter, and plenty of conversation as we unwrap baskets, swap recommendations, and celebrate the joy of reading together.

Guests are welcome! Bring a friend and join us for a memorable summer evening filled with books, baskets, and a little literary magic.

August 2026 Luncheon: Turning Ambition into Action (20 Aug 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Lodgic Coworking, 1807 S. Neil Street, Champaign

Turning Ambition into Action

What happens when women lead authentically, with resilience and compassion? Hear how Joan Walls navigated her leadership journey and how she turned her ambition into influence and action, leading her to the role of City Manager of Champaign.

Joan Walls has served the City of Champaign for over 20 years and was appointed City Manager in December 2024. As the City’s Chief Executive Officer, she provides visionary leadership, ensuring Champaign residents receive high-quality services while fostering equity, engagement, and community trust. Joan has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the Mental Health Emergency Co-Responder Model, the BEAT on Market Street, the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint, and the creation of the Equity and Engagement Department. She also led the City’s Crisis Communication Team during COVID-19 and champions programs like the Summer Youth Employment Program and the LIFT program - Leading Individuals and Families to Transformation. Through her dedication, vision, and leadership, Joan Walls continues to make Champaign a stronger, safer, and more inclusive community.

Luncheon Agenda:

11:30 am: Doors open and check-in

11:45 am: Lunch is served (catering by Blue Dragonfly)

Noon: Program starts

Luncheon Menu: TBA

***Please note dietary restrictions on your registration and we will try to accommodate by informing our chef.***

Registration Information:

The location is at the Lodgic Coworking, 1807 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820

Registration includes lunch and is $25.00 for in-person members and $30.00 for in-person non-members.

The registration deadline for the luncheon is Monday, August 17, 2026 at Midnight.

Non-Members: We love having non-members join our lunch! You are welcome to register on your own, with a current member, or email our Outreach Chair, Caitlyn Floyd to be a guest of the board!

You’re Invited: August Wine Club--Sips & Dips-Bubbles Edition (20 Aug 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

You’re Invited: August Wine Club: Sips & Dips-Bubbles Edition

Let’s toast to the end of summer with something sparkling! Join us for a relaxed evening of bubbles, great company, and a few delicious pairings along the way.

Bring a favorite bottle of bubbly to share—and if you have a go-to dip or something that pairs well, feel free to bring it along (no pressure if you can’t). Come sip, snack, and unwind with us!

Thursday, August 20
5:00–7:00 p.m.

Osterbur Patel Wealth Management of Raymond James,
1103 W. Windsor Road, Champaign IL 61821

Hosted by Niralee Patel

We look forward to gathering, connecting, and raising a glass together. Guests of ECCC members are welcome and do not need to bring a bottle.

RSVPs are preferred by Friday, August 14th. Limited to the first 20 RSVPs.

Reminder: Please be sure to bring your wine chilled and ready to serve.

2026 ATHENA Awards Reception (22 Sep 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join Us for the 2026 ATHENA Awards Reception

Celebrate an evening of inspiration, connection, and community at the 2026 ATHENA Awards Reception on Tuesday, September 22, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Events at Refinery in Champaign.

Each year, the ATHENA Awards Reception brings together business professionals, nonprofit leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, and community members to honor extraordinary women whose leadership is making a lasting difference throughout Champaign County.

The ATHENA Leadership Award® recognizes individuals who lead with excellence, give back to their communities, and actively support and mentor others to achieve their full potential. Join us as we celebrate this year's exceptional nominees and recognize leaders who inspire positive change every day.

Your ticket includes an evening of celebration, networking, hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, and the opportunity to be part of one of Champaign County's most inspiring leadership events.

️ Tickets are on sale now! Reserve your seat today and join us in celebrating the leaders who are shaping the future of our community.

Nominate a Leader

Help us recognize the remarkable women shaping our community. Submit a nomination for the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award® and celebrate a leader whose impact deserves to be honored.

Learn More About Nominations

Become an Event Sponsor

Show your organization's commitment to advancing women in leadership while gaining meaningful visibility at one of the area's premier leadership celebrations.

View Sponsorship Opportunities

Help Shape the Future of ATHENA

Interested in becoming more involved?

We're always looking for passionate community members to serve on our:

Planning Committee – Help create an unforgettable event.
Selection Committee – Participate in the confidential process of reviewing nominations and selecting our ATHENA honorees.

To learn more, email champaignathena@gmail.com.

We look forward to celebrating with you on September 22!