EVENT

The Cara Gala
presented by Loop Capital

May 15, 2026
The Geraghty

Our Signature Event

The Cara Gala presented by Loop Capital is an opportunity for our community to come together in celebration of our mission, while uplifting and recognizing partners who are working to build a more inclusive economy for Chicago and beyond. This dinner event is attended by more than 650 leaders from the civic, philanthropic, nonprofit, and public sectors.

Date

Friday, May 15

Time

6:00 – 11:00 pm CT

Venue

The Geraghty, 2520 S. Hoyne, Chicago

Event Galleries Are Now Available!

Click the links below for photos of our Cara Gala and Step n Repeat festivities.

2026 Cara Gala

2026 Step and Repeat

Relive Our Event!

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Remarks

Mayor Brandon Johnson opens with a message on the power of partnership. Cara Collective is a guiding light in workplace equity, inspiring innovative reentry initiatives.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Remarks

Mayor Brandon Johnson opens with a message on the power of partnership. Cara Collective is a guiding light in workplace equity, inspiring innovative reentry initiatives.

Cara Collective | Let’s Get to Work

For more than 35 years, Cara Collective has helped job seekers join their potential with opportunities. Our unwavering pursuit of workplace equity has created a vibrant, united community. Together, we continue to build pathways out of poverty and toward lasting success.

President & CEO’s Remarks

President & CEO Karin Norington-Reaves provides a moving, personal example of the importance of hope. Hope for a better future is at the heart of Cara Collective’s mission. Karin’s story reminds us that with belief and dedication, we are emboldened to create change.

Trailblazer Award: Goldman Sachs

In 2004, Goldman Sachs partnered with Cara Collective to plant the seeds that grew into Cara Cleanslate. We are honored to recognize their contributions to Cara with the 2026 Trailblazer Award.

Remarks of Gratitude

Chief external affairs officer, Tara Harper, expressed gratitude for the support of Loop Capital and our abundance of transformation and opportunity sponsors. Their help facilitates Cara Collective’s work.

Distinguished Alumni Award

This year, Seun Ajayi was honored as the 2026 Jesse Teverbaugh Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Since beginning his transformation as a participant, Seun has continued to embody the courage Cara Collective instills in participants.

Seun’s Story

2026 Jesse Teverbaugh Distinguished Alumni honoree, Seun Ajayi, had a rough beginning. From childhood, his challenges in Nigeria inspired the courage that brought him first to the United States and then to Cara Collective. We are emboldened by Seun’s story to continue creating transformations.

Owens Family Closing Remarks

Katie Owens-Mulcahy from our founding family expressed gratitude for Cara Collective’s staff and supports for continuing her family’s legacy. Cara Collective is sustained by the framework created by the Owens family.