Kathy Bolhous Women of Concern Chicago Honoree

Kathy Bolhous to Be Honored at 2025 Women of Concern Awards Luncheon in Chicago

Jun 4, 2025

CHICAGO – June 4, 2025 — Concern Worldwide US is proud to announce that Kathy Bolhous, Chairman and CEO of Charter Next Generation (CNG), will be honored with the 2025 Women of Concern Leadership Award for her extraordinary achievements in business and her unwavering commitment to empowering women. The award will be presented at the Women of Concern Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, June 10, at The Drake Hotel in Chicago.

The prestigious event celebrates women who lead with purpose, break barriers, and drive transformative change in their industries, communities, and for the future. A trailblazing executive who turned CNG from a $58 million enterprise into a $5 billion industry leader, Bolhous is one of the most influential women in manufacturing. This award recognizes her visionary leadership, bold approach to sustainable innovation, and dedication to advancing women in the workplace and beyond.

Outside of CNG, Bolhous leads philanthropic efforts fueled by her determination to help other women succeed. This includes her Bolhous Foundation for Women and Children, a philanthropic organization dedicated to disrupting the cycle of poverty by creating opportunity for women and girls to break through barriers and build brilliance. “I’m deeply honored to receive the Women of Concern Leadership Award and to be recognized alongside so many remarkable women who are driving change around the world,” said Bolhous. “Throughout my career, I’ve often been the first woman in the room, but I’m determined not to be the last. At Charter Next Generation, we’re committed to cultivating pathways for women to lead, innovate, and thrive. Empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s essential for building stronger businesses and communities.”

“Kathy’s story reflects the very spirit of Concern’s work - resilience, innovation, and impact,” said Colleen Kelly, CEO of Concern Worldwide US. “She’s not only a force in business, but a leader who embodies shared success and purpose-driven change. We’re honored to recognize her achievements at this year’s luncheon.”

This year’s event will spotlight Concern’s Graduation approach, a globally recognized program that helps women and girls access the resources, build the skills, and generate the income they need to break the cycle of extreme poverty.

Bolhous’ leadership style - centered on shared growth and driven by the purpose of Enhancing Lives for a Better World - beautifully mirrors the ethos of Concern’s vital work to financially empower women and their communities through improved income-generating activities, business training, and grants.

The luncheon will also feature a fireside chat between Bolhous and Gemma Allen, a Forbes contributor known for her work on women’s advancement and leadership.

Event Details:

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
The Drake Hotel, 140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL
Learn more or purchase tickets: concernusa.org/WomenOfConcernCHI

About Concern Worldwide US

Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organization committed to ending extreme poverty, whatever it takes. Operating in 25 countries, Concern works to deliver life-saving support and long-term solutions to the world’s most vulnerable communities in the hardest-to-reach places. For more information, visit www.concernusa.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Candance Patel-Taylor
VP, Communications
Concern Worldwide US
[email protected]

About Charter Next Generation

Charter Next Generation (CNG) is a recognized leader in sustainable material science solutions in North America, delivering high-performance specialty films and advanced materials for flexible packaging and other critical applications across the food, consumer goods, industrial, and healthcare markets. With 17 facilities across the U.S. and more than 2,500 employee-owners, we bring together manufacturing excellence and innovation to help address global challenges—from reducing waste and preserving food to advancing equity and promoting climate resilience. As a company with broad-based employee ownership and a proud partner of Ownership Works™, we’re committed to creating long-term, sustainable value through shared success. Visit cnginc.com, follow us on LinkedIn, or contact [email protected].