PONDER DIVERSITY GROUP

Chicago, IL - September 9, 2024 - Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG) is excited to announce that its President, CEO, and General Counsel, Anita Ponder, has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a Notable Leader in Accounting,Consulting, & Law. This prestigious honor from a leading publication in the business world underscores the exceptional dedication and achievements of Ms.Ponder and her team.

Crain’s Chicago Business is a mainstay in the business world that is renowned for its annual lists that highlight influential figures and firms. This special recognition is a testament to the hard work, accomplishments, and dedication of Ms. Ponder and her legal and consulting team, as well as their professional network and clients in the public and private sectors who are strongly committed to facilitating inclusive and legally defensible procurement and employment practices. Ms. Ponder thanks Crain’s Chicago Business for this distinguished honor, stating that she is “inspired to continue striving for excellence in the legal profession and making a significant impact in the Chicago community and nationwide.”

Ms. Ponder’s selection is a result of her exemplary leadership at PDG, the only Black-woman-owned legal and consulting firm in Illinois committed to facilitating inclusive and legally defensible procurement and employment practices for government agencies, corporations, and nonprofits nationwide. Her illustrious career includes partnerships at top national law firms,including Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB) and Seyfarth Shaw,where she led their local government contracts practices. She has developed and implemented diversity initiatives for the governments of Illinois, Chicago and more. Anita has also represented and/or served on the boards of top minority and women’s business organizations in Chicago, including the Chicago Foundation for Women, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council/Women’s Business Development Center, the National Association of Women Business Owners, and the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. Currently, she is scheduled to relaunch the award-winning Government Contractors Business Forum (GCBF) in 2025; the GCBF hosted over 500government contractors and corporate executives, and was initially formed and chaired by Ms. Ponder prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Ponder also served on the local corporate board of National City Bank which is now named PNC Bank, one of the largest banks in the United States.

Crain’s noted PDG’s most significant engagement in recent years, wherein PDG represented the State of Washington as its Social Equity in Cannabis contractor.During this engagement, Ms. Ponder and PDG developed an online cannabis retail license application process for social equity applicants who were arrested and/or incarcerated due to drug laws and reside in disproportionately impacted areas.  This program is noted to be one of the most successful social equity in cannabis programs to date nationwide.PDG has also represented the State of Illinois, increasing the diversity of State vendors by conducting nationwide research on best diversity practices and recommending additional requirements for State regulations. Anita Ponder also drafted a comprehensive Code of Conduct for the Chicago’s Department of Aviation to help facilitate the compliance of its employees and vendors to the City’s ethics and personnel policies, procedures and regulations.

Commissioner Bruce Montgomery of the State of Illinois Commission on Equity & Inclusion praised Ms. Ponder, stating, “In the legal landscape, Anita Ponder shines as a catalyst for change. Her award-winning career has seen unwavering advocacy for workplace and supplier diversity. Her commitment to clients has shaped the legal terrain and uplifted marginalized communities. By championing diversity, Anita has dismantled barriers—her legacy is one of empowerment, equity, and lasting impact.”

To read the Crain’s announcement about Anita Ponder and other notable industry leaders, please visit: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/notables/crains-notable-leaders-accounting-consulting-and-law-2024.

About Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG):

Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG) is a leading legal consultancy committed to facilitating inclusive and legally defensible procurement and employment practices nationwide in the public and private sectors. With a mission to drive transformative change, PDG partners with organizations across sectors to cultivate inclusive cultures, advance equitable practices, and foster diverse talent pipelines. Led by esteemed Chicago attorney Anita Ponder, PDG combines legal expertise and consulting experience with a passion for social equity to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions and best practices that promote diversity and empower communities.

For further information about the services provided by PDG, please contact:

Anita Ponder, Ponder Diversity Group LLC,Willis Tower 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 9305 Chicago, Illinois 60606APONDER@PDG-LAW.COM 312.530.7988

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