PONDER DIVERSITY GROUP

Chicago, IL - March 17, 2025 - Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG), a leading legal consultancy in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies, was recently recognized by the State of Illinois during its Black History Month Business Recognition Event, which was held to celebrate the outstanding achievements of emerging businesses in Illinois. The Black History Month Business Recognition Event was spearheaded by Commissioner Bruce Montgomery of the State of Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI),who presented our firm’s CEO and General Counsel, Anita J. Ponder, with a proclamation from Governor JB Pritzker.

As a a specialty boutique consulting and law firm located at the Willis Tower, PDG is proud to be among the local firms recognized by CEI and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)’s Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OEEE), which are committed to providing fair access to employment and contracting opportunities to minorities, women,persons with disabilities, and veterans.

PDG and its CEO and staff have proudly represented the State of Illinois, City of Chicago, County of Cook, and other local and nationwide agencies for decades, assisting with significant legal and consulting engagements while showing an unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive employment and business environments. This public recognition by the State of Illinois serves as an acknowledgment of the firm’s longstanding portfolio of professional, legal, and philanthropic services which significantly impact marginalized communities across the country. PDG extends its sincere gratitude to Governor Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias—not only for this honor, but for recognizing the many challenges faced by small businesses and championing diversity,entrepreneurship, and business development in Illinois. Their resolute leadership and support during these difficult times for the Illinois government contracting community—and for our nation as a whole—are highly commendable.

“It is an incredible honor to receive this Proclamation from the State of Illinois and Governor JB Pritzker during Black History Month, recognizing the outstanding achievements of emerging businesses, including our specialty boutique law firm. This recognition is especially meaningful during such challenging times for diverse businesses, as we navigate a divisive political climate, more limited contract opportunities and a nationwide controversy surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Despite these obstacles, were main steadfast in our mission to advance supplier diversity, promote equitable workplace practices, and empower marginalized communities to thrive in the government contracting arena. This Proclamation reaffirms the importance of our work and strengthens our resolve to continue advocating for fairness,opportunity, and inclusion in all sectors.”

—Anita Ponder, CEO & General Counsel, Ponder Diversity Group LLC

To read more about the DCEO's Black History Month celebrations, please visit: https://gov.illinois.gov/news/press-release.30896.html

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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 60606

APONDER@PDG-LAW.COM

312.530.7988