Diane Primo

CEO of @Purpose_Brand | Co-Chairman @Primo_Center
ESG impact leader, marketing expert, mother, and avid supporter of women in business and women in tech

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

One of my favorite things about Chicago is the way this city shows up for one another.

Reading about this year's Pride Parade, one story stayed with me: a volunteer offering “Free Mom Hugs” to people who simply needed to feel seen.

Events like Pride remind us that our greatest strength isn't just in celebrating our differences, it's in creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

Congratulations to @kmitch and Kofi Amoo-Gottfried, fellow @TheofficialBECA members, for being named to the 2026 @Forbes World's Most Influential CMOs list.

This recognition reminds us that influence is not just about visibility, but about building trust, shaping culture, inspiring teams, and driving meaningful business results.

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

Happy 20th birthday to the @CTA Pink Line!

For 20 years, it's connected Chicagoans to jobs, schools, families and new opportunities.

I also love that the Pink Line got its name through a student essay contest. Here's to two decades of keeping Chicago moving.

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

Yesterday, the @purpose_brand team toured the Thompson Center, and I couldn't help but reflect on how much has changed since redevelopment began in 2024. As a Chicagoan, it's been incredible to watch this iconic landmark evolve while honoring its history.

Proud that my firm has had the opportunity to support a project helping shape Chicago's future.

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

I've always believed the best way to understand Chicago is on foot. Every walk reveals something new, whether it's along DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Drexel Boulevard, or a street I've never explored before.

Reading about the first person to run every street in Chicago made me wonder: what if I tried to walk them all?

What's your favorite street to walk in #Chicago?

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

The Midwest’s transportation assets are no longer operating in silos. From O'Hare's terminal upgrades to cargo expansions in Gary and Milwaukee, our region is building a hyper-connected infrastructure neural network.

True economic growth means turning competition into collaboration. ✈️🛣️

#ChicagoTransit #ORD #Midwest

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

Last week, @BarackObama recalled driving to Jackson Park at age 23 to begin his community organizing in Chicago. We're grateful he found his purpose here and chose to continue this task at the @ObamaFoundation Presidential Center.

With 19 acres featuring a sports complex, playground, public library, garden, and walking path, the campus invites Chicagoans and visitors alike to engage in what our country has to offer and how it calls us to respond.

At the opening celebration, Obama said he wanted its elements to reflect ourselves and our hard work. It's a story that deepens in the telling, and the Obama Presidential Center tells it masterfully.

#ObamaCenter #SouthSide #Community

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

People in crisis need real help. Proud to work with TASC on their new overdose prevention campaign! For 50 years, they’ve stood at the intersection of health & justice. Chicago is mobilizing real solutions. Thanks to all the advocates leading the way!

https://t.co/mi5e5BNz6I

#StayReady #OverdosePrevention

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

Juneteenth invites us to reflect on history and community. I'm grateful for the mentors, colleagues, friends and civic leaders who continue to challenge assumptions, broaden understanding and inspire progress.

How have your community changed your view of the world?

#Juneteenth

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

Loved touring the new Thrive Exchange apartments in South Shore with Anthony Simpkins & Janice Crawford of @NHSChicago! Pegged to 100%, 60% & 30% AMI and steps from the Metra, this is the "missing middle" housing Chicago needs. 🏘️🚆

Incredible to hear from @LeonWalker of @DL3Realty, Ald. Greg Mitchell on the 7th Ward's progress, and Graham Grady on land use. Truly impressed by this partnership!

#AffordableHousing

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

The annual Women in the Forefront luncheon is always energizing! @TheChicagoNetwork deserves substantial credit for our city's peerless role in supporting women leaders.

Great sharing perspectives with Ann McIlrath Drake, @Fran_DeBiase, Maria Doughty, Melissa Washington @ComEd and Nadalie Bosse @grainger while taking in @HillaryClinton's insights.

#WomenInTheForefront

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

Big news for Chicago’s neighborhoods: Two major investments in community wealth building.
1️⃣ Applications are open for the HomeGrown Purchase Assistance program, with @NHSChicago & @TRP_Chicago experts helping buyers secure downpayment grants.
2️⃣ A $23M transit-oriented, mixed-use development was just greenlit in Auburn Gresham.

These aren’t just housing initiatives—they are investments in neighborhood stability, economic opportunity and inclusive growth. Proud to see Chicago championing homeownership! 📈

#UrbanEquity

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

"All you are is what you love."

I was fortunate to hear jazz master Wynton Marsalis in conversation with my dear friend @NadiaRawlinson (@chicagosky). He reminded us that at its best, jazz teaches improvisation, collaboration, and respect—where musicians actively listen for the quietest player.

He shared a story of watching his father play with total excellence in an empty room late at night. No audience, no recognition, just pure craft.

It’s a lesson for business and leadership: true integrity is staying committed to your purpose and excellence regardless of the applause.

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

We owe each other the grace to have honest conversations about affordability. @BrookingsMetro just released a vital report looking at how making ends meet varies across the country. The bottom line? The crisis is widespread, and in every single state, it hits households of color the hardest.

No single solution will fix the math for wages, housing, and child care all at once. Dig into the data and let's get to work:

https://t.co/WjBfvP1IGA

#EconomicDevelopment

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

At @mcachicago’s “Dancing the Revolution.” The takeaway: true innovation starts as grassroots resistance, not in boardrooms. You can’t borrow an aesthetic without respecting the social forces that built it.

How are grassroots reshaping mainstream narratives today? 👇 #ChicagoArts

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

Quantum isn’t just a future concept—it’s happening right now in Chicago. Great piece by @P33Chicago’s Brad Henderson in @CrainsChicago.

The best part? The real-world impact:
✅ 750 new @IBM jobs
✅ A world-class tech park on the South Side
✅ Direct pathways via @CityCollegesChi
Advanced tech + equitable growth. Only in Chicago. 👇

https://t.co/3qU6NaKzA0

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

A morning walk down Michigan Ave sets my workday in motion. Plus it lowers stress, boost screativity and improves cardiovascular health. Never underestimate the power of 20 minutes on foot!🦶🦶

How do you clear your head before a busy day? 👇

#Chicago #Wellness #Multitasking

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

The @chicagosky roster strategy under @NadiaRawlinson is a masterclass: blending veteran resilience with young talent. As @LaraAbrash notes, competitive sports are the ultimate incubator for female CEOs. When we invest in women's sports, we build the C-suite. Let's go Sky! 🏀🏙️

https://t.co/NNGh28f7zn #WNBA

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

Now @KimberlyStorin is rebuilding the @Zoom publicity model with an AI search SWAT team, shifting from traditional PR to algorithmic authority. Brilliant strategy.

The new test of brand relevance: When people ask AI about your category, how do you show up?

https://t.co/EQp8Frwkzh

#AIOptimization

[Diane Primo @DianePrimo]

The Midwest is racing to become a top data center hub, but the real story is power. Without responsible, reliable grid infrastructure, tech investments will simply go elsewhere. Sustainability is an economic mandate. https://t.co/9ZkvU5oAqS #EnergyTransition #DataCenters