Journeys in Leadership

Steve Hamilton

Founder of both SD Wheel and The Hamilton Collection

Jan. 21 | 12:20 p.m.
Lisle, Goodwin 411

Steve Hamilton is the Founder of both SD Wheel and The Hamilton Collection. His journey began with humble roots, working from age 14 in the fast food industry to help his family. At 19, he started SD Wheel from his parents’ apartment, building it into one of the nation’s leading wheel and tire companies. This success enabled him to establish The Hamilton Collection, a renowned assemblage of supercars valued at over $30 million.

While his story reflects determination and entrepreneurial spirit, Steve offers grounded, practical advice. He emphasizes that a college degree remains vital for most high-level careers and encourages strategic planning for education and mentorship. He believes in building a strong foundation of experience before venturing into business.

An emerging voice in the automotive community, Steve collaborates with top creators and uses his platform to give back. Through The Hamilton Collection, he focuses on philanthropy, community, and empowering the next generation in school, work, and life.

President Z Scott

President, Chicago State University

March 18 | 12:20 p.m.
Lisle, Goodwin 411

Zaldwaynaka (“Z”) Scott, JD, became the 12th permanent president of Chicago State University on July 1, 2018. President Scott has served as a transformative and visionary leader at Chicago State University, guiding the institution through a period of historic renewal and strategic growth. As the only four- U.S. Department of Education-designated Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in Illinois, CSU has flourished under her leadership—embracing a bold new direction as a regional public university powerhouse.

President Scott has championed a forward-looking mission grounded in academic excellence, ethical leadership, and innovation. A national voice for equity in higher education, President Scott co-founded the National Coalition of Predominantly Black Institutions of Higher Education, helping to launch the first-ever Congressional PBI Caucus. In Illinois, she convened and co-chaired the Equity Working Group, a cross-sector body focused on improving Black student access and success in higher education. The group’s recommendations have been cited in the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois, and codified in the legislation that created the Illinois Commission on Equitable Public University Funding—underscoring her impact on shaping policy at the state and national levels.

President Scott has been named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ Most Powerful Women in Chicago Business (2018), a Notable Leader in Education (2023–2025), and a Notable Black Leader (2024). Her distinguished legal career has earned her national recognition in Chambers and Partners USA, Best Lawyers in America, Illinois Super Lawyers, and Leading Lawyers, among others.

President Scott earned her Juris Doctor from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In recognition of her exceptional career in public service and leadership, the Maurer School of Law honored her with its Distinguished Service Award in 2012 and inducted her into its Alumni Hall of Fame in 2019.

Mike Adkesson

President and CEO, Brookfield Zoo

April 29 | 12:20 p.m.
Lisle, Goodwin 411

Dr. Adkesson is a renowned leader in the care of zoo animals and the conservation of wildlife. He is a passionate advocate on the importance of modern zoos and aquariums as a means for inspiring societal compassion and concern for wildlife and nature.

As President & CEO, Dr. Adkesson is committed to building upon the rich history of one of the world’s preeminent zoos. He is focused on maintaining leadership in animal care and welfare, inspiring conservation awareness in the next generation of people from all backgrounds, and transforming the Zoo’s campus with innovative new animal habitats as the Zoo approaches its centennial celebration in 2034. With an average of 2 million annual guests, Brookfield Zoo Chicago supports thousands of jobs and generates over $153 million in annual economic activity. Coupled with global conservation programs, the teams Dr. Adkesson leads are working to make meaningful positive impacts on the conservation of our planet’s wildlife and ecosystems.

With diplomate status in the American College of Zoological Medicine and the European College of Zoological Medicine, Dr. Adkesson is one of a small group of veterinarians who are board-certified specialists in the veterinary care of Zoo animals and wildlife. Adkesson previously worked as a clinical veterinarian and later as vice president of Clinical Medicine at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

Dr. Adkesson (or Dr. Mike as those at the Zoo call him) received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with honors from the University of Illinois. Following a clinical internship year in internal medicine and surgery, he completed three years of residency training in zoological medicine at the University of Missouri and Saint Louis Zoo. In addition to being a board-certified veterinarian, Dr. Adkesson also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business. He shares his world with his wonderful wife, Adriane, also a veterinarian, their three amazing children, and several pets..