Join us at FORWARD FOCUSED 2027!

Join the Primera Foundation for Forward Focused, our signature fundraising event dedicated to advancing STEM education and inspiring the next generation of leaders in our communities, in recognition of International Women in Engineering Day.

Forward Focused is a mission-driven evening bringing together industry professionals, educators, and community leaders to champion STEM careers through scholarship, education, technology, and mentorship.

The event features a networking cocktail reception and a moderated panel discussion with local industry leaders, guided by this year’s theme, ASPIRE. ACHIEVE. ASCEND. The panel discussion will center around the Aviation industry, explore the evolving infrastructure landscape in Chicago and around the country, and include a celebration of the impact representation has in STEM careers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and support a powerful cause.

Meet our 2027 panelists


EILEEN CHIN

MIKE HANLON

TO BE ANNOUNCED

TO BE ANNOUNCED

ERIN INMAN, PE


President, R.M Chin & Associates, Inc.

Vice President, Jacobsen|Daniels



President & CEO, Primera Engineers
EVENT MODERATOR



BUY TICKETS NOW!

ABOUT THE EVENT

Event Agenda

nETWORKING COCKTAIL RECEPTION
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

All guests are welcome to join us for beer, wine, soda and light appetizers, with a relaxed networking atmosphere to connect with other attendees and panelists.

PANEL DISCUSSION
6:15 PM - 7:15 PM

Join us for a moderated conversation as panelists share insights on the Aviation industry, by exploring the evolving infrastructure landscape in Chicago and around the country.

POST-EVENT GATHERING
7:15 PM - 8:00 PM

After the panel discussion, we invite you to stay for continued conversation and connections over dessert bites and drinks.

Our Venue - The Old Post Office

Focused 2027 will be hosted at The Old Post Office located at 433 W. Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL 60607.

The networking event will be held in the Telegram Lounge,and the panel discussion will be held in the Marquee Conference Center, both on the second floor.

Parking information

Information on how to access The Old Post Office parking garage and enter the building can be found here.

Meet Our Panel


EILEEN CHIN
President, R.M. CHIN & Associates, Inc.

Eileen Chin serves as President of R.M. Chin & Associates,Inc. (R.M. Chin), a M/W/DBE firm providing Owner’s Representation, Project/Program, and Construction Management services in the transportation, aviation, and building sectors.

Eileen leads the firm’s strategic planning, business development, and client relations. She oversees a senior team that is responsible for project delivery, operations, corporate communications, information technology, and finance. Prior to joining R.M. Chin, Eileen served as a communications strategist implementing numerous communications outreach efforts for major capital projects across the Chicago area. Most notably, she oversaw the communications programs for the historic redevelopment of Midway International Airport. She also worked with former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s aviation team to advance the O’Hare Modernization Program and various other transportation-related efforts. 

Eileen’s commitment to the community and diversity is evident in her numerous civic and community affiliations. Eileen served as co-chair for the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) 2015 International Conference, in addition to serving on the Board of Directors. She also serves as on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Sinfonietta, the nation’s most diverse symphonic orchestra – promoting inclusion and diversity in the arts. 

Eileen served as Past-chair of the Chinese American Service League, Inc. (CASL) Associate Board, and continues to support CASL senior and youth programs. She is a supporter of numerous civic and non-profit organizations, including the Advancing Justice-Chicago, the Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago, the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), and the Federation of Women Contractors, to name a few.


MIKE HANLON
Vice President, Jacobsen|Daniels

Mike Hanlon leads J|D’s Airline Services Group, providing project implementation and consulting services to airlines throughout North America. He has more than 30 years of consulting experience in facility and operations planning, program definition, program management, and owners’representation for major capital development projects and programs at large hub airports. 

Mike is the Airline Representative for the O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP). In this role, he serves as the Owner’s Representative for the Signatory Airlines serving Chicago O’Hare International Airport. This effort includes day-to-day interface with the Airlines, the City of Chicago Department of Aviation, and OMP Program staff. 

Mike has managed a wide variety of studies, including the preparation of master plans and program definition studies for both air field and terminal improvements and the implementation of two major development programs at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Throughout his career, Mike has focused on mega projects at the largest and most complex airports in the United States. In addition, he’s participated in the planning and implementation of projects in Canada, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Mike’s extensive and diverse experience with all aspects of airport development makes him uniquely capable of coordinating a major development program, from conceptual planning through implementation. He strives to create the best possible outcome for his clients and the project.

COMING SOON

coming soon

ERIN INMAN, PE
President & CEO, Primera Engineers

Erin Inman is the owner and leader of Primera Engineers, serving as President & CEO since acquiring the firm from its retiring co-founders in 2016. Founded in 1987, Primera is a full-service engineering and consulting firm with expertise in utilities, transportation, buildings, and business consulting. Under Erin’s leadership, the firm has experienced significant national expansion, driven by a clear strategic vision focused on: diversified, sustainable growth; operational excellence; and delivering exceptional value to clients.

Erin brings three decades of industry experience spanning both public and private sectors. She began her career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before transitioning to consulting engineering. Since joining Primera in 2003, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s trajectory. She built and scaled the utilities practice into a nationally recognized business and helped position Primera as a trusted partner to critical infrastructure clients across the country. A respected voice in the industry, Erin is a strong advocate for advancing women in engineering and expanding opportunities in STEM fields. She is a frequent speaker to professional organizations and actively mentors emerging leaders. Her board service includes the Midwest Energy Association, The Chicago Network, Chicago State Foundation, and the Primera Foundation.

Erin holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University and an MBA from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Management. She and her husband, Bill, have three grown children and live in the western suburbs of Illinois with their beloved cat.



Contact Us

If you have any questions about Forward Focused, please contact us at hello@primerafoundation.org, we’re happy to help.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS

As of 6.23.26

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

.givebutter-widget-container { width: 100% !important; max-width: 100% !important; padding: 0 !important;

Contact Us

550 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 600
Chicago, Illinois 60661
312.606.0910

Our
Story

Our
Events
Our
Mission



Your
Support

Home
Copyright 2019 Primera Foundation