"Women in Leadership: Courage, Barriers and the Future" with moderator Chicago Tribune Chief Political Reporter Rick Pearson

Born in Chicago, Anne M. Burke received a BA in education from DePaul University and a JD from IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law. She was admitted to the Federal Court, Northern District of Illinois (1983) and the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit (1985). Burke certified for the Trial Bar, Federal District Court, was appointed judge to the Court of Claims by Governor James Thompson (1987) and reappointed by Governor Jim Edgar (1991). She was appointed special counsel to the governor for child welfare services (1994) and was appointed to the Appellate Court, First District (1995). Burke was elected to the Appellate Court, First District, for a full term (1996). She is a member of the American, Illinois State, Chicago, and Women's Bar Associations, and the Illinois Judges’ Association. She is also a founder of the Special Olympics.

Born in Aurora, Rita B. Garman received a BS in economics with highest honors from the University of Illinois, Bronze Tablet, and a JD with distinction from the University of Iowa’s College of Law. She was assistant state’s attorney in Vermilion County (1969–1973), was engaged in private practice with Sebat, Swanson, Banks, Lessen & Garman (1973), and was an associate circuit judge for 12 years. Garman was a circuit judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit (1986–1995) and presiding circuit judge (1987–1995). She was assigned to the Appellate Court, Fourth District (1995), and was elected to the position (1996). Garman was appointed to the Supreme Court (2001), and elected to the court (2002). She is a member of the Vermilion County, Illinois State and Iowa Bar Associations, and the Illinois Judges’ Association.

Moderator Rick Pearson is the Chicago Tribune chief political reporter. He has covered Illinois and national politics for more than three decades, including the last four presidential contests. Pearson hosts a Sunday show on politics on WGN AM-720 and can be seen frequently on WGN-TV and CLTV.