CNG Chairman and CEO Kathy Bolhous was honored May 14 in Chicago with the Champion Award at The Working Lunch 2026, hosted by Women Employed, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing women’s workplace rights and economic equity. 

The event brought together advocates, business leaders, community partners, and changemakers under the theme “The Power of WE” to recognize leaders driving meaningful progress for women, families, and communities. 

Kathy was recognized for her leadership, advocacy, and longstanding commitment to creating opportunity and expanding access for others. During the ceremony, she reflected on the importance of mentorship, economic mobility, and creating environments where people can thrive. 

The program also highlighted CNG’s purpose of Enhancing Lives for a Better World and the company’s distinctive employee ownership culture, where employee-owners share in the company’s success and help create long-term value together. It further recognized the work of The Bolhous Foundation, which was founded to help break the cycle of poverty by creating transformative opportunities for women and girls. 

“We all need someone who has our back at times,” Kathy shared. “Someone who’s looking out for us, someone who knows what we’re capable of. We invest in mentorship, partnerships, education — really enabling young girls and women to envision a future that perhaps their life circumstances wouldn’t have allowed for them.” 

The event’s mission closely aligned with many of the workplace advancements Women Employed has helped champion for more than 50 years, including advocacy around fair pay, workplace equity, paid leave, and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 

Throughout the conversation, Kathy emphasized that meaningful progress happens when people come together with purpose and action. 

“The power of WE means that no one of us can solve the problems and the challenges that we have,” she said. “It’s only by working together that we create the power of WE. Every single one of us is a link in this chain.” 

Kathy also shared her vision for a future where opportunity is not limited by circumstance. 

“I envision a future where your zip code doesn’t determine what your opportunity is in life,” she said. “Where equal opportunities are available to all. If you want to work hard, if you have a passion for something, I don’t want anyone to feel like there’s an obstacle in their way.” 

This recognition reflects the power of purpose-driven leadership and the impact people can create when they work together. It also reflects the values that continue to shape CNG’s culture and our shared commitment to enhancing lives.