Our Vision

Our vision for the next ten years is to become the voice of diverse professionals and, through the delivery of talent development activities and compelling thought leadership, to be a catalyst for the promotion of women and people of color into positions of leadership.

Our Mission

CUP’s mission is to inspire, elevate and empower the next generation of diverse business and civic leaders and women.




Our Approach

CUP creates future diverse leaders through our 65+ events, forums, summits, leadership development programs, and peer networks.






CUP Power Forums and Summits



CUP – In Memoriam


CUP Fellows Spotlight Series

I am the Innocence Project’s first Digital Engagement Director. I lead a team that has contributed to 72% growth in digital revenue, 70% growth in the digital community, and the passing of dozens of wrongful conviction reform laws. I am most proud of leading digital advocacy efforts that helped stop the execution of Rodney Reed, an innocent person on death row.

I developed people-centered storytelling skills during President Barack Obama’s 2012 election campaign and in MSNBC’s newsroom. I graduated from Brown University in 2011 and was among a few seniors recognized with a Joslin Award for outstanding contributions to student life. My mother Adela Cepeda, a Colombian-American and finance executive, raised me alongside my sisters Alexis and Laura in Chicago. In 1995, my father Albert Maule, a well-regarded attorney and civic leader passed away from cancer. My great-grandfather Corneal A. Davis was the longest-serving black Illinois House of Representatives member. Check out my work and media.

Corporate & Foundation Partners

The Council of Urban Professionals’ vision is to become the voice of diverse professionals and, through the delivery of talent development activities and compelling thought leadership, be a catalyst for the promotion of diverse professionals and women into leadership positions. Our Corporate Partners seek to increase the leadership profiles and value of their employees. Join the growing list of blue chip organizations that are benefiting from their CUP partnership today. To become a corporate or foundation partner of CUP, please contact Melissa Fenton at 212-233-8950 or mfenton@cupusa.org.
Join Our CUP Mailing List