May 21, 2018

CHICAGO – Diane Swonk, the chief economist at Grant Thornton and an acclaimed macroeconomist who frequently advises the Federal Reserve, has given a generous gift to the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy to further the research of faculty members working on issues relating to gender inequality in employment, compensation, or representation.

“As a leader in a field where women are often underrepresented, Diane is deeply involved in increasing diversity and equality of opportunity,” said Katherine Baicker, dean and Emmett Dedmon professor at Harris Public Policy. “Her generosity will provide much-needed assistance to researchers studying gender inequality and its effects on public policy and the economy.”

Diane Swonk

“Economics needs to reflect the views of the entire economy, not just a select few,” Swonk said. “Without that, we will fail to see the full potential of what we can be and accomplish.”

At this important moment for workplace equality, Swonk’s gift will be used to provide crucial assistance to faculty across the University – including Harris, Booth, and the Department of Economics – seeking to advance our knowledge in this area, supporting their career advancement through research assistance and other productivity enhancements.  

Swonk’s expertise in labor economics provides her with unique insights into the importance of ensuring equality of opportunity and representation, and her gift to Harris Public Policy will assist critical research to help lessen the gender gap and provide opportunities for researchers working to advance the careers of women in economics, finance, leadership, and beyond.

Swonk earned her BA and MA from the University of Michigan and received an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. A member of the Council on Chicago Booth with a longstanding relationship with the University of Chicago, Swonk is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a thought leader on the effects of policy shifts on the economy.