Mellody Hobson speaks at Chicago women's leadership event

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mellody Hobson, the wife of filmmaker George Lucas, talked Friday about the theme for the "Star Wars" series during a discussion at the Chicago Network's 2016 Women in the Forefront Luncheon.

"When you have an idea that lives and thrives for more than 40 years with multiple generations of people, and the message stands the test of time, it's because those messages are very wise and very deep," said Hobson, president of Chicago-based Ariel Investments.

Hobson said she would like to see the proposed George Lucas Museum built in her hometown of Chicago.

The luncheon event encourages women to become leaders in the workplace.

"Making sure you speak your truth is something that I think is very important," Hobson said. "I sit in a lot of rooms with people who wait, wait for someone to say something."

Hobson is also board chairwoman for DreamWorks Animation SKG, as well as chairwoman of After School Matters, a local non-profit that provides Chicago youth with after-school program opportunities.