Karen Freeman-Wilson began serving as President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League in January 2020. She brings a passion for equity and social justice to the organization, which works to advance economic, educational, and...

SYLVIA PUENTE, FORMER PRESIDENT AND CEO, LATINO POLICY FORUM Sylvia Puente is a pioneering public policy expert, civic and Latino community leader. She has extensive knowledge of social issues, diverse communities, government, and governance. She...

Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell- is the Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Linda-Denise ascended to this role in 2021, after an extraordinary career as a professional dance artist and educator. Ms. Fisher-Harrell is the first alumni...

Jessica A. Garascia is Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary at AAR (NYSE: AIR), a leading aviation services provider to commercial and government customers worldwide. Joining AAR in February of 2020,...

Head of Talent and Culture Morningstar, Inc. Bevin Desmond was head of talent & culture for the Chicago investment research giant. Desmond also oversaw the data & development centers in Mumbai, Shenzhen, and Madrid. She...

Cassandra Hill became dean of the Northern Illinois University College of Law on July 1, 2020. Prior to joining NIU Law, Dean Hill served as an administrator and faculty member at Thurgood Marshall School of...

Jennifer is the President & CEO of Chicago Children’s Museum and has worked in the field of informal education for 35 years, beginning as an intern at Chicago Children’s Museum in 1991. After various roles...

Brooke Flanagan has served as Executive Director for Steppenwolf Theatre Company, America’s premier ensemble theatre, since 2020. Together with Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, she is responsible for stewarding the company’s artistic growth,...

Celena Sarillo oversees the organization’s portfolio of early learning and care programs and policy and research efforts across Illinois and in Chicago. A devoted early childhood advocate with strong public and private sector relationships, Celena...

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS Marilyn Lissner is an innovative and influential leader at Cushman & Wakefield (C&W), serving as Executive Director of Brokerage. She has established herself as a pillar of the real estate community with 45+...