2025 Global Leadership Award Honorees

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is pleased to announce former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Chicago business and philanthropic leaders Tanya and Michael Polsky, and Emerging Leaders alumna Regina Cross as the recipients of its 2025 Global Leadership Award. The award honors individuals for their extraordinary leadership and contributions to our city, the nation, and the world.

"Taken together, these individuals have made a unique and transformative mark on global affairs, and on key issues in Chicago,” said Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri, Council president and CEO. “Today the need for leadership capable of tackling the greatest problems of our time could not be more evident. The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is proud to recognize leaders dedicated to creating a more open and promising world for all."

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau

Former Prime Minister of Canada

Justin Trudeau served as Canada’s 23rd prime minister from 2015 to 2025, leading the Liberal Party to three consecutive electoral victories. Confronted with a series of global economic and security shocks, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked to address international and domestic issues through bold, decisive action while continuing to deliver on a progressive vision for Canada. Throughout his career, Trudeau has amassed powerful insights into societal resilience, high-stakes international diplomacy, the promotion of shared economic growth, and driving meaningful, lasting change. The Council award celebrates his leadership on the world stage.

Tanya and Michael Polsky

President, Polsky Foundation; Founder & CEO, Invenergy

Tanya and Michael Polsky earned the 2025 Global Leadership Award for their trailblazing achievements in business and philanthropy. Tanya Polsky is the president of the Polsky Foundation and the founder of Our Home Ukraine, which provides humanitarian aid to those impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war. She serves on the boards of the Chicago Lyric Opera, the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, and more. As the founder and CEO of Invenergy, Michael Polsky is an energy industry pioneer whose work has defined the global energy landscape. Together, they provide generous support for important causes ranging from healthcare access to STEM education through the Polsky Foundation.

Regina Cross

Vice President in Private Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs

An alumna of Council's Emerging Leaders program, Regina Cross has cemented her place among Chicago's next generation of changemakers. She is a vice president with Goldman Sachs, being named to the company’s Private Wealth Management Advisors Council in 2023, a national distinction recognizing a select group of successful private wealth advisors. With two Chicago Crain’s Notable recognitions, Regina is a Distinguished Leadership of Greater Chicago fellow, the president of the Stanford Black Alumni Chapter, former co-chair of Chicago Foundation for Women Luncheon, and serves on boards of Cara Collective and Chicago Foundation for Women, among other civic leadership organizations. The Council award recognizes her growing impact on Chicago's corporate and philanthropic community.