Council Honors Justin Trudeau, Tanya and Michael Polsky, and Regina Cross for Global Leadership
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.”
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 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.
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.
The Council will honor Trudeau, the Polskys, and Cross at its annual Global Leadership Awards Dinner, a prestigious event convening distinguished guests from all walks of life, on October 29. The 2025 Global Leadership Awards are chaired by Vicki and Bruce Heyman; and Pam and David Reyes.
About the Council
A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Council was founded in 1922 and is dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led research influence policy conversations and inform the insights we share with our growing community. Through accessible content and open dialogue of diverse, fact-based perspectives, we empower more people to help shape our global future. Learn more at globalaffairs.org.
