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Emerging Leaders Directory

With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.

Seth Anderson 

Principal and Corporate Counsel, Kearney
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Industry
Law
Seth Anderson's industry expertise is primarily focused on aerospace, transportation, defense, and industrial sectors with expertise in strategy, transformations, supply chains, and more. As a senior consultant, his responsibilities include multi-project delivery and client relationship development. He also provides legal counsel for Kearney’s board of directors and global operating committee.

Sonya Anderson 

Chief Executive Officer & President, Embark Strategies
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Prior to Embark Strategies, Sonya Anderson supported the development of early childhood education programs and policies for the Ounce of Prevention Fund. She previously worked for the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, overseeing their domestic and international work in education.
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Social Media
Elizabeth Andrews has lived and worked across Africa, Asia, and Europe for the past 15 years representing award-winning newsrooms, startups, international nonprofits, and the United Nations. Currently, she's building and leading philanthropic strategy and partnership work at mHUB, a Chicago-based innovation center focusing on climate tech, med tech, and sustainable manufacturing.

TJ Augustine 

Partner, Four Mile Consulting
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Industry
sector
Now a consultant, TJ Augustine was formerly a vice chancellor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he oversaw information technology, distance and adult education programs, corporate partnerships, and technology commercialization. Previously, Augustine served as associate vice president for economic development and innovation for the University of Illinois System.

Brian Axelrad 

Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
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Industry
Law
Before joining Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, Brian Axelrad was chief investment officer at Beyond Capital Fund, a nonprofit social impact fund investing in social enterprises in India and East Africa. In this role, he oversaw investment decision-making and advised on portfolio and overall fund strategy.

Steven Babitch 

Founder, Babitch Strategy Group
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Cohort
Steve Babitch’s work lies at the intersection of the social sciences, business strategy, and design. As a consultant who has worked with leading-edge innovation and design consultancies Doblin, now part of Deloitte, and IA Collaborative in Chicago, Babitch has worked with clients across many sectors, including computer hardware, automotive, consumer goods, and health care.

Bobby Bacci 

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Prominence Advisors
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Cohort
Industry
Bobby Bacci is the founder and CEO of Prominence Advisors, a technology firm focused on helping the nation’s leading healthcare organizations do more with their data. He has led Prominence to support over 50 healthcare organizations, including seven of the top 10 hospitals in the United States, and fostered a culture that has been recognized as a great place to work by multiple outlets each year.

Benjamin Bader 

Senior Director, Head of Global Workplace, HERE Technologies
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After nearly 20 years in leadership roles at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Benjamin Bader now leads the global workplace function for HERE Technologies, managing real estate across nearly 40 countries. Bader shapes and executes HERE's real estate strategy, working closely with key stakeholders to align business needs with financial goals, mitigate risks, and deliver data-driven solutions.

Carolyn Baer 

Program Manager, Global Health Program, Boston Children's Hospital
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Carolyn Baer is a global health specialist with over 20 years of experience leading programs focused on reproductive health for women and girls in humanitarian settings, as well as infectious disease surveillance and response. She played a key role in launching the Center for Global Health and currently oversees global medical research and educational initiatives.

Ellie Bahrmasel 

Founder & CEO, Peranaut
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Cohort
Ellie Bahrmasel is the Founder and CEO of Peranaut, a consumer house shaping the future for a flourishing life in the Age of the Centenarian. Peranaut invests in bold, early-stage consumer tech and brand startups through a mix of capital, community, and strategic support.