With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
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.
William Burns was elected alderman of Chicago's 4th Ward in 2011. He previously served as an Illinois Representative and vice president of Conlon Public Strategies. Before that, he worked for the Office of the Senate President, the Chicago Urban League, and the Metropolitan Planning Council.
Jonathan Chaparro leads the Chicago region of Braven, an organization that works to empower underrepresented young people with the skills, confidence, experience, and networks necessary to transition from college to strong first jobs and meaningful careers. He is committed to expanding opportunities for the historically disenfranchised.
In his current role, Aaron Cortes directs the TRIO Upward Bound, TRIO Upward Bound Math and Science, and 21st Century Community of Learning Centers. He's also a computer science department adjunct professor; and an advocate of promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education, international access, and college readiness for low-income and first-generation college students.
Before becoming a conference minister, Lillian Daniel was the senior minister of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Glen Ellyn. She has taught preaching at three seminaries, is a trustee of the Chicago Theological Seminary, and board president of Arise (formerly Chicago Interfaith Committee for Worker Issues).
In her role at the UNA-USA, Farah Eck oversees national programs, chapter support, communications strategy, and member engagement. She brings with her 7+ years of experience as a UNA-USA volunteer, serving as a chapter president (UNA Chicago) and board member, and as a UNA-USA National Council Member for the Great Lakes Region.
Brian T. Edwards is currently the dean of Tulane University's School of Liberal Arts, the largest of the university's nine schools, encompassing 35 departments and programs in the social sciences, humanities, fine and performing arts. Previously, he was the director of the Middle East and North African studies program at Northwestern University.
Upon graduating from Benito Juarez Community Academy, Aida Flores was awarded a Gates Millennium Scholarship. She graduated from Georgetown University, earned a master’s degree in teaching from National-Louis University, and a second master’s in school leadership from Harvard University. She went on to help found the first dual language college prep school in Massachusetts.
Christopher Graves is the principal at Jordan Elementary and was previously the principal of LaSalle Language Academy, a K-8th-grade magnet lottery school in Chicago Public Schools. After seeing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his entire community, Graves adapted his leadership style to be responsive to the needs of teachers and staff who are fatigued from constant pivoting.
Joshua Hale is the executive director of Big Shoulders, which is an organization providing scholarships and programmatic support for ninety-three inner-city Catholic schools and more than 25,000 children. Previously, he worked at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School as a management consultant with The Hale Group, Ltd.
