With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
Nik Theodore teaches, writes, lectures, and consults on urban planning and labor markets in the United States and Britain. He was an Atlantic Fellow in Public Policy at Manchester University in England and was recognized by Crain's "40 Under 40."
Chad H. Thomas’s work as a principal and leader within the Chicago Public Schools has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. His nearly decade-long tenure at Sullivan High School was captured in the highly acclaimed book Refugee High: Coming of Age in America, and his work as assistant principal at Harper High School was documented via National Public Radio’s This American Life.
Allison Tingwall previously served as the principal of Curie High School, the third-largest school in Chicago. She began her career in education as a Spanish and math teacher at North Lawndale College Prep and further developed her instructional leadership as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and a resident principal at Back of the Yards College Prep.
Noah J. Toly is currently the Provost at Calvin University. Previously, he was a professor of urban studies and politics and international relations at Wheaton College. He has previous experience as a senior fellow at the University of Chicago's Martin Marty Center for the Advanced Study of Religion and as a lecturer at the Free University of Berlin’s Center for Global Politics.
As the senior advisor to President Zaldwaynaka Scott, Kim H. Tran facilitates critical processes and manages an array of issues in areas across the university such as academic affairs, budget, external affairs, foundation development, human resources, and risk management.
Nina Wieda leads the Chicago Field Studies program at Northwestern University, guiding undergraduates as they explore career paths in fields such as law, business, and public service, while developing as professionals and responsible citizens. Her research focuses on experiential learning and adapting teaching methods to the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence.
Diane D. Williams is completing her Ph.D. in social work focused on productive aging in older adult populations, specifically focusing on social integration and retirement. Most recently, Williams worked on the AARP Disrupt Disparities IL Report which focuses on racial disparities among older adults across topic areas of economic security, health equity, and connectivity.
Austin Wright is an associate professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. His research on substate conflict largely focuses on the political economy of insurgent violence, examining how rebel groups adopt new technologies of war to undermine state rivals. He also studies the political economy of crime and corruption.
Melissa Zaikos co-founded Intrinsic Schools in 2013. Previously, as chief of elementary schools, Pershing Network for Chicago Public Schools, she oversaw the performance and management of over 100 autonomous schools within the school system. She was also a Broad resident, funded by the Broad Foundation, leading strategic projects at CPS, and a manager for Deloitte Consulting.
Kristin Ziemke is an educator and the author of Amplify: Digital Teaching and Learning in the K-6 Classroom. Since establishing her own consulting company in 2011, Ziemke has worked with schools around the world to develop learning experiences that redefine school. Recognized as an international expert, she leads teams to develop curriculum that is student-centered, personalized, and authentic.
