With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
In her current role, Meredith Burlew is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of Rotary’s grant programs in over 140 countries. She is committed to developing a diverse team supporting Rotary grantees in designing locally-driven, results-oriented projects that value learning and continuous improvement. Burlew also volunteers with Nourishing Hope (formerly Lakeview Pantry).
At DT Institute, Abbie Castiglione partners with local communities to build more open, informed, and peaceful societies. She has brought over a decade of experience in strategy, finance, operations, and donor engagement across sectors. Previously, she helped transform a startup into a nationally recognized research and policy center at the University of Chicago’s Crime Lab and Education Lab.
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.
Shaska Chirinos helps cover PRI’s United States market and works closely with many of the world’s leading investors to guide the development of their responsible investment programs. Additionally, she is a Sustainability Accounting Standards Board FSA Credential Holder and serves on the strategic asset management committee at the International Water Association.
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).
Gillian Darlow is CEO of the Polk Bros. Foundation, leading work to address Chicago’s most urgent challenges—such as the life-expectancy gap, community wealth-building, and the health of local democracy—to ensure all residents can reach their full potential. Previously, she led economic growth, education, government effectiveness, and tourism initiatives at the Civic Consulting Alliance.
Tony Davis serves as the president and managing partner of Linden Capital Partners and has more than fifteen years of principal investing and consulting experience. He is a member of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), president of Americans United in Support of Democracy, and a member and former President of CityPAC.
Dion Dawson is the founder and chief dreamer of Dion’s Chicago Dream, a nonprofit social enterprise combating food insecurity through logistics and last-mile delivery in the Midwest. His system has provided millions of pounds of fresh produce annually to food-insecure recipients in the Chicago region, with numerous community jobs created through one powerful movement.
As former president of Heartland Alliance, Evelyn Diaz—a member of the Council's Emerging Leader Program class of 2011—was responsible for directing domestic and global strategy for Heartland Alliance's five nonprofit corporate entities. Previously, she was appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to lead the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services.
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.
