With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
Previously, Bela Moté led the department at YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago responsible for developing and managing cross-functional learning, evaluation, and innovation. She also served as interim senior vice president of Mission Advancement. In this role, she oversaw all fundraising efforts, including annual campaigns, major gifts, and sponsorship, among others.
In her previous role as executive director of Heartland Alliance International (HAI), Elizabeth Powley oversaw HAI’s work in a dozen countries, which aims to secure the rights and well-being of marginalized people and communities. She's an expert in gender and post-conflict reconstruction, with over 15 years of experience in non-profit leadership and program development.
Kathryn Reilly works to connect the worlds of commerce and public policy, shape business-related public policy, and create impactful communication campaigns. With more than 15 years of corporate experience, Reilly has led public affairs efforts at two Fortune 500 manufacturing and services enterprises.
Nicole Robinson has spent her career building a bridge between communities, individuals, and corporations. In her current roles, she leads community programs designed to promote good nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and inspire volunteer service. These award-winning programs span the globe, touching five continents while reaching underserved and underrepresented neighborhoods.
Before joining S2G Ventures, Aaron Rudberg was a partner with Baird Capital, a venture capital and private equity firm that invests in the US, Europe, and Asia. He oversaw the firm’s relationships with current and prospective investors globally, as well as its business development, communication, sales, and marketing activities.
Now with Kirkland & Ellis, Mark Schneider was previously an assistant US attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and served as chief of appeals. A federal prosecutor based in Chicago, he also handled a multi-year national security investigation that resulted in the first successful prosecution for a violation of the Intelligence Identities Protection Act in 27 years.
Currently at Yale University, Dr. Aisha Sethi also has experience serving on the steering committee as an assistant director of outreach for the Center for Global Health at the University of Chicago. After attending medical school in Pakistan, she completed her post-doctoral fellowship, internship, and residency in dermatology at Yale University, where she also served as chief resident.
Sean Shelby was previously a vice president at Isobar, a global digital marketing agency, where he partners with clients to create solutions integrating strategy, design, and technology into digital experiences. As a member of the Isobar US management team, he helps lead an agency powered by over 3,000 people in 63 offices across 37 markets.
Working at the intersection of business, government, and public interests, Jordan Stark counsels clients on communications, coalition building, and crisis management. He formerly served as communications director for Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel during his time in the US Senate. Stark worked on a wide range of issues associated with Hagel’s activities as a senior member of various committees.
Previously, while at the American Jewish Committee, Amy Stoken managed their largest regional office, which included overseeing advocacy efforts with diplomats and faith-based leaders visiting or stationed in Chicago. She was also responsible for all Chicago-based programming and for the coordination of lay leader participation and activism.
