With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
Deb Fiddelke has led strategic communications and government relations for some of the world’s most influential organizations. She served in the White House under President George W. Bush as a legislative liaison to the US Senate, focusing on the Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees.
Kay Fillingham is a risk management professional with experience providing strategic advice and analysis to international organizations, government institutions, and the financial sector. She served in a range of national security, intelligence, and policy roles in the US government for over 10 years before transitioning to the private sector.
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.
As Ferrara’s sustainability manager, Vanessa Flores Andersen plays a central role in shaping the company’s sustainability vision and transforming it into action. She leads cross-functional initiatives that move the organization toward a more responsible future—while overseeing a multi-million-dollar capital budget for resource-efficiency upgrades across manufacturing sites.
Amy Francetic's career spans over 20 years of high-technology entrepreneurship, private equity, and research. She previously founded and led Energize Ventures, a $165 million venture fund that invests in digital energy technologies. She also held roles at the Stanford Research Institute, where she worked on an early version of the voice recognition technology that became Siri.
Joi Freeman is the founder of Remnant Strategy consultancy where she works at the intersection of culture and commerce to help businesses navigate the ever-evolving global terrain. As a strategist, youth culture enthusiast, and advocate for voices of vulnerable populations, Freeman is regarded as a brand “fixer” who connects the dots between corporate strategy, brand marketing, and social impact.
Joe Frost is a team leader and broker with Aon’s Cyber Solutions Technology E&O and Cyber Broking team in Chicago, where he also serves as the Middle Market Leader for the Midwest Region. In this capacity, he manages a team of eight professionals and advises clients on cyber, professional liability, technology, and media risks.
Aileen Furlong Caffrey leads premier programs and global air partnerships at Southwest Airlines. Previously, while under her leadership at United Airlines, Mileage Plus was named Best Elite-Level Program in the Americas for the second straight year at the Frequent Traveler Awards, as well as Best Frequent Flyer Program by Global Traveler magazine.
In her former role at BMO Financial Group as chief of staff, Sonia Gabrielson identified and facilitated business connections for all operating groups, including capital markets, personal and commercial banking, and wealth management. Gabrielson also engages in thought leadership activities to reinforce and expand BMO’s corporate missions.
Bridget Gainer is a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, where she chairs the pension committee and leads the reform of the county's foreclosure policy and treatment of women and mothers incarcerated at Cook County Jail. She also leads Aon’s public strategy group, directing national policy issues.
