With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
With a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Christopher Swann's impactful journey at Feeding America began as an intern and ascended to the role of senior program manager. His pivotal work with the MealConnect platform has not only garnered millions in funding but has also been instrumental in rescuing billions of pounds of food for those facing hunger.
Before joining the Zeno Group, Courtney Thompson served as Boeing's government operations leader for the Great Lakes region, which included Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. In this capacity, she led the company's community outreach efforts for the business, government, and international communities as well as Boeing's Chicago Global Corporate Citizenship team.
Ben van Loon is an award-winning writer, researcher, and association leader from Chicago. He serves as managing director and editor-in-chief of AFIRE, an international trade association of institutional investors focused on commercial real estate in the United States. He oversees the association’s marketing, PR, and thought leadership platform—including the multiple-award-winning Summit Journal.
Asha Iman Veal is a curator of contemporary visual arts, focusing on interdisciplinary projects that advocate cross-cultural solidarity across geographic or political distances. Her recent exhibitions include RAISIN, which explores the global proliferation of a narrative-based artwork that has encouraged dialogues on justice in cities across the world.
Arshia Wajid is a healthcare executive with nearly 20 years of experience contributing to transformational journeys for many healthcare organizations, including Northwestern Medicine, Franciscan Health, Rush University System, Advocate Health, and Huron Consulting. She recently founded and is a current board member of American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP).
Jamie Waters works in strategic communications on global issues with local impact, from defending philanthropic freedom and adopting emerging technologies to fostering social inclusion and engaging with challenging history. At the MacArthur Foundation, she leads the communications strategy for the Philanthropy Field Support Program and across foundation programs and initiatives.
Nitida Wongthipkongka is a social impact strategist and believes there is a significant role for the private sector to play in improving the quality of lives around the world. She works in the field of social enterprise, which is the utilization of market-based principles while creating social impact.
Endy Zemenides is the executive director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), a national Greek-American advocacy organization dedicated to promoting human rights and the rule of law internationally, in addition to building bridges between communities in the United States. Before joining HALC, Zemenides practiced law in Chicago, specializing in municipal law and government relations.
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.
