With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
Erin Delawalla leads regional sales and business development in the Upper Midwest for Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC, the nation’s largest operational ecological restoration company. She works to develop new markets and innovative funding strategies for environmental restoration and conservation of sensitive natural resources, particularly through the development of ecosystem credit markets.
In addition to managing regional staff at the Federal Executive Boards, Edgar Delgado is responsible for uniting top federal executives within the region, providing platforms for leaders to unite under a shared vision of government service that's efficient, collaborative, and community-focused. He's a United States Air Force (USAF) veteran where he deployed numerous times.
Lauren Densham supports public sector, higher education, and nonprofit clients in evolving their organizational strategy and processes to more effectively achieve their mission and better serve constituents. She has experience supporting leading public and private sector organizations with strategy development, organizational transformation, and sustainability initiatives.
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.
Vikas K. Didwania serves as complex litigation counsel at the Illinois Attorney General's Office. He helps lead the state's efforts to protect Illinoisians from federal overreach. Previously, Vikas served as a Senior Policy Adviser for Criminal Justice at the White House, overseeing criminal justice policy development, implementation, and communication on behalf of the president.
Chad Doobay is a partner in the government and public finance practice group of the law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, where he advises governmental entities and nonprofit organizations on financing projects that benefit the public good. Doobay works with hospitals, schools, museums, cultural institutions, and other nonprofit organizations to help them grow and advance their respective missions.
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.
Brian T. Edwards is currently the dean of Tulane University's School of Liberal Arts, the largest of the university's nine schools, encompassing 35 departments and programs in the social sciences, humanities, fine and performing arts. Previously, he was the director of the Middle East and North African studies program at Northwestern University.
Previously, Zach Egan was president, CIO, and fund manager at Columbia Wanger Asset Management, a globally recognized leader in small and mid-cap equities with peak assets under management exceeding $40 billion.
Josh Ellis founded SUM, a company that creates restorative outdoor experiences for groups throughout Chicagoland—from staff retreats to wellness outings and beyond. By offering safe, inclusive, and welcoming experiences, SUM helps people pause, connect, and recharge—while also making nature more accessible and enjoyable for those often marginalized in outdoor spaces.
