With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
Alongside his father and brother, Amer Abdullah launched the Cedars restaurant in 2001. Shortly thereafter, a fast-casual child of Cedars named Mezza Mediterranean Grill was born, where Abdullah heads the marketing strategy. Beyond business, he is a founding member of the Chicago Community Trust's Pillars Fund, a donor-advised fund that targets a better understanding of Muslim-American culture.
Ikbel Achour is passionate about translating cutting-edge science into patient care. She is the global head of translational medicine at AstraZeneca, and previously a senior research scientist at IO Bispecifics Franchise in genomics and molecular medicine, with a focus on innovation in precision medicine.
Hassen Al-Shawaf advises BMO Financial Group (BMOFG) on a range of tax matters, including cross-border and related-party transactions, financial products, corporate reorganizations, and acquisitions. He represents BMOFG before the IRS and in transactions with counterparties. Previously, Al-Shawaf practiced tax law at a Chicago-based international law firm and worked at a public accounting firm.
Ali Alsarraf represents companies and individuals in their most complex and high-stakes disputes. He brings a wealth of experience in litigating and advising clients regarding crises that pose an existential threat to their companies’ businesses or brands. He also assists clients in navigating forums and regulatory regimes in matters with significant human rights implications.
Jenna Anderson specializes in advising global industrial goods corporations on strategic issues and in developing cutting-edge marketing, sales, and pricing solutions. Previously, she worked at Boston Consulting Group, in finance at a boutique mergers and acquisitions firm, in Chicago Public Schools, and in exhibit design at the Chicago Children's Museum.
Seth Anderson's industry expertise is primarily focused on aerospace, transportation, defense, and industrial sectors with expertise in strategy, transformations, supply chains, and more. As a senior consultant, his responsibilities include multi-project delivery and client relationship development. He also provides legal counsel for Kearney’s board of directors and global operating committee.
Prior to Embark Strategies, Sonya Anderson supported the development of early childhood education programs and policies for the Ounce of Prevention Fund. She previously worked for the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, overseeing their domestic and international work in education.
Before joining Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, Brian Axelrad was chief investment officer at Beyond Capital Fund, a nonprofit social impact fund investing in social enterprises in India and East Africa. In this role, he oversaw investment decision-making and advised on portfolio and overall fund strategy.
Steve Babitch’s work lies at the intersection of the social sciences, business strategy, and design. As a consultant who has worked with leading-edge innovation and design consultancies Doblin, now part of Deloitte, and IA Collaborative in Chicago, Babitch has worked with clients across many sectors, including computer hardware, automotive, consumer goods, and health care.
Bobby Bacci is the founder and CEO of Prominence Advisors, a technology firm focused on helping the nation’s leading healthcare organizations do more with their data. He has led Prominence to support over 50 healthcare organizations, including seven of the top 10 hospitals in the United States, and fostered a culture that has been recognized as a great place to work by multiple outlets each year.
