With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
Suchi Bansal is a gender and adolescent health consultant and previously a senior health research specialist at the Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Ci3) at the University of Chicago. Ci3 is an innovative and interdisciplinary research center aimed at improving the health and well-being of young people in Chicago and across the world.
Barbara Barreno-Paschall was previously a commissioner with the State of Illinois Human Rights Commission following her appointment by Governor JB Pritzker. As a commissioner, she adjudicated complaints of discrimination filed under the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Brandon Bodor serves as a business development manager with Parker Hannifin Corporation, a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. Prior to this role, he held a variety of cross-sector roles focused on national security and national service. From 2012 to 2014, Bodor was appointed by former Governor Pat Quinn to serve as executive director of the Serve Illinois Commission.
Claudia Carravetta is the vice president of business evolution strategic development at AbbVie, a biopharmaceutical company based in North Chicago. In this capacity, she develops and drives public affairs strategies and advances policy solutions to improve access to innovative medicines across Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.
Ainsley Cathcart is head of global anti-money laundering risk management oversight at Citigroup, where she is a senior vice president and leads a global team responsible for developing innovative strategies to identify and mitigate risks related to financial crimes. Cathcart is a certified anti-money laundering specialist with 10 years of experience at top financial institutions.
Manuel Chavez joined the firm William Blair & Company in 2010 and works in the healthcare group, focusing on pharmaceutical services and outsourced medical device manufacturing sectors. He's passionate about the healthcare industry and works closely with clients in providing strategic advice as they look to achieve their short and long-term objectives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
