Emerging Leaders Program February Information Session
Attendees learned more about the Council's Emerging Leaders Program, the selection criteria, and the application and selection process for the EL class of 2022.
About this Event
Learn more about the Council's Emerging Leaders Program, selection criteria, and application and selection process for the Emerging Leaders Class of 2022. Former Emerging Leaders Program participants will join for this session, sharing their insight on their experience in the program and answering questions from potential applicants.
Learn more about the Emerging Leaders Program and apply to the Class of 2022.
About the Speakers
Jennifer Petersen
Former Director, Emerging Leaders Program

Jennifer Petersen formerly served as the director of the Emerging Leaders Program at the Council.

Chief of Staff, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office

In 2024, Garvin G. Ambrose was appointed chief of staff at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office by State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke. Prior to this role, Ambrose held several key positions, including Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County, chief of staff to former State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, and chief of the Bureau of Administrative Services under State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.

Co-Founder & Chief Investment Officer, Safe Rate

In addition to her role at Safe Rate, Shima Rayej is a managing partner at Persee Ventures, a venture technology firm. She previously served as a venture capital associate at OCA Ventures and a summer associate at Deutsche Bank's structured products group. From 2004 to 2010, she developed autonomous vehicle technology for the US Army's Future Combat System program.


Emerging Leaders Program
Each year, we select 20 high performing, mid-career professionals from across Chicago's business, civic, and academic sectors to participate in this leadership development program and deepen their skills and experience analyzing global issues and policies.