Emerging Leaders Program

Enhance your network by joining the Council’s premier community of visionary leaders from diverse sectors across Chicago, united by their global outlook and commitment to local action.

For one year, 20 of Chicago's best and brightest, ages 35-45, from some of the city’s most prominent organizations, engage in a rigorous program to further their knowledge of US foreign policy and global affairs and strengthen their leadership skills. Grounded in that experience, they join a circle of globally fluent Chicago leaders for a lifetime of connection and impact.

Class of 2025

Applications for the class of 2025 will be accepted until September 10, 2024.

Apply

Council Emerging Leaders

Chicago's Next Generation of Global Leaders

Emerging Leaders

Council Emerging Leaders are exceptional in their fields and represent some of Chicago’s most prominent organizations. These visionary leaders span industries from finance and law to healthcare and manufacturing, and from government and education to the arts and nonprofits.

After completing the Council’s rigorous yearlong program, Emerging Leaders become part of a premier alumni network, deepening their engagement with the Council, and continuing their commitment to shaping our global future.

Meet Our Emerging Leaders

Alumni Spotlight
Jeanne Gang
Founding Principal and Partner, Studio Gang Architects
Black and white headshot for Jeanne Gang
Jeanne Gang, a 2011 MacArthur Fellow and member of the 2011 class of the Council's Emerging Leaders Program, is the principal architect of Studio Gang Architects, a Chicago-based firm that has been recognized internationally for its innovation in design. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology and has been a visiting professor at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
Black and white headshot for Jeanne Gang
S. Mayumi Grigsby
Chief of Policy, City of Chicago
Headshot photograph of S. Mayumi Grigsby
S. Mayumi "Umi" Grigsby is the chief of policy for the City of Chicago. She's also the chair and a commissioner on the Cook County Human Rights Commission and serves on the board of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. Previously, she was chief of staff at the Chicago Foundation for Women and the chief of policy and advocacy for the Office of the City Clerk of Chicago, under City Clerk Anna Valencia.
Headshot photograph of S. Mayumi Grigsby
Jamia Jowers
Executive Director, What's Your Forte Foundation
Black and white headshot for Jamia Jowers
At the What's Your Forte Foundation, Jamia Jowers designs innovative programming to solve the most pressing challenges faced by Chicago's South and West side neighborhoods. She has over 15 years of experience in shaping U.S. foreign policy and international security and serves as president of the board of directors at the Chicago Refugee Coalition.
Black and white headshot for Jamia Jowers
Raja Krishnamoorthi
United States Congressman for Illinois’ 8th District
Black and white headshot of Raja Krishnamoorthi
Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th District of Illinois, which includes Chicago’s west and northwest suburbs. He is the Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party and is also a member of the Emerging Leaders Class of 2010.
Black and white headshot of Raja Krishnamoorthi

Our Approach

Thinking Global, Leading Local

Our mission is to equip Chicago’s rising leaders to shape our global future. Through the Emerging Leaders Program, participants develop their understanding of global affairs, join a diverse community of committed peers, and gain tools to address global challenges in Chicago. Our yearlong program focuses on active learning, featuring collaborative sessions and special events with world leaders, policymakers, and experts. Participants tackle global challenges in their fields, enhance public speaking and writing skills, and build an elite network of leaders across industries. Learn more about our approach.

Program activities at a glance:

Black and white image of a person talking with a blue circle in the background

Bimonthly Learning Sessions

Black and white photo of people walking in front of the US Capitol

Cohort Trip to Washington, DC

Black and white photo of people crossing a street

Local Field Trips & Independent Projects

Black and white image of a person talking and someone listening next to them

Off-the-Record Meetings & Events

51% of recent EL participants

Of our 2021 and 2022 classes of Emerging Leaders, 51% have changed jobs or been promoted within two years of completing the program.

The Council was the one place I could come and have intellectually honest and rigorous 
discussions with people of differing viewpoints.

Michael Hubband Emerging Leader, Class of 2019

Join Us

Want to be a part of the next cohort of Emerging Leaders? Learn more about the program, our selection
criteria, and how to apply.

Applications for the Class of 2025 are now open.
Learn More & Apply
Questions? Contact us!
Black and white photo of 5 people standing together a blue circle in the background