Emerging Leaders Class of 2024
Meet the members of the Class of 2024.
Emerging Leaders at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs become part of a network of globally fluent leaders who will continue to raise the bar for Chicago as a leading global city.
Class of 2024
Special Counsel at Jenner & Block LLP
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.
Executive Director, Kiphart Center for Global Health and Social Development, University of Chicago
Erick Amick works across academic boundaries bringing together tools and expertise from public health, medicine, and the social sciences to incubate innovative research and high-impact interventions that advance health and well-being in Chicago and communities around the world. Previously, Amick expanded a diverse portfolio of global health programs at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Executive Vice President, Edelman Delta
Ryan Farrell is executive vice president at Edelman Delta, the brand and strategy consulting arm of global communications firm Edelman. For over 20 years he's advised executives at Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, government departments, and international NGOs. His clients include Discover Financial Services, Kellogg's, Mars Wrigley, The Coca-Cola Company, and the United Nations, among others.
Political Consultant and Strategist
Alaina Hampton is a Democratic political consultant and strategist with more than a decade of experience working in political and advocacy campaigns. Hampton’s career focuses on government reform in Cook County–supporting reform-minded and ethical leaders. Her job responsibilities include building and leading campaign strategies and oversight of operations.
Partner, Mason Rocque
Patrick Hanley manages Mason Rocque, a family office investing in Midwest businesses, and serves as a senior advisor at Piglet in Bed, a direct-to-consumer sustainable homewares company. As an environmentalist, he currently chairs the Village of Winnetka Environmental & Forestry Commission. Previously, he advised public sector executives at the Chicago office of McKinsey & Company.
Chief Civic Engagement Officer, Deputy Assessor, Cook County Assessor's Office
At the Cook County Assessor's Office, Kelwin Harris leads public participation and stakeholder outreach for nearly two million property owners. Previously, he was a senior outreach planner with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) where he led outreach for Chicago's official regional plan, ON TO 2050, and helped communities find more equitable solutions to improve quality of life.
Managing Director, EY
Bryant Ives is a managing director with EY's consulting practice, focusing on supply chain, finance, analytics, and emerging tech within the advanced manufacturing and mobility group. He has a proven track record of working with clients to support them with enterprise and business unit transformations aimed at unlocking value and driving efficiencies.
Senior Investment Officer, Consulate General of Canada in Chicago
In her current role, Tina Kotrych leverages broad networks on both sides of the border to help Midwest-based firms navigate all aspects of setting up and expanding operations in Canada. In addition to her foreign direct investment (FDI) expertise, Kotrych also has a keen sense for policy analysis built over a decade of advocacy efforts promoting Canada's trade priorities.
Assistant Vice President for Science, University of Chicago
Julia Lane develops and executes growth strategies across the University of Chicago’s science, engineering, and innovation landscape. This includes developing new institutes, building global and domestic partnerships, and working with stakeholders to translate discoveries into impact. She works across sectors including quantum engineering, artificial intelligence, and energy technologies.
Principal, Blue Star Properties
Mike Lombardo is principal, managing broker, and attorney for Blue Star Properties, which owns over one million square feet of office, entertainment, retail, and industrial properties in Chicago. Notable projects include The National, a historic 600,000-square-foot property in the Loop, the recently transformed Salt Shed, Thalia Hall, as well as multiple office properties and restaurants.
Partner, Mayer Brown LLP
Juan Pablo Moreno is a partner of Mayer Brown’s banking & finance practice and the Latin American & Caribbean group. Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Moreno has experience spanning more than 15 years, which includes working in Colombia, France, and the United States. He regularly represents large corporations, sponsors, and financial institutions in cross-border corporate transactions.
Principal, Louis Nettelhorst Elementary School
Yasmeen Muhammad has passionately served Chicago Public Schools for over 17 years. She works to cultivate inclusive learning environments where students are empowered to embrace their identities and express themselves critically, artistically, and emotionally. Her firm belief is that we must use our positionality to lift our communities to impact every child in every neighborhood.
Vice President, Archer Daniels Midland
Juan P Rossi (JP) is a vice president for the nutrition division at Archer Daniels Midland, based out of Chicago. He has over 20 years of combined international experience in the agricultural, food, and beverages industries with a relevant background in general management, strategy, commercial, trading, supply chain management, sales, and marketing.
Vice President, Community Innovation and Impact, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
In her role, Agneis Schultz leads holistic wellness efforts tailored to support each of the diverse communities that the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago serves. Her portfolio includes work in the health equity, food security, and digital equity space where she works with her team to partner with communities and connect them with vital resources.
Manager, Regulatory Affairs; Nature's Fynd
Kathleen Slingerland is a manager of regulatory affairs at Nature's Fynd, a company that develops a sustainable microbe-based alternative protein for use in a variety of foods. She engages with various stakeholders to create a favorable regulatory environment and supports scientific innovation. Previously, she held positions in the global food, chemical, and medical device industries.
Executive Director, Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness
Lydia Stazen is the executive director of Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness (IGH), where she oversees global homeless policy development and advocacy and knowledge-sharing activities that communicate what works to end homelessness. She has worked at the intersections of housing, homelessness, employment, higher education, gender equity, and policy advocacy for nearly 20 years.
Senior Program Manager, Feeding America
With a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Christopher Swann's impactful journey at Feeding America began as an intern and ascended to the role of senior program manager. His pivotal work with the MealConnect platform has not only garnered millions in funding but has also been instrumental in rescuing billions of pounds of food for those facing hunger.
Partner, Fiducient Advisors
As a partner and senior consultant, Chad Tischer counsels families, nonprofit organizations, and financial advisory firms on their investment strategies. He provides solutions for helping financial advisors grow their practices. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Tischer is well-versed in comprehensive wealth management solutions such as estate planning, tax, insurance, and lending strategies.
Managing Director & Editor-in-Chief, Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE)
Ben van Loon is an award-winning writer, researcher, and association leader from Chicago. He serves as managing director and editor-in-chief of AFIRE, an international trade association of institutional investors focused on commercial real estate in the United States. He oversees the association’s marketing, PR, and thought leadership platform—including the multiple-award-winning Summit Journal.
Founder and Board Member, American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP)
Arshia Wajid is a healthcare executive with nearly 20 years of experience contributing to transformational journeys for many healthcare organizations, including Northwestern Medicine, Franciscan Health, Rush University System, Advocate Health, and Huron Consulting. She has a proven record of accomplishments in clinical operations, program development, and public health, among others.