With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
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).
Roseanna Ander serves as the founding executive director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab, which was launched in partnership with the City of Chicago. In the years following, she was appointed to the International Association of Chiefs of Police Research Advisory Committee and the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission, and was named co-chair of Rahm Emanuel's Public Safety Transition Committee.
Now a consultant, TJ Augustine was formerly a vice chancellor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he oversaw information technology, distance and adult education programs, corporate partnerships, and technology commercialization. Previously, Augustine served as associate vice president for economic development and innovation for the University of Illinois System.
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.
Silvia Beltrametti teaches at the School of the Art Institute and advises on matters related to intellectual property in the creative industry. Her research focuses on art law, as well as international antitrust and intellectual property. She has published works in the Journal of Law and Economics, among many other publications.
In his current role, Aaron Cortes directs the TRIO Upward Bound, TRIO Upward Bound Math and Science, and 21st Century Community of Learning Centers. He's also a computer science department adjunct professor; and an advocate of promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education, international access, and college readiness for low-income and first-generation college students.
Brian T. Edwards is currently the dean of Tulane University's School of Liberal Arts, the largest of the university's nine schools, encompassing 35 departments and programs in the social sciences, humanities, fine and performing arts. Previously, he was the director of the Middle East and North African studies program at Northwestern University.
Deb Fiddelke has led strategic communications and government relations for some of the world’s most influential organizations. She served in the White House under President George W. Bush as a legislative liaison to the US Senate, focusing on the Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees.
Upon graduating from Benito Juarez Community Academy, Aida Flores was awarded a Gates Millennium Scholarship. She graduated from Georgetown University, earned a master’s degree in teaching from National-Louis University, and a second master’s in school leadership from Harvard University. She went on to help found the first dual language college prep school in Massachusetts.
As a visionary cultural strategist and global operator, Anas Ghazi has expanded firms across six continents, launched 22 pioneering data partnerships, and generated over $1 billion in revenue through digital transformation and AI-driven innovation for major global brands. He's currently an adjunct professor and career chair at Northwestern University’s Master of Science in Communication program.
