With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
Previously, Amrith Kaur Aakre was the legal director of the Sikh Coalition, where she coordinated legal and policy initiatives to protect the civil rights of all Americans, create community empowerment, and continue efforts to engage communities for positive opportunities. Aakre was part of a group of student activists at George Washington University who cofounded the Sikh Coalition after 9/11.
Lauren Bean Buitta is founder and CEO of Girl Security, a nonpartisan, non-profit organization closing the gender gap in national security through learning, training, and mentoring support.
Before joining the Diocese of Rockford, Ryan Blackney was an associate in the Commercial Litigation Practice Group and the Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring Group, and was a member of the Fraud and Internal Investigations Team at Freeborn and Peters LLP. He specializes in commercial and bankruptcy litigation, especially commercial fraud and fraudulent transfers.
In his current role, Vamsi Bonthala leads all corporate efforts at Arbor Lodging Partners, including investor relations, strategic relationships, acquisitions, dispositions, and asset management. He's also the principal of Arbor Lodging Management, the management affiliate of Arbor Lodging Partners, recently named one of the nation’s top hotel companies by Hotel Management magazine.
Before his role at the S. Daniel Abraham Center, Joel Braunold was the executive director of the Alliance for Middle East Peace. He works regularly with the US State Department, USAID, the National Security Council, and Congress on the needs of the peacebuilding community. Outside the US, he has worked with national governments and multilateral institutions across Europe and the Middle East.
Chad Doobay is a partner in the government and public finance practice group of the law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, where he advises governmental entities and nonprofit organizations on financing projects that benefit the public good. Doobay works with hospitals, schools, museums, cultural institutions, and other nonprofit organizations to help them grow and advance their respective missions.
Josh Ellis founded SUM, a company that creates restorative outdoor experiences for groups throughout Chicagoland—from staff retreats to wellness outings and beyond. By offering safe, inclusive, and welcoming experiences, SUM helps people pause, connect, and recharge—while also making nature more accessible and enjoyable for those often marginalized in outdoor spaces.
Rodrigo Garcia is previously the chief investment officer and chief financial officer for the Illinois State Treasury under State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. He directed the treasury’s combined $25B fixed income, equity, and venture capital portfolios; multiple asset classes; and $300B in related banking and financial services in order to bolster the Illinois macro and micro-economy.
A proud native of Chicago’s South Side, Adrienne Irmer has been a passionate champion of social causes for over 16 years. Her professional work has crossed all sectors, including electoral campaign work at all levels of government. Irmer previously served on the legislative staff of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and with the Cook County Bureau of Asset Management.
Tim Jones is an 11-year veteran of organizational leadership, community outreach, and project management, with extensive experience leading nonprofit enterprises. Jones’ tenure at Willow Chicago, a multicultural church in downtown Chicago, consisted of roles in project management, program management, budget process, volunteer/database management, and fundraising.
