With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
Hassen Al-Shawaf advises BMO Financial Group (BMOFG) on a range of tax matters, including cross-border and related-party transactions, financial products, corporate reorganizations, and acquisitions. He represents BMOFG before the IRS and in transactions with counterparties. Previously, Al-Shawaf practiced tax law at a Chicago-based international law firm and worked at a public accounting firm.
Ellie Bahrmasel is the Founder and CEO of Peranaut, a consumer house shaping the future for a flourishing life in the Age of the Centenarian. Peranaut invests in bold, early-stage consumer tech and brand startups through a mix of capital, community, and strategic support.
Before her role at Databricks, Kate Besser was a manager on the business transformation team at LinkedIn, leading strategic initiatives that drive global sales and business performance by scaling technology, analytics, and processes. Before that, she served as an insights lead supporting LinkedIn's largest and most strategic partnerships in the professional services industry.
Sonia Bobra is an assistant professor of Neuroradiology at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and Loyola Stritch School of Medicine. Bobra serves as education director for radiology residents and medical students and as a mentor to international medical students and women in medicine. As an active physician educator, she regularly leads interactive case-based conferences and lectures.
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.
While in her role working for the city, Maggie Cullerton Hooper created the first cohesive, long-term plan for public-private partnerships on a citywide scale. She's responsible for Chicago’s strategic engagement with the philanthropic, corporate, and nonprofit sectors as she builds infrastructure and develops innovative initiatives grounded in the lived experience of impacted populations.
Dan Fenske is a partner in the litigation and dispute resolution group at Mayer Brown LLP. His practice focuses on antitrust litigation, in particular the defense of cartel, monopolization, and class action cases. Fenske represents clients before courts and agencies, including the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission.
Josh Gordon-Blake was a founding member of Pangea Money Transfer and currently serves as the company's chief operating officer. In that capacity, he is responsible for setting corporate strategy and managing business operations, including finance, law, compliance, corporate development, and customer experience.
Before joining Vote Solar, MeLena Hessel was associate director of policy at Elevate, a nonprofit organization that designs and implements programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need them most.
Tanya Jeong leads employee engagement and giving for AbbVie, a biopharmaceutical company located in northern Chicago. In this role, she spearheads volunteerism, giving, and assistance programs for the company. Jeong launched AbbVie’s fifty-million-dollar long-term philanthropic commitment addressing racial inequity, as well as several COVID-19 philanthropic initiatives.
