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.

The Emerging Leaders community consists of a wide variety of global leaders from across the business, civic, and academic sectors

Generous support from Chicago’s top civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders makes it possible for the Emerging Leaders Program to exist.

Help spread the word about the Emerging Leaders Program and encourage your networks to apply!

The Emerging Leaders Class of 2011 spent two years examining key issues that affect the world and impact the global city of Chicago.

We invite you to apply to join our next class of Emerging Leaders in discovering how to think globally and lead locally.

Amrith Aakre , Director, US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Cohort, 2018, Industry, Law, sector, Public Sector, 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, cr...

The Emerging Leaders Class of 2013 spent two years examining key issues that affect the world and impact the global city of Chicago.

Each year, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs selects a highly competitive cohort of Chicago’s up-and-coming professionals to participate in its Emerging Leaders Program. Meet the class of 2020.

Learn more about our approach to the Emerging Leaders program.