CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS - IMPACT Leadership Development Program - Chicago Urban League
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CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS
THE CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE IMPACT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO BOOTH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
IMPACT
Leadership Development Program
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I N F O R M E D | M O T I V A T E D | P E R C E P T I V E | A U T H E N T I C | T A L E N T
MISSION
The mission of IMPACT is to create a pipeline of Informed, Motivated, Perceptive, Authentic,
Connected Talent that will form the next generation of African-American leaders available to
fill critical roles in the Chicago community and the business, public, and nonprofit sectors.
OUR PROGRAM ELEMENTS
Table of Contents
One-on-One MENTORSHIP
Each IMPACT Fellow is paired with a senior leader who serves as a mentor.
Mentors provide guidance in areas such as relationship mapping, work-life balance, Message from Chicago Urban League’s Interim President & CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
and board engagement.
Message from IMPACT’s Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Individual LEADERSHIP ASSESSMENTS
Fellows take DISC and Hogan personal assessments. These assessments Class of 2020 IMPACT Fellows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
improve Fellows’ awareness of their leadership styles and interpersonal
communications preferences. Our Education Partner: The University of Chicago Booth School of Business . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CURRENT ISSUES Modules IMPACT Mentors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Current issue modules equip Fellows with a toolbox of facts and ideas
that they can utilize when making critical decisions that affect others in Sponsoring Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
their city and community.
What Our Alumni Say About IMPACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP Modules
Led by Chicago Booth faculty, Academic Leadership Modules equip Fellows with IMPACT Alumni Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
a framework for continued development. Topics include: ethics, negotiations, power
and influence in organizations, decision making, and action and insight skills. Alumni – Past Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL PERSPECTIVES Modules Program Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
An effective leader in Chicago should be aware of the moments that
have shaped the city. Fellows learn about African-American history in Chicago
and the roles and impact of African Americans in Chicago politics.
LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP Speaker Series
Lessons in Leadership features senior leaders who share their stories of
triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned in their careers. Past speakers
include: Kim Foxx, Andrea Zopp, Arne Duncan, John Rogers, Kurt IMPACT Earlier fonts used
Summers, Brett Hart, and Mellody Hobson.
IMPACT
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Made top font bolder,
adjusted P, A, & C to be more like
second font
IMPACT
IMPACT
Leadership Development Program
Leadership Development Program
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Three new versions
IMPACT CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS I N F O R M E D | M O T I V A T E D | P E R C E P T I V E | A U T H E N T I C | T A L E N T
Leadership Development Program
Three new versions
that should work well.
IMPACT Message from Interim President and CEO Barbara A. Lumpkin Message from Vice President and Executive Director Mavis C. Laing
On behalf of the Chicago Urban League Board of Directors and our entire staff, I am Since the IMPACT Leadership Development Program began in 2014, selecting
IMPACT delighted to welcome the Class of 2020 Fellows to our IMPACT Leadership Fellows has continued to be rigorous and rewarding each year. Rigorous because the
Development Program. process is highly competitive. Rewarding because each new cohort of individual
achievers develops into a dynamic, connected group of African-American leaders.
IMPACT transforms lives. We know this not only because our Fellows tell us so, but
also because we see it in announcements from organizations across Chicago that This year, we welcome 37 new Fellows into IMPACT. Over the next nine months, they
have tapped IMPACT alumni for leadership positions. As the program enters its sixth will take part in an intensive, multifaceted program that includes modules on
year, it is gratifying to know that it is accomplishing what it set out to do. IMPACT is academic leadership, current issues, and historical and political perspectives that
developing a robust pipeline of African-American professionals who are well prepared have shaped Chicago. Through our Lessons in Leadership speaker series and one-
to lead in Chicago’s private, public and nonprofit sectors. on-one mentoring, they will gain insights from some of Chicago’s most accomplished
African-American business and civic leaders. They will also receive personal assessments of their
Increasingly, employers understand that diversity and inclusion matter. Yet, leadership diversity own leadership styles.
remains a challenge. According to Chicago United, African Americans represent only 3% of C-suite
executives at Chicago’s Top 50 publicly traded companies. As calls for inclusion grow, the League’s We also welcome 26 organizations that are sponsoring Fellows for the first time this year. You will
2019 State of Black Chicago report notes that increasing diversity among leadership ranks will be not regret this decision. You join more than 100 corporate, nonprofit, and government entities that
vital for organizations seeking to retain talent and even increase profitability. have supported the professional development of emerging African-American leaders through
IMPACT. We know that, over the course of the program, our Fellows become more confident leaders,
The Chicago Urban League applauds those organizations that recognize this and are helping who take innovative ideas and practices back to their workplaces.
emerging leaders maximize their potential by sponsoring them for IMPACT. Since IMPACT began,
170 Fellows have gone through the program. We envision being able to serve hundreds more, and I have had the honor of guiding IMPACT since its inception, and I have witnessed first-hand the
we are grateful for the many partners who support the Chicago Urban League in this effort. individual growth of many of our Fellows. I have also heard countless inspiring stories of ways
participating in the program has changed their lives. For instance, since completing the program,
We offer a special thank you to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, whose dozens of our alumni have received promotions, taken on roles of increasing responsibility, joined
commitment as our educational partner has been critical. We are also grateful for the generous boards, or been recognized for their civic contributions. One thing I have heard time and time again
financial support provided by Chicago Community Trust, the Field Foundation of Illinois, the is that our Fellows gain a new network of support and counsel as they build professional bonds that
MacArthur Foundation, and US Bank. A heartfelt thank you also goes to our advisory council and extend across sectors and across cohorts.
the influential leaders who have agreed to mentor this year’s Fellows, and to Mesirow Financial for
hosting our opening reception. Those relationships are maintained through the IMPACT Alumni Association (IAA), which focuses
on continued professional development and community engagement for our program graduates.
To our Class of 2020 Fellows, thank you for stepping up to invest in your future and in the future of The IAA is working to inspire social transformation that will have a lasting impact on the face of
Chicago. Prepare to be transformed. leadership in Chicago.
In service to the movement, Before long, the Class of 2020 IMPACT Fellows will join this group, and I am delighted to introduce
them on the following pages. They represent diverse backgrounds, interests and sectors. As always,
they are talented, accomplished, and eager to grow in their careers. I am confident that each of
them will thrive and become stronger assets for their organizations and for our city.
Barbara A. Lumpkin Again, thank you to all of our partners and supporters who make IMPACT possible.
Interim President and CEO
Sincerely,
Mavis C. Laing
Vice President and Executive Director, IMPACT
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CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS I N F O R M E D | M O T I V A T E D | P E R C E P T I V E | A U T H E N T I C | T A L E N T
Annie-Beryl Akuamoah J’ai Brown
Customer Field Service Manager, Peoples Gas – HR Business Partner, BMO Wealth Management U.S.
WES Energy Group
J’ai Brown provides strategic insight J’ai received an MBA and Bachelor of Science in HR
Annie-Beryl Akuamoah serves as a as a committee member on the career and and support to the senior leadership Management and General Management from the
Customer Field Service manager in development group for the African American team at BMO Wealth Management University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and has her
Gas Operations for Peoples Gas Business Group and the women’s development across all aspects of Human PHR and SHRM-CP designations. She is the
Company. With more than 13 years of network at Peoples Gas. Resources, including employee Workshop Chair for Chicago SHRM and mentors
experience in engineering, gas relations, diversity and inclusion, youth with Posse Chicago and Chicago Scholars.
Annie loves to sing and is a music leader at her
operations, and management, she is talent acquisition, compensation, She was awarded the 2019 Black Queens of Chicago,
church. She received a Bachelor of Science in
responsible for the Chicago North organizational design and career 2018 Wall Street in the Black Future Leader, and
General Engineering from the University of Illinois
District and oversees the daily development. Additionally, she is 2016 Chicago Scholars 35 under 35 awards.
Urbana–Champaign. Annie resides in Richton Park,
customer service requests to activate National Chair for BMO’s Black
a suburb of Chicago, with her husband and their J’ai resides in Bronzeville with her husband, Frank,
natural gas delivery to customer Professionals Network U.S. Previously, J’ai served
three children, Michael, Gabriel and Arianna. and daughter, Kylee.
homes. Annie is also responsible for regulatory as the Diversity Recruitment Advisor, North
compliance workload for gas pipelines. She serves America. Before joining BMO, she worked in HR
and Claims at Allstate Insurance Company.
Elsa Andrianifahanana Kelly V. Carter, Esq.
Associate, Jones Day Associate Managing Director, CIBC US
Elsa Andrianifahanana is an attorney She also served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Kelly is Associate Managing Director, Kelly has a passion for people and a commitment
in the Labor & Employment Group of Ellen Lipton Hollander of the U.S. District Court in State and Local Tax (SALT) for CIBC US, to mentorship and education. An avid supporter of
Jones Day. She represents clients Baltimore, where she handled numerous cases on responsible for SALT-based strategic the arts, she serves on the Associate Board of
in various employment matters, free speech and excessive force, among other planning initiatives and ensuring Lawyers for the Creative Arts, a not-for-profit pro
including anti-discrimination and issues arising under the Constitution. Outside her compliance with all SALT-related bono legal assistance organization. In an effort to
wage & hour litigation. She also day-to-day practice, Elsa serves on the of board of regulations. increase diversity within the legal community, she
provides counsel on the employment the Black Women Lawyers’ Association and is a serves as a bar exam tutor, providing supplemental
Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree from
aspects of cross-border transactions. Program Director for the T.E.A. Directors Institute, a exam process management for underrepresented
Central Michigan University and a Juris
program aimed to increase the presence of African- law students.
Prior to assuming her current Doctor from Wayne State University
position, Elsa practiced at Skadden American women attorneys on corporate and Law School. She is an active member Kelly loves exploring Chicago museums, galleries,
Arps, representing distressed companies under- nonprofit boards. of both the Michigan and Illinois State Bars. She and the restaurants in her West Loop neighborhood.
going reorganizations and debt restructurings. has more than 13 years of professional experience
advising companies on tax-related matters.
Jereme R. Braggs Crystal T. Clark, MD, MSc
Senior Program Quality Engineer, Gogo Inflight Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Health Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Jereme Braggs supports Gogo LLC Prior to joining Gogo LLC, Jereme held senior FAA Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
as a Senior Program Quality Engineer. and Supplier Quality Inspector positions with
Holding more than 10 years of Northrop Grumman in the Electronic Sector and Dr. Crystal Clark is a psychiatrist, Dr. Clark’s mental health expertise has contributed
experience in the aviation technical Aircraft Maintenance Technician roles with researcher, and educator who to newsworthy reporting from media outlets
operations and quality organizations, American Eagle Airlines. Furthermore, he has specializes in women’s health. Her including NPR, the New York Times, and Chicago
Jereme has developed foundations in volunteered with the Chicago Greater Food novel studies investigating Tonight. She received her Bachelor of Arts in
the commercial aviation sector, Depository, Hashtag Lunchbag Chicago, supporting psychiatric medications during Psychology from Northwestern University and her
defense contract aviation sector and food instability efforts in Chicago. Jereme is pregnancy are informing medical Master of Science and Doctor of Medicine from
the expansive inflight entertainment pursuing a Master of Science in Aviation and Space practice. She is a director of the the University of Louisville. She completed her
sector. His key responsibilities Administration from Oklahoma State University in Perinatal and Women’s Mental Health psychiatry training at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore,
include Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Stillwater, Oklahoma. With a 4.0 GPA and three Fellowship. She is also the rising Maryland. She resides in the North Kenwood
Boeing and Airbus hardware conformities, honors society memberships, he expects to president of Marcé of North America, neighborhood in Chicago with her accomplished
engineering prototype hardware validation and graduate in December 2019. a national perinatal mental health organization. husband, Dramaine Irions.
onsite hardware installation support.
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IMPACT CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS I N F O R M E D | M O T I V A T E D | P E R C E P T I V E | A U T H E N T I C | T A L E N T
Leadership Development Program
Three new versions
that should work well.
Tiana Conley Ashley Floyd
IMPACT Vice President, Global Brands, The Kellogg Company Vice President of Institutional Advancement, LINK
Unlimited Scholars
Tiana Conley serves as Vice President Before joining Beam Suntory, Tiana held a variety
of Global Brands for the Kellogg of marketing roles at Kimberly-Clark and Procter & Ashley Floyd is responsible for crafting in Chicago, including the New Orleans Ballet
IMPACT Company, where she is responsible Gamble, including leading the $4 billion Global strategic initiatives, communications Association and the Museum of Science and Industry.
for the $3 billion global brand Bath Tissue Portfolio as well as leading the P&L for and fund development to support the
She serves as membership co-chair for the Big
portfolio including Pringles, Special K the North American Olay brand. She received a overall visibility, impact and program-
Shoulders Fund’s Chairman’s Advisory Council and
and Kellogg’s. Prior to joining Kellogg, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from ming for LINK Unlimited Scholars,
is a member of the Auditorium Theater’s Auxiliary
she was marketing director of global the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Chicago’s oldest scholarship and
Board and Chicago Women in Philanthropy.
tequila at Beam Suntory, where she a Master of Business Administration from Xavier mentoring program exclusively serving
led a portfolio of five brands and University Williams College of Business in African-American students. Ashley received her B.F.A. in Dance Performance/
oversaw operations at the Casa Sauza Cincinnati, Ohio. Tiana is based in Chicago and is Choreography from the University of Southern
Over 10 years, Ashley has worked in
Heritage Center in Tequila, Mexico. the mother of two children, Griffin and Ava. Mississippi, M.A. from the University of New
diverse segments of nonprofit management, includ-
Orleans, and M.B.A. (specializing in supply chain
ing STEM education, arts and culture, and jazz
management) from Governors State University.
music. She previously held positions with prominent
She resides in Chicago with her husband, Derrick
organizations in her hometown of New Orleans and
Manuel, and their dog, Miles Davis.
Nicholas E. Cummings Kenneth Gilkes, Jr.
Chief Attorney, Tort Litigation, Chicago Transit Authority Senior Analyst, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)
Nicholas Cummings serves as a Chief Nicholas was recently named Chair of Community As a Senior Analyst in the Business Prior to joining JLL, he served as an economic
Attorney for the Chicago Transit Programs for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorpor- and Economic Incentives Group for development project manager before being
Authority’s Law Department, where ated, Xi Lambda Chapter in Chicago. Before his Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Kenneth recruited to serve as a project manager for the City
he is responsible for complex career as an attorney, he was responsible for the Gilkes, Jr., is responsible for real of Chicago. Kenneth earned a bachelor’s degree
litigation of personal injury cases. implementation and management of technological estate site selection, specific to from Fisk University, a Master of Public Administra-
Prior to joining the CTA, Nicholas was infrastructure for Fletcher Jones Automotive in multi-state comparisons of statutory tion from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and
a Cook County Assistant State’s Chicago and SUA Insurance Company. He received a and discretionary incentives, a Financial Decision Making Certificate from the
Attorney. He currently serves on the Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interac- calculating estimated incentives University of Chicago. He also has a Master of
Board of Directors for the Cook tion from DePaul University and a Juris Doctor based on project parameters, Science in Real Estate from Roosevelt University.
County Bar Association, where he from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Nicholas was economic analysis, overall project Kenneth currently resides in Chicago’s Bronzeville
chairs the Judicial Evaluation Committee. born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He has lived in execution, and strategy. neighborhood with his wife, Angela, and their three
Chicago for more than 20 years and currently children—Kennedy, Leia, and Mina.
resides on the city’s South Side.
Nathalie Essex Christina Harris
Vice President of State Funding, Teach for America Director of Land Use and Planning,
Metropolitan Planning Council
Nathalie Essex serves as Vice Nathalie is passionate about advocating for equity
President of State Funding at Teach and diversity through her work to ensure that citizens As Director of Land Use and Planning planning and landscape frameworks. As a
for America. With more than 14 years register to vote and understand their ability to influence for the Metropolitan Planning Council landscape architect, she worked on projects at a
of government relations experience their lives. She also volunteers in underserved (MPC), Christina Harris works across range of scales, from managing neighborhood
as an attorney in the private sector communities in an effort to increase civic engagement. MPC initiatives to focus on the inter- plans to detail design for parks. Several of her
and state government, she previously section of planning, development, land projects have won awards from local chapters of
Nathalie began her career as an attorney and use and open space and to consider
served as Legislative Coordinator the American Society of Landscape Architects.
government relations specialist, representing clients how these broad issues impact
and Assistant General Counsel for She is currently active in BlackSpace Chicago.
in regulatory and judicial proceedings. Nathalie is an stormwater management and water
the Tennessee Department of Human Christina received her master’s degree in
Alabama native who grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. use, transportation and mobility,
Services. She worked in both landscape architecture from Harvard University
She is a graduate of Spelman College and St. Louis housing and community development.
Democratic and Republican administrations, and her bachelor’s degree from Princeton
University School of Law. Nathalie loves college
managing significant political shifts. University. Originally from the East Coast, Christina
football, traveling, and reading. Prior to joining MPC, Christina practiced landscape
has lived in Chicago for more than 10 years.
architecture and urban planning, with a particular
focus on integrating resident engagement into
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IMPACT CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS I N F O R M E D | M O T I V A T E D | P E R C E P T I V E | A U T H E N T I C | T A L E N T
Leadership Development Program
Three new versions
that should work well.
Kelwin Harris Raquelle “Rocki” Hunter
IMPACT Director of Outreach and Engagement, Office of Senior Director of Brand Development, Zoro.com
Cook County Assessor
With more than 15 years of leadership Prior to joining Zoro, Rocki led brands at ConAgra
Kelwin Harris is a city planner dedicated Kelwin has served the Chicago community for experience in brand, marketing, and Foods and Procter & Gamble. Rocki serves on the
IMPACT to creating equitable communities and years in numerous roles. He led social services, general management, Rocki Hunter is Board of Directors for YouthBuild Lake County,
empowering people who have histor- economic development, violence prevention, and a results-driven marketing executive headquartered in North Chicago. She received a
ically been excluded from connectivity. nutrition and financial interventions in the Auburn with diverse experience across a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Spelman
Prior to his current roles as Director Gresham neighborhood as director of a nonprofit. breadth of B2B and B2C brands, College and Mechanical Engineering from Georgia
of Outreach and Engagement for the He also served in the administration of Mayor businesses, industries and categories. Tech, as well as an MBA from Harvard Business
Office of Cook County Assessor Fritz Richard M. Daley. Kelwin is a member of the Board She is currently responsible for School. Rocki lives in Highland Park with her
Kaegi, Kelwin was a senior outreach of Acero Schools and is a graduate of Cornell developing and managing the marketing husband, Bruce, and their two children, Bailey
planner with the Chicago Metropolitan University and the Harvard University Graduate and brand growth strategy, as well as and Bruce II.
Agency for Planning (CMAP), where he School of Design. To unplug, Kelwin enjoys reading, media, advertising, digital, and content marketing
translated policy and dense data into issues families traveling, and curating ‘90s Hip Hop music. for the entire Zoro business.
care about and discuss around the kitchen table.
Corey Haynes Tyeise Huntley Jones
Sales Manager, CDW LLC Director of Network Support, Chicago Public Schools
Corey Haynes is an Academy Sales Additionally, he serves as Marketing Chair of CDW’s Tyeise Huntley Jones serves as the Science in Marketing and International Business
Manager, covering the Corporate West business resource group, BeU: Black Excellence Director of Network Support at from Georgetown University and an MBA from
and SMB Central segments for CDW Unlimited. Chicago Public Schools (CPS), where Cornell University. She recently earned a master’s
Direct, LLC. He is responsible for she provides strategic leadership degree in Educational Leadership from the Broad
Corey is an avid learner and loves the outdoors.
enriching the CDW culture through support for Chiefs of Schools (area Residency. Tyeise is also heavily involved in
Corey also serves as a mentor and divides his free
new coworker engagement and for superintendents) who lead more than diversity initiatives and recruitment at Cornell.
time between volunteering and playing with dogs.
developing future sellers by enhancing 600 schools in the district.
He currently resides on the West Side of Chicago in Prior to attending business school, she worked in
their natural skillsets, uncovering new
Logan Square. Tyeise made a career switch into public relations, as well as in the utility industry as
business opportunities, and generating
education in 2015 as a Broad Resident a marketing analyst at the Southern Company.
strategic relationships with partners
at CPS. Previously she held leadership Tyeise lives in Chicago with her husband, Daryl,
and clients in current and emerging markets.
roles in Brand Management at SC Johnson and and their two young sons, Justice and Chancellor.
Ferrara Candy Company. Tyeise holds a Bachelor of
Latoya Hughes Michael Jones
Supervisor, Community Justice Centers, Cook County Human Resources Manager, Community and Diversity
State’s Attorney’s Office Programs, Rush University Medical Center
Latoya Hughes has more than 17 years Prior to joining the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Michael Jones has more than eight disabilities recruitment strategies. Michael takes a
of legal experience. In her current Office, Latoya worked as an Assistant Public years of strategic human capital proactive and purposeful approach to building
role, she manages a team of attorneys Guardian, advocating for the rights of children in management, process improvement strong talent networks that help to create long-term
and staff who focus on the develop- the child welfare system. She volunteers as a and data centric business management value and importance to Rush. One of the things he
ment and implementation of crime mentor and is a member of the Chicago Chapter of experience. Michael is responsible enjoys most about his role at Rush is being able to
prevention programming, increasing the National Black Prosecutors Association. Latoya for building and leading Rush’s help community members rebuild and build out
engagement and collaborations is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Corporate Social Responsibility their future success through hiring.
between the Cook County State’s Champaign, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in function as it relates to local hiring
Attorney’s Office and members of the Michael holds a bachelor’s degree from the
Political Science and Sociology as well as a Juris initiatives, which aim to hire and
community as well as the prosecution University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s
Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law. retain individuals from communities
of crimes of particular significance to the community. degree from Northwestern University in Evanston.
Latoya resides in South Suburban Cook County with that have been disinvested in throughout Chicago.
her son, Isaiah.
Michael also oversees Rush’s campus recruitment,
veteran recruitment and individuals with
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IMPACT CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS I N F O R M E D | M O T I V A T E D | P E R C E P T I V E | A U T H E N T I C | T A L E N T
Leadership Development Program
Three new versions
that should work well.
Jason T. Mercer Ashanti Morgan
IMPACT National Account Manager, U.S. Customer Retail, Global Manager of Inclusion & Diversity,
Fonterra (USA) Hyatt Hotels Corp.
Jason Mercer has more than 10 years Jason is treasurer for both the Chicago Area Ashanti Morgan is charged with sup- Prior to joining Hyatt, Ashanti held senior-level
IMPACT of experience in strategy, finance and Morehouse Alumni Association and Stanford Black porting business and human resource roles at DePaul University, Chicago Public Schools
mergers & acquisitions-related roles Alumni of Chicago Club. He is also a member of leaders in ensuring Hyatt increases, and Learning Point Associates (now American
within multinational organizations the Young Leadership Board for America Needs develops and leverages a diverse Institutes for Research). Ashanti’s passion is
such as Lehman Brothers, Warner You (Illinois) and 100 Black Men of Chicago. workforce; sustains an environment supporting mission-driven, community-based
Music Group, Deloitte Consulting, of inclusion via a multitude of strategic organizations such as LEEP Forward, Gary Comer
Jason earned his MBA from Stanford Graduate
TreeHouse Foods and now Fonterra initiatives; and generates impactful Youth Center and Year Up—sharing her expertise
School of Business and Bachelor of Arts in
USA. As National Account Manager business results. Before taking on her through consultation and volunteerism.
Business Administration from Morehouse College,
for the U.S. Retail business for New current role as Global Manager of
where he was a four-year letterman in basketball Ashanti received a Master of Science in Instructional
Zealand-based Fonterra, a global Inclusion & Diversity, she served as Technology from Northern Illinois University. She
and pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Alpha
dairy co-op, Jason leads Fonterra’s retail growth the Global Manager of Learning Strategy & lives in the Beverly community in Chicago with her
Rho Chapter). Jason resides in Bronzeville with his
ambitions and brand awareness by solidifying Design at Hyatt. husband Jacob and their three amazing children.
wife, Lydia.
partnerships with distribution outlets (grocers,
eCommerce, etc.) across the U.S.
Nakhia Morrissette
Regulatory Counsel & Midwest Director of State Affairs,
Brittany Merritt Solar Energy Industries Association
Chicago Executive Director, Peer Health Exchange
Nakhia Morrissette serves as Regulatory She serves as Parliamentarian of the Black Women
Brittany Merritt is a nonprofit Prior to joining PHE, she served as Chief Program Counsel & Midwest Director of State Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc., is a
executive with experience in the public Officer at Umoja Student Development Affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Founding Associate Board Member of Girl Scouts
and private sectors, focusing on Corporation, where she oversaw the vision and Association, a national trade association of Greater Chicago/Northwest Indiana, and is a
business development, program strategy of Umoja’s program portfolio. Brittany dedicated to solar advancement, advocacy, member of the Women’s Energy Network.
development and implementation. remains deeply committed to youth empowerment and education. In her role, Nakhia over-
At Peer Health Exchange (PHE), she is and equity in Chicago as she serves on the Nakhia earned her Bachelor of Science in
sees regulatory and legislative matters
primarily responsible for cultivating Auxiliary Board for Girls in the Game and is a Journalism/Mass Communications from North
involving the growing solar market in all
funding sources to support the growth member of the Chicago Foundation for Women’s Carolina A&T State University and her Juris Doctor
Midwestern states. With nearly a decade
of programs, managing and growing Southside Giving Council. Brittany holds a from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego,
of legal experience, Nakhia previously
the Chicago Board of Directors, Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Howard California. She resides in the Oakland neighborhood
worked for the Illinois Commerce Commission, in
and providing fiscal and organizational oversight University and a Master of Arts in Sports of Chicago with her husband, Wesley.
private practice at Schumacher Electric Corporation
for PHE Chicago. Administration from Northwestern University. and as a law firm owner serving entrepreneurs.
Michelle Mills Clement Nubia Murray
CEO, Chicago Association of REALTORS® Global Family Marketing Manager
McDonald’s Corporation
Michelle Mills Clement is CEO of the integral in the election of Congresswoman Robin
Chicago Association of REALTORS®. Kelly (D-IL) from Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District. Nubia joined McDonald’s with over a Nubia was previously a Vice President in JPMorgan
She previously served as President In 2019, she was elected trustee for Bradley decade of experience in sponsorship Chase’s Sports & Entertainment Marketing division,
and CEO of the Commercial Brokers University and is active in the university’s Black and partnership marketing, spear- and served the Chase Foundation on the Strategic
Association and association exec- Alumni Alliance. She is an active member of Delta heading global sports properties in Initiatives team. Nubia is an active member of
utive for the Washington State Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. the US, Frankfurt, Singapore, South Junior League Chicago and Delta Sigma Theta’s
Commercial Association of REALTORS®. Africa and Sydney. At McDonald’s, Chicago Alumnae Chapter. Crediting sports for
Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in communica-
She is an active member of Association Nubia contributes to the strategic developing her strong work ethic and competitive
tion from Bradley University and a master’s degree
Forum of Chicagoland and ASAE: oversight of the Family Experience in drive, Nubia competed in track and field at Howard
in nonprofit management from DePaul University.
The Center for Association Excellence, 120+ countries and 36,000 restaurants University and is a proud finisher of five Olympic-
She has a certificate in commercial real estate
where she was recently named to their prestigious worldwide. She also tackles brand distance triathlons and two New York City
from the University of Washington and earned the
Fellows program. alignment and relationship management of Marathons. Nubia is married to her elementary
Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification
McDonald’s nearly 30 different licensing partners, school sweetheart, Brian Davis.
A native Chicagoan, she enjoys political campaign from ASAE.
including Universal, DreamWorks, and Disney.
fundraising and volunteer management. She was
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IMPACT CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS I N F O R M E D | M O T I V A T E D | P E R C E P T I V E | A U T H E N T I C | T A L E N T
Leadership Development Program
Three new versions
that should work well.
Britney Robbins Melanie Sillas
IMPACT Founder and CEO, The Gray Matter Experience Vice President of Development, World Business Chicago
Britney Robbins founded The Gray Magazine’s Power 100 People’s Choice Award and Melanie Sillas has more than 10 years the Chicago Urban League, and Chicago Youth
Matter Experience in 2016 to help was featured on Fox32 and in Chicago Inno, of experience in the public sector, and Centers. Melanie received a Bachelor of Arts in
IMPACT black high school students start BlackEntrepreneur.com, DNAInfo Chicago and her more recent work has been in English from the University of Illinois in 2005, a
socially conscious businesses. She Chicago Tribune. She has also spoken at several nonprofit fundraising. At World Master of Science in Public Service Management
has several years of experience conferences and panels about the value of Business Chicago, she has primary from DePaul University in 2008, and a Certificate in
working within Chicago’s business/ community development. responsibility for developing key Fundraising Management from North Park
tech community, including with some external alliances through the cultiva- University in 2014. In her spare time, Melanie
Britney is passionate about entrepreneurship,
of Chicago’s top venture capital firms tion and solicitation of corporate and enjoys running half marathons and destination
education, youth and community and believes in
and incubators: Sandbox Industries, foundation support, special events, races, baking and volunteering with her sorority,
empowering others to use their passions and
Lightbank and 1871. as well as individual giving. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
strengths to create opportunities. She is also a
She has been recognized as one of Ariel Investments’ published children’s book author. Britney received Prior to joining World Business Chicago, Melanie
40 Under 40 Gamechangers and in Essence her Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric with an English held fundraising roles at the University of Chicago,
Magazine’s Woke 100. She was a finalist for Ebony minor from the University of Illinois in 2009.
Johnni Rodgers Alexandra “Alex” Sims
Director of Marketing, The Laughing Cow, Founder and CEO, APS & Associates
Bel Brands USA
Alex Sims believes that one’s birthplace campaign manager for Kurt Summers’ race for City
With more than 10 years of experience Throughout her career, Johnni has played an and economic status should not Treasurer and directed his impactful 77 in 77
in the consumer products industry, integral role in the marketing, innovation, and turn- disproportionately determine one’s life platform. After Summers’ election, Alex was named
Johnni Rodgers has taken on the around efforts across many well-known brands, journey. A native of Metro Detroit, Alex Senior Advisor for the Treasurer’s Office and helped
challenge of reinventing the historic including but not limited to Planters®, Kashi®, majored in social policy at Northwestern advance an agenda of financial equity.
flagship brand, The Laughing Cow, Eggo®, FruitLove® and Kraft® Macaroni & Cheese. University. Inspired by President Barack
which is core to Bel Brands’ $4 billion Obama’s social policies, she accepted The establishment of APS & Associates distills the
Johnni serves on the Board of Directors for Chicago
global portfolio. Her responsibilities an appointment to head his 2012 remarkable skills and talents Alex has honed. Two
Debates (formerly Chicago Debate Commission).
range from full-brand P&L respon- presidential campaign for Missouri. years into business, her vast client base has ranged
She received a bachelor’s degree in economics
sibility to developing and executing Following President Obama’s historic from the Obama Foundation to the Black Aldermanic
from UCLA and an MBA from the University of
the roadmap to accelerating victory, she became a state coordinator with Caucus to JB Pritzker for Governor.
Chicago Booth School of Business. Originally from
growth in the U.S. Organizing for Action before relocating to the
San Diego, Johnni currently lives with her husband,
Chicago headquarters. Alex later served as
Prior to joining Bel, Johnni came from the Aaron, in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood.
Breakthrough Innovation group at Kraft Heinz.
Mironda Ross Rendel L. Solomon
Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers Managing Director, Muller & Monroe Asset
Management LLC
Mironda Ross is a Deals Director in When Mironda is not helping her clients realize the
PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) value of a deal, she proudly serves as a volunteer Rendel Solomon is a Managing his MBA from Columbia Business School. In June
Advisory practice. She has more than with Ladies of Virtue and a mentor with Chicago Director with Muller & Monroe Asset 2016, he founded the nonprofit One Stock One
10 years of consulting experience, Scholars, organizations committed to empowering Management (M2), a Chicago-based Future NFP (OSOF) to turn one million youth into
helping her clients strategically and the next generation of leaders in underresourced private equity firm that manages $1.2 public company shareholders. OSOF uses workshops
tactically execute on mergers and or underrepresented communities. Mironda billion on behalf of public pension to expose young people to stocks and ownership;
integrations, divestitures and carve- graduated with honors from the University of plans. He serves on the investment then the organization purchases gift certificates for
outs, and overall business transfor- Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Manage- team and leads sales & marketing public company stocks so that each student can open
mation across a range of industries. ment Information Systems and Computer Science and client services. Prior to joining M2 their first investment account. Rendel is a member of
Her expertise includes large-scale and an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross in 2008, Rendel worked as an 100 Black Men of Chicago and has been recognized
project management, human resources, change School of Business. Mironda currently resides in engineer at P&G in Cincinnati. by Ariel Investments, Chicago Defender, Chicago
management and communications, Day 1 readiness, Bronzeville on the South Side of Chicago. Community Trust, Chicago Urban League, Ebony, and
Rendel obtained his Bachelor of Science in
employee transitions and workforce planning. WVON for his accomplishments.
Electrical Engineering from Tulane University and
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IMPACT CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS I N F O R M E D | M O T I V A T E D | P E R C E P T I V E | A U T H E N T I C | T A L E N T
Leadership Development Program
Three new versions
that should work well.
Thomas K. R. Stovall Jeremey Watson
IMPACT President, Intention Mastery Art Director of Global Digital Content Marketing, Groupon
An alum of the Tennessee State (ThinkLikeAStartup.global), teach entrepreneurs As Art Director of Global Digital Before joining Groupon, Jeremey held a number of
University Electrical Engineering and business leaders practical ways to quickly close Content Marketing for Groupon, creative and industrial design roles, including
IMPACT department, ironically, Thomas K.R. gaps between intentions, deliberate actions, and Jeremey Watson sets the strategy for furniture design, fashion design and package
Stovall has never actually worked a day measurable outcomes, to make bottom line revenue visual storytelling and marketing design for a range of consumer brands including
as an engineer. He started his entre- predictable, and amplify growth in their companies. campaigns for digital channels across KitchenAid, SC Johnson and Ed Hardy. Outside of
preneurial career selling luxury custom 16 countries. He also manages the work, Jeremey is an avid photographer, artist and
Thomas is an author, a sought after speaker and international design team. Since fashion designer who also finds inspiration
car accessories online from New York
facilitator, a Google Entrepreneur in Residence, the joining the company in 2012, Jeremey through his passion for travel. Jeremey currently
to California out of his dorm room at 19
founder of an enterprise microfeedback company, has held a number of leadership roles resides in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.
years old, and he never looked back.
and the creator of an organization that catalyzes that have elevated the Groupon brand
Thomas’ online courses and group growth for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs through the new channels he has defined globally.
training programs (IntentionMastery.com), (ImBlackInTech.com), with almost 6000 people in
along with his problem/solution think tanks the membership network across 16 countries.
Marcus Thomas James Williams
Senior Manager of Customer Marketing, Reynolds Director of Finance, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives
Consumer Products James Williams has more than 15 James serves on the board of directors of the
Marcus Thomas has more than 10 years of experience in accounting and Village Method, a nonprofit youth development
managing pricing and promotional plans for Hefty
years of leadership experience in finance. As Director of Finance at organization, and of the Roseland Youth Center. He
products across all sales channels.
marketing, sales and operations plan- Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI), received a Bachelor of Science in Business with an
Prior to joining Reynolds, Marcus held positions at he is responsible for financial manage- emphasis in Accounting from San Francisco State
ning, and supply chain management. In
Kraft Foods, ConAgra Foods, and OfficeMax, Inc. He ment across all subsidiaries and University and a Master of Science in Nonprofit
his current role at Reynolds Consumer
received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics affiliates. He is also responsible for Management from North Park University in Chicago.
Products, he is responsible for develop-
from the Wharton School at the University of facilitating strategic planning for new He also is a CFA Charterholder. James resides in
ing sales and marketing strategies to
Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Marcus currently resides business opportunities. Prior to joining the Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side of
drive market share, revenue, and profit
in the near western suburbs of Chicago with his CNI, he was an investment officer at Chicago, with his wife Paris and their three children,
growth for the Hefty Brand. He is also
wife, Dawn, and their two daughters, Leah and Avery. the California Public Employees Retirement System. James III, Zariah and Gabriella.
responsible for developing and
Anthony D. Tindall Nykia Wright
Policy & Special Projects Manager, Forest Preserve Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Sun-Times
District of Cook County Nykia Wright is Interim Chief Executive Consulting, and North Highland Worldwide Consulting.
Anthony Tindall manages the policy, Anthony received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Officer of the Chicago Sun-Times. In Nykia has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from
sustainability, and climate resiliency Science from Johnson C. Smith University in May of 2019, she was named one of Carnegie Mellon University, International Business
agenda for the Forest Preserve Charlotte, N.C., and a Master of Public Admini- the top 10 most powerful women in Certification from the University of Cambridge
District of Cook County, a 70,000-acre stration from DePaul University in Chicago. Chicago journalism. Before joining (England), and an MBA from the Tuck School of Busi-
public land management agency. Anthony currently serves on the National Advisory the Sun-Times, Nykia was a strategy ness at Dartmouth. She has also studied business at
Prior to joining the Forest Preserve, Board for the Union of Concerned Scientists in consultant with experience in financial the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad, India.
Anthony served as an associate Cambridge, Mass. He is also a coach for One management, business restructuring, She is a member of the 2018 Crain’s Chicago Business
director at the Francis W. Parker Million Degrees in Chicago and was one of the performance improvement, supply 40 under 40 class, and also a member of the 40 game-
School. He also previously held inaugural fellows for Chicago United for Equity in chain, and human resources. Her work changers under 40 class, a recognition bestowed from
positions at the University of Chicago 2018. Anthony resides in the Rogers Park history included roles with JPMorgan Chase, Huron a partnership between WVON and Ariel Investments.
and the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. community in Chicago.
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IMPACT CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS I N F O R M E D | M O T I V A T E D | P E R C E P T I V E | A U T H E N T I C | T A L E N T
Leadership Development Program
Three new versions
that should work well.
Bryce Yancy Our Education Partner
IMPACT Director of Government Affairs, Chicago State University
As Director of Government Affairs at Fortune 500 companies and other large organizations,
Chicago State University, Bryce Yancy including the University of Chicago, Ford Motor
is responsible for advocating for the Company, and American Airlines. In addition, he was
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
IMPACT
university’s interests with federal, a co-convener of the Coalition for Police Contracts Chicago Booth hosts each of our monthly sessions at its state-of-the-art Gleacher Center
state, and local governments. Accountability, an organization that advocates for in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. Members of Booth’s world-class faculty provide
changes to the Chicago Police Department instruction on various academic topics that are relevant to our Fellows’ leadership
Prior to joining Chicago State, Bryce
contracts.
served in senior staff roles on political development.
campaigns for Illinois state represen- Bryce is a proud Chicagoan, and is civically involved.
tatives, Chicago aldermen, U.S. Senate He serves on the boards of Joel Hall Dancers and In addition to Booth faculty, Chicago Booth Executive Education has been an amazing
candidate Andrea Zopp, and Chicago Center, and PEAK Chicago. He is a graduate of partner of IMPACT since the program’s inception. Executive Education staff have provided
Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He also consulted for Michigan State University. invaluable support at each of the program’s monthly sessions and many supplemental
events and activities. We are incredibly grateful for their remarkable partnership.
Gleacher Center, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business’ downtown Chicago facility
18 19IMPACT CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS I N F O R M E D | M O T I V A T E D | P E R C E P T I V E | A U T H E N T I C | T A L E N T
Leadership Development Program
Three new versions
that should work well.
IMPACT
Our Mentors Sponsoring Organizations
Carol Adams Leo Harmon Diane Primo ACCESS Community Health Network Laborers’ Local 1001 Union
Jacinda Adams Darrious Hilmon Juliette Pryor Advocate Health Care Ladies of Virtue
Alcatel-Lucent Technologies LINK Unlimited Scholars
IMPACT Terrell Anderson Patricia Brown Holmes Reginald Reed Allianz Loop Capital Markets LLC
Linda Crane Boyd Emmitt House Gary Rozier America Needs You Luckett & Ashford Attorneys at Law
Carole Brown Kym Hubbard Jelani Rucker APS & Associates Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago McDonald’s USA
Karen Caldwell Andre Hughes Shari Runner Associated Bank Metropolitan Planning Council
Dorothy Capers Perri Irmer Kelly Saulsberry Bel Brands U.S.A. Molior, Inc.
Dorval Carter Derrick Johnson Zaldwaynaka Scott Bernstein Private Wealth Management Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Black Box Creative Inc. Morpheus Consultancy, LLC
Adela Cepeda Tiffany Hamel Johnson Brian Sleet (deceased)
Black Ensemble Theater Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Gregory Chappell Emil Jones Eric S. Smith BMO Harris Bank Muller & Monroe Asset Management
Elvin Charity Eugene Jones Melody Spann Cooper Canadian National Railroad Noble Network of Charter Schools
CDW North Lawndale Employment Network
Virginia Clarke Sharon Jones Lovetta Spencer
Chicago Association of Realtors Northwestern University
Karen Collins Karen Kerr Stephanie Springs Chicago Housing Authority Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Michelle Collins Lerry Knox Kurt Summers Chicago Mayor’s Office Office of the Cook County Assessor
Les Coney Connie Lindsay Jonathan Swain Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives Office of the Cook County Board President
Chicago Police Department Office of the Honorable Roderick T. Sawyer
Cheryl Cooke Phyllis Lockett Desiree Tate (deceased) Chicago Public Schools Office of the Illinois State Treasurer
Tarrah Cooper Lyle Logan Stuart Taylor Chicago Scholars Olive-Harvey College
Toni Cornelius William Lucas Stephen Thomas Chicago State University Peer Health Exchange
Chicago Sun Times Peoples Gas
Risa Davis Gregg Lunceford Donna Thompson Chicago Transit Authority PwC
Ronald DeNard Sonya Malunda Dominque Jordan Turner Chicago Urban League Reynolds Consumer Products
Donna Grant Dorsey Lester McKeever Paula Thornton-Greear Children’s Home + Aid Society Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
CIBC US RLM Media
Sidney Dillard Eric McKissack Sherri Thorton-Pierce Robert R. McCormick Foundation
City of Chicago
Derek R.B. Douglas Dorri McWhorter William Towns Commonground Marketing Rush University Medical Center
William Farrow Marquis Miller Chad Walker Cook County Board of Review SGA Youth & Family Services
Cook County Health and Hospitals System Solar Energy Industries Association
Michael Fisher Dara Munson Alex Washington
Cook County Pension Fund St. Bernard Hospital
Rahni Flowers Ina Murray Pamela Wedgeworth Cook County Risk Management St. James Lutheran Church
Rebecca Ford Terry Cheré Nabor Darrell Williams Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Teach for America
Stephanie Neely Melvin Williams CS Insurance Strategies The Gray Matter Experience
Janel Forde
Curtis R. Monday Insurance Agency The Kellogg Company
Esther Franklin Gerald Nixon Rufus Williams Digital Bridge Solutions The Northern Trust Corporation
Anne Fredd Cheryl Pearson-McNeil Vince Williams Dominican University Thornton Township High School District 205
Richard Gamble Audrey Peeples Sherman Wright EnTrust Realty Advisors Travelers Insurance
Federal Defender Program Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
Gary Gardner Terry Peterson Andrea Zopp Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago United Airlines
Maria Green J. Todd Phillips Fetch Public Relations United States Attorney’s Office
Nickol Hackett Adrienne Banks Pitts Firefly Millward Brown United Way of Metropolitan Chicago
Flowers Communications Group University of Chicago
Foley & Lardner LLP University of Chicago - Section of Emergency Medicine
Fonterra USA University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Forest Preserve District of Cook County University of Illinois at Chicago
Gogo Inflight Urban Partnership Bank
Greene & Letts US Bank
Groupon US Foods, Inc.
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Walgreens Co.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation Wang Kobayashi Austin, LLC
Illinois Department of Central Management Services Washington, Pittman, & McKeever
Illinois Department of Children & Family Services WillowCreek Community Church - Chicago
iMentor Wintrust Financial Corporation
Inner Vision International WisdomTree Inc.
Intention Mastery World Business Chicago
JLL World Sport Chicago
Jones Day Year Up
K.L.E.O. Community Family Life Center Zekelman Industries
Kirkland & Ellis LLP Zoro, Inc.
20 21IMPACT CLASS OF 2020 FELLOWS I N F O R M E D | M O T I V A T E D | P E R C E P T I V E | A U T H E N T I C | T A L E N T
Leadership Development Program
Three new versions
that should work well.
What Our Alumni Say About IMPACT
IMPACT
LeDeidre Turner
IMPACT IMPACT Class of 2018
“I walked away from each Lessons in Leadership session more confident
in my abilities than before the session began. I was encouraged to step
out of my comfort zone and take steps to advance my career rather
than waiting for the traditional path in the position I had at the time.
Torrey L. Barrett
IMPACT Class of 2015
“The support system is unmatched. I am connected to a group of people
who celebrate each other’s successes and encourage each other
“When I first joined IMPACT, I had an idea of building a $23.5 million through their trials. After I applied for my previous job, which was my
housing development to help hardworking families on the South Side of first supervisory role, one of my fellow cohort members spent five hours
Chicago have quality housing with retail options similar to those that prepping me for the interview.”
downtown affluent families enjoy. IMPACT helped me take my project
from concept to completion. I was able to leverage the skills and tools
I gained through the program to put together a development team to
complete this difficult project. Jennifer Hodges
IMPACT Class of 2018
“My mentor, Gary Gardner, invested in me. He helped identify funding
“I became a more self-aware and confident people leader. I was promoted
sources, as well as much needed counsel to protect my interest and the
twice within my organization over the course of two years and was
project. As a result of the program and my mentor, whom I still speak
offered more opportunities to lead initiatives across the United Way
with today, we recently celebrated the grand opening of the KLEO Art
system. Much of the work I was leading was important, but I was not
Residences, a 58-unit mixed-use project with retail on the first floor
comfortable vocalizing the impact of my contribution of projects and how
that will also house an upscale, affordable boutique restaurant and
banquet hall.” it affected team, and organization prioritizes. After completing IMPACT,
I became more vocal in raising challenges that were being overlooked,
tactfully promoting my contributions, trusting my intuition and judgement
and sharing my perspective with the leaders of the organization. I trusted
Jerremy Howell
IMPACT Class of 2017
that as a creative, African-American woman and a business professional,
my perspective is important and matters in any seat I hold.”
“Not only did IMPACT meet my expectations, the program exceeded them.
The connections to the market through the mentorship program provided
me with exposure to names and networks that I would have never been
able to access so fast without the program. The access to top professors
at Booth gave me the institutionalized structure I needed to be focused
and allowed me to continue to pursue my passion for education.”
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