Three years ago, in an effort to find and cultivate the next generation of Chicago’s African American leaders who will become effective leaders in the future, The Chicago Urban League partnered with The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business for the IMPACT Leadership Development program. The first cohort launched in 2014 with 2 fellow classes having already gone through the program. On August 23, at Mesirow Financial’s auditorium, 35 professionals were introduced as the 2017 CUL IMPACT fellows. They range in experience from professionals working in corporations, non-profit and even entrepreneurs, have diverse educational background, and personal interests. The complete list can be seen here.
Chicago Urban League CEO Shari Runner welcomed guests in attendance. In describing IMPACT as “helping emerging African American leaders advance their career paths while building a more diverse leadership pipeline across the city. IMPACT develops and engages culturally competent executives across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.” The 35 fellows will be led through the program in one day long sessions each month as well as mentor meetings.
The program’s mission is to help these professionals expand their civic engagement while on the path as emerging influential African American leaders.
Mavis Laing is the Executive Director of IMPACT, which will operate for nine months starting in September culminating with a graduation ceremony at the end of the program in May 2017). If you would like to be a part of the next co-hort get more info here.
photos courtesy of CUL
