Meet the 2025 Leaders

Nominations open February 18

Submit your nominations by March 20

Meet the 2025 Leaders for a New Chicago

They are artists, community developers, educators, journalists & storytellers, and organizers. Like our previous Leaders for a New Chicago awardees, they serve as powerful examples of what transformative change looks like at the community level.

Our collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation recognizes leaders who are redefining civic leadership and reimagining our city’s future. In 2025, we recognized 8 individuals as Leaders for a New Chicago awardees.

Jhmira Alexander

President & Executive Director

Public Narrative
Enneréssa LaNette Davis

Founder & CEO

Praize Productions, Inc.
Alice Kim

Founding Director

Beyond Prisons Initiative at the Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture
Cheryl Miller

Southside Together

Health Justice Organizer
Andrea Ortiz

Strategic Initiatives Director

Woods Fund Chicago
Nissa Rhee

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Borderless Magazine
Dave Spencer

Co-Executive Director

American Indian Center