Meet the 2020 Leaders

Meet the 2020 Leaders for a New Chicago

Our collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation recognizes leaders who are redefining civic leadership and reimagining our city’s future.

In 2020, we recognized 10 individuals as Leaders for a New Chicago awardees.

Juliet is pictured in an outdoor setting with orange trees in the background. She has a serious expression and is wearing large blue earrings with a rust, v-neck blouse.
Juliet De Jesus Alejandre

Executive Director

Logan Square Neighborhood Association
Dorothy is pictured smiling in an outdoor setting with trees in the background. She is wearing a pink top with earrings, a silver necklace and earrings, and a head coloring with vibrant colors.
Dorothy Burge

Original Organizer & Member

Chicago Torture Justice Memorials
Asiaha is pictured smiling in an outdoor setting with trees in the background. She is wearing large blue hoop earrings and a denim shirt over a black top.
Asiaha Butler

Co-Founder & President

Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E)
Sharlyn is pictured smiling in an outdoor setting with trees in the background. She is wearing a purple patterned top.
Sharlyn Grace

Executive Director

Chicago Community Bond Fund
Hoda is pictured in an outdoor setting with trees in the background. She has a serious expression and is a patterned jacket with a dark head covering
Hoda Katebi

Co-Founder

Blue Tin Production
Ryan is pictured smiling in an outdoor setting with trees in the background. He is wearing a white button down shirt
Ryan Keesling

Founder & Executive Director

Free Write Arts & Literacy
Faheem is pictured in an outdoor setting with leafy green trees in the background. He has a serious expression and is wearing a black tshirt that says "Black is Beautiful"
Faheem Majeed

Co-Director

Floating Museum
Stephanie is pictured against a blue background that appears to be an outdoor setting. She is wearing her hair in a bun with bright pink dangle earrings and a dark, short sleeved top. She is also wearing a necklace.
Stephanie Manriquez

Executive Producer & Educator

Yollocalli Arts Reach
Elijah is pictured in an outdoor setting with trees in the background. He has a serious expression and is wearing a dark shirt.
Elijah McKinnon

Co-Founder & Development Director

Reunion Chicago
Jackie is pictured in an outdoor setting with a wooden fence in the background. She has a serious expression and is wearing a long-sleeve white top.
Jackie Taylor

Founder & Executive Director

Black Ensemble Theater
Tiffany is pictured in an outdoor setting with trees in the background. She has a serious expression and is wearing large hoop earrings with a patterned black and white blouse.
Tiffany Walden

Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief

The TRiiBE