Meet the 2022 Leaders

Meet the 2022 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 2022, we recognized 10 individuals as Leaders for a New Chicago awardees.

Emily is posing against a dark red velvet backdrop. She has a slight smile and is wearing a dark to with a sweetheart neckline.
Emily Blum

Executive Director

Disability Lead
Antonio is posing against a dark red velvet backdrop. He is wearing a dark green button-down with a gold chain.
Antonio Gutierrez

Strategic Coordinator and Co-Founder

Organized Communities Against Deportations
Iega is smiling against a dark red velvet backdrop. He is wearing a black button down shirt
Kevin Iega Jeff

Co-Founder Deeply Rooted Dance Theater

Creative/Executive Director, Deeply Rooted Productions
trina is posing against a dark red velvet backdrop. She is wearing a bright orange top with yellow-patterend dots on her bodice and sleeves. She is wearing large gold hoop earrings and a gold necklace. Her braided hair is pulled up in a bun.
trina reynolds-tyler

Director of Data

Invisible Institute
Dixon is posing against a dark red velvet backdrop. He has a serious expression and is wearing a white floral shirt.
Dixon Romeo

De Facto Leader

Not Me We
Irene is posing against a dark red velvet backdrop. She is looking to her side and is wearing glasses, large turquoise and red earrings and a burgandy top.
Irene Romulo

Development and Community Engagement Coordinator and Co-Founder

Cicero Independiente
Scheherazade is posing with a serious expression against a dark red velvet backdrop. She is wearing a light patterned jacket over a bright yellow top with a vibrant orange necklace.
Scheherazade Tillet

Co-Founder and Executive Director

A Long Walk Home
Tanya is posing against a dark red velvet backdrop. She has a serioius expression and is wearing a black and white floral jacket ove a black top.
Tanya Watkins

Executive Director

Southsiders Organized for Unity and Liberation
Dr. Wiese Irene is posing against a dark red velvet backdrop. She is wearing glasses and a yellow jacket over a white top.
Dr. Dorene P. Wiese

Chief Executive Officer

American Indian Association of Illinois
avery is smiling against a dark red velvet backdrop. He is wearing a vibrant, long-sleeved shirt with a red, blue and yellow pattern.
avery r. young

Award-winning Artist, Composer, and Producer

Teaching artist at Urban Gateways