Meet the 2025 Leaders

Nominations are open!

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 is pictured smiling in a blurred office setting. She is wearing a burgandy top with gold hoop earrings and a gold necklace
Jhmira Alexander

President & Executive Director

Public Narrative
Enneressa is pictured with a serious, professional expression. She is posing against a yellow background, has braided hair and is wearing small, flower-shaped earrings.
Enneréssa LaNette Davis

Founder & CEO

Praize Productions, Inc.
Alice is pictured smiling in an outdoor setting with green trees and a stone building in the background
Alice Kim

Founding Director

Beyond Prisons Initiative at the Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture
Cheryl is pictured smiling in a kitchen setting. She's wearing a turquoise sweater over a black turtleneck with a vibrant yellow and black patterned necklace and earrings.
Cheryl Miller

Southside Together

Health Justice Organizer
Andrea is pictured smiling against gray, white and red painted background. She is wearing a light blue blouse and a necklace.
Andrea Ortiz

Strategic Initiatives Director

Woods Fund Chicago
Nissa is pictured smiling against a light gray backdrop. She's wearing a sleeveless black top and turquoise earrings.
Nissa Rhee

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Borderless Magazine
Dave is pictured against a gray background. He has a slight smile and is wearing a white, button-down shirt with a rope necklace
Dave Spencer

Co-Executive Director

American Indian Center
Hac Tran is seated on tan couch wearing black beanie, tortoiseshell glasses, and black jacket, with potted plant visible on shelf in background.
Hac Tran

Co-Founder

Haibayo