Elianne Bahena
Elianne “Ely” Bahena is a community advocate, civic leader, and justice-driven professional from Chicago’s La Villita neighborhood. A proud daughter of immigrant parents and first-generation college graduate, Elianne draws inspiration from her culture and community to drive positive change across the city.
Elianne serves as Chief of Staff to Alderman Michael D. Rodriguez in the 22nd Ward, where she plays a pivotal role in connecting government initiatives with the community. In this capacity, she works to ensure that city services, community events, and policy decisions align with the needs of residents, creating tangible improvements in their quality of life. In addition, Elianne was elected as District Councilor for Chicago’s 10th Police District, representing the communities of Little Village, North Lawndale, and Pilsen. In this meaningful role, she works to improve policing and public safety while exploring and advancing effective, community-centered approaches to safety and oversight.
Her leadership extends to philanthropy and civic engagement. Elianne is Co-Chair of HACE’s Chicago Auxiliary Board, a member of the Young Women’s Giving Council at the Chicago Foundation for Women, and serves on the boards of Mujeres Latinas en Acción and Urban Warriors. She is Vice President of the 22nd Ward Independent Political Organization and South City Vice Chair of the Young Cook County Democrats.
A dedicated civic leader, Elianne is an alumna of programs including Emily’s List Ignite Fellowship, LCLAA’s Trabajadoras Fellowship, the Community Leadership Fellowship, and the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Leadership Academy.
Elianne’s dedication has earned her recognition as YNPN’s Young Nonprofit Leader of the Year (2021) and a spot on HACE’s and Negocios Now’s 40 Under 40 lists. She is also a contributing author to Today’s Inspired Young Latinas, Volume IV and Community Latinx Leaders.
Marisol Campos Garcia
Marisol Campos Garcia is a first-generation Latina from Cicero, Illinois, with a deep commitment to public service and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication, and a Master’s in Public Administration, both from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).
Marisol currently serves as the Director of Student Activities at Morton College, where she leads initiatives designed to enhance student engagement, leadership development, support for undocumented students, and the on-campus food pantry. She initially joined Morton College as the inaugural Undocumented Student Liaison.
Marisol’s dedication to public service was established through extensive work with nonprofit and government organizations, taking on roles supporting individuals in renewing their DACA, applying for citizenship, and registering new voters. These roles assisted Marisol in establishing a strong foundation in community service, particularly in the fields of immigration, voter education and registration, civic engagement, advocacy, education, and youth leadership development.
Her commitment to civic engagement is further reflected in her role as a Civic Leadership Corps member with the Obama Foundation. In this capacity, she helped lead a community youth conference aimed at fostering leadership skills, professional development and civic participation, bringing together young people from the community to build skills for their future.
Outside of her professional life, Marisol is passionate about travel and cultural exploration. She enjoys working on artistic projects and finds joy in reading during her downtime.
Allaina Humphreys
Allaina is a dedicated advocate, entrepreneur, and community leader with experience in disability rights, social justice, and community empowerment. As a quadriplegic, she brings a unique perspective and lived experience to her work. She serves as the founder and chair of Bolingbrook Pride, vice chair of the Bolingbrook Arts Council, and is a founding member of the Accessible Community Task Force of Naperville. Additionally, she has helped develop a safety program for young women with Will County NOW and volunteers with Youth Outlook and United Spinal. She is also a member of the Disability Lead 2025 cohort and a graduate of the Backbones Leader program.
Allaina works tirelessly to educate and empower others through events, workshops, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving. Her efforts have recently advanced the use of the progressive accessible icon, increased awareness of visitability standards, and fostered greater understanding of disability and LGBTQ+ needs and inclusion through interactive events and non-punitive education.
Allaina has a proven ability to build relationships with government officials, nonprofit leaders, and organizations. She has been featured on platforms like Spotlight Chicago and the Zonta on the Move podcast, where she shared her story and advocacy work. As a graphic designer and entrepreneur, she has operated her business for over 25 years, exclusively assisting organizations, small businesses, and individuals doing beneficial work for society.
Currently, Allaina is working to increase accessible parking, encourage adoption of visitability standards, and expand protections for marginalized communities. She is a tireless advocate who believes in finding common ground to create lasting change. Above all, she is driven by her devotion to making the world a better, more inclusive place for her three children and future generations.
Taneka Hye Wol Jennings
Taneka Hye Wol Jennings is a dedicated public servant with a strong 15-year track record of cultivating mission-driven organizations and pursuing systems change through policy advocacy, community organizing, and non-profit/public administration.
Taneka’s work and passions stem in part from her lived experiences as a transracial Korean adoptee who emigrated to the United States from South Korea when she was three months old. She believes in the power of being rooted in community, building new narratives together, and advancing solutions that bring about a more equitable and just future for all people.
Currently, Taneka is the Deputy Legislative Director for the Illinois Department of Human Services, where she advances legislation and policies that achieve a more equitable and inclusive reality for diverse Illinoisans. Her efforts were instrumental in securing passage of HB793, the Dignity in Pay Act, which provides a thoughtful 5-year roadmap to phase out the practice in Illinois of paying workers with disabilities less than minimum wage.
Over the years Taneka has held leadership positions in a number of nonprofits with a focus on multigenerational capacity building, equity, and justice. Her strategic oversight as Adoptees For Justice Campaign Director with the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) contributed to passage of the Adoptee Citizenship Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. Previously, Taneka also served as Deputy Director of NAKASEC’s Chicagoland affiliate HANA Center, Director of Government Affairs & Special Assistant to the President at Metropolitan Family Services, and President of KAtCH: Korean Adoptees of Chicago.
Taneka is a Leadership Greater Chicago fellow and New American Leaders alumna. She holds a Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Jane Addams College of Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wheaton College. Taneka lives with her partner on Chicago’s Northwest Side.
Rebecca Kling
Rebecca Kling (she/her) is an educator, organizer, storyteller, and advocate for progressive issues. She is principal and co-founder of Better World Collaborative, a social impact consulting firm working to combat the recent flood of anti-trans legislation, and co-author of The Advocate Educator’s Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender and Non-Binary Students Thrive.
Rebecca’s work is rooted in a multidisciplinary approach to changing the world, with the understanding that there is no One Right Way to communicate or organize, and that–while no one can do everything–everyone can do something.
Over the course of her career, Rebecca has collaborated with hundreds of community organizations, civil rights groups, and government officials–including the National Center for Transgender Equality, the ACLU, and multiple state and federal agencies–to elevate the experiences of transgender people, and to bring transgender rights into discussions of public policy.
Alongside her advocacy work, Rebecca spent more than a decade with Harbor Camps, an overnight camp for trans and non-binary youth with classic summer camp activities: canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, a variety show, and more. Rebecca was first a bunk counselor, then the drama director, and finally a member of the camp leadership team.
In 2024, a short story by Rebecca was included in ‘2 Trans 2 Furious: An extremely serious journal of Transgender Street Racing Studies,’ which won a Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Anthology.
Born and raised in Evanston, Illinois, Rebecca has lived in Chicago for most of her adulthood. She now lives in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood with her girlfriend and three cats (which, really, is a lot of cats). Learn about Rebecca’s work at www.rebeccakling.com and www.bwcollab.com.
Anna McKinley
Growing up in a proud union household, Anna McKinley developed a deep passion for political advocacy and public service from an early age. During high school, she served as a precinct committeewoman in Washington County and volunteered on multiple state and federal campaigns, gaining firsthand experience in grassroots organizing and political strategy.
In 2019, Anna left her hometown of Okawville, Illinois, to study at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. While excelling academically, she also embraced leadership opportunities, serving as the International Students’ Representative in the Student Parliament and as President of the Politics and International Relations Students’ Society.
In 2020, she returned home and served as Campaign Coordinator for Judge Judy Cates’s Illinois Supreme Court race. The following year, she joined U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office as a Constituent Services intern, where she worked on federal casework and constituent outreach.
After graduating with a degree in Political Science and International Relations in 2023, Anna joined Governor JB Pritzker’s administration as a Dunn Fellow, where she supported the Budget and Economy portfolio. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Director of State Legislation for the Illinois Farm Bureau, where she advocates for Illinois agriculture by shaping legislative priorities and fostering key relationships with state policymakers.
Shanna Shipman
As the CEO of Family House, Inc., Shanna Shipman works to improve access to healthcare and support patients and families during their most vulnerable times. Her impassioned work in the nonprofit sector follows a career dedicated to the education of young people that started in the classroom and resulted in systemic work across national education systems.
Shanna worked for the American Institutes for Research and the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders in Washington, D.C. before becoming an independent consultant serving education systems in their continuous improvement processes. She has served nationally and internationally as a subject matter specialist, promoting evidence-based practices that support an integrated approach to academic, mental, and physical wellness.
She also brings rich experiences in local journalism, congressional politics, and public health emergency preparedness. Early in her career, Shanna served refugee populations in Kenya and Bosnia-Herzegovina while working for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and international nonprofit organizations.
Shanna holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Bradley University as well as a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University. She was a visiting scholar at American University (Washington, D.C.) in the Conflict Resolution program as well as at Oxford University (Oxford, England) in the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics program.
Shanna is a dynamic leader known to bring people together toward positive change benefiting whole communities. She is most motivated in this pursuit by her children, Hope, Kai, Ada, and Cade. They reside in Peoria, Illinois.
Tiffany Sanders Sostrin
Tiffany Sanders Sostrin is the Managing Director at Daley Strategy. Prior to her work in government relations and political consulting, Tiffany spent eight years working for the City of Chicago in a variety of roles. She was Director of Legislative and Community of Affairs at the Chicago Park District, leading legislative efforts with federal, state and city governments, liaising with elected officials, and stewarding their work with the Park District. She also secured more than $10 million in Congressional Project Funding/earmark requests for the Park District.
Tiffany also served Mayor Lori Lightfoot as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, overseeing all legislative activity for the City Council and maintaining strong professional relationships with aldermen. She was the primary legislative advisor to senior mayoral staff and City department leadership, which included developing strategies for engagement with City Council. She successfully executed the Mayor’s legislative and policy initiatives including sweeping ethics reforms, the passage of the nation’s most expansive Fair Workweek legislation and the $15 minimum wage, and managing City Council’s emergency COVID-19 response.
Tiffany also served as an Assistant Director in the City’s Department of Finance and as an attorney for the City’s Legislative Reference Bureau under President Pro Tempore Margaret Laurino. Before her career with the City of Chicago, Tiffany worked as a management consultant for IBM, served U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman, and interned for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Tiffany has a BS in Public Policy from Indiana University-Bloomington, graduated cum laude with a JD from Loyola University Chicago, and completed a fellowship at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.
Tiffany lives in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood with her two children, Lani and James, her husband, Tim, and her dog, Miles.
Tricia D. Teague
Tricia D. Teague is a certified business and life coach, teacher, speaker, and consultant. She founded The Trep School® in 2018 to train and coach entrepreneurs. In June 2023 the business opened Soar Space Business Center, a coworking and incubation space.
Ms. Teague has multiple certifications: Co-Active Training Institute as a Co-Active Professional Coach (CPCC), GrowthWheel® Business Advisor, and facilitator for both the Kauffman FastTrac® and the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative Ice House Entrepreneurship educational programs.
As the founder of The Trep School®, Ms. Teague guides clients globally in executing strategies to grow their business and leadership acumen. The company’s highest profile engagements include:
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- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity: contracted The Trep School® on multiple projects to provide training and technical assistance throughout Illinois.
- Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority: awarded The Trep School® funds for the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp, a comprehensive program to build small businesses and an entrepreneurial ecosystem. To date The Trep School has provided more than $250,000 in seed funds to Danville area small businesses.
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Ms. Teague is also heavily involved in the Danville community serving as Alderman/Vice Mayor on the Danville City Council, volunteering with several organizations, and serving on several boards.
Dr. Genevra A. Walters
Dr. Genevra Walters is a retired superintendent with 33 years of educational experience and was named the 2024 Illinois Superintendent of the Year. She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and earned her doctorate in education from Illinois State University.
Dr. Walters began her career as a School Social Worker in Kankakee School District 111, later serving as assistant principal at Kankakee High School and principal at Mark Twain Elementary School. In 2001, she became the Director of Human Resources at SPEED Special Education School District #802, advancing to Superintendent in January 2008.
Dr. Walters has presented at various conferences, including the China-U.S. Conference on Educating Students with Special Needs in 2004, where she discussed “Building Collaborative Relationships with Families.” Dr. Walters co-authored the book “What Works for Special Education and At-Risk Learners,” which offers strategies to improve education for all students.
Dr. Walters returned to Kankakee School District 111 as superintendent on May 30, 2014, and retired on June 30, 2024. During her tenure, she developed programs and invested $90 million in infrastructure, which included a renovated high school, updated junior high spaces, air conditioning in most buildings, and the Genevra Walters Community Center.
Bianca Yarborough
Bianca Yarborough is the Founder of The Hue PAC, whose mission is to help get members of the “Divine Nine” elected to office. She was the Political Coordinator at SEIU Local 73. Bianca worked on several campaigns, from President Obama’s campaign in 2012 to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s mayoral campaign in 2018, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s 2020 campaign, and as the Deputy Campaign Manager for 5th Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy’s and 20th Ward Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor’s races in 2023. In 2018, Bianca worked as the Community Engagement Associate for Organizing for Action. In addition to working on campaigns, Bianca also held roles in criminal justice reform and public affairs. Prior to joining politics, Bianca worked at Burrell Communications on the McDonald’s and AARP accounts. Before relocating to Chicago from Oakland, California, in 2011, Bianca was involved in the entertainment and marketing industry and worked at some of the most high-profile entertainment companies in the industry.
Bianca is a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women for the Chicago Metropolitan Chapter, where she serves as one of the Co-Chairs for the Public Policy Committee. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she currently serves as a member of the Nominating Committee in the Chicago Alumnae Chapter. Bianca was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for CASA Cook County, working with foster care youth. She was also an Associate Board Member for New Moms, Incorporated, an organization that services mothers and children.
Bianca has a master’s from Northwestern, a bachelor’s from UC Irvine, and an Executive Education Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard University, along with certificates from Kellogg, Cornell, and DePaul.
Bianca is a mother to two amazing daughters and a dog mom to a Goldendoodle.
Anjanette L. Young
Anjanette L. Young, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a deep passion for mental health, brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her advocacy work. She understands firsthand how trauma impacts individuals and communities. In February 2019, Anjanette endured a life-altering traumatic experience when the City of Chicago police raided her home based on false information. This unjust incident placed her among the growing number of Black women harmed by flawed policing practices.
Anjanette’s commitment to justice and healing is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Raised in rural Mississippi by her grandmother—a civil rights activist who fought for justice and equality and marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—Anjanette inherited a legacy of resilience and advocacy.
Today, Anjanette is a prominent activist and advocate in Chicago, focusing on social and racial justice as well as police reform. Her journey from personal trauma to public advocacy has made her a recognized name in the fight against police misconduct, demonstrating the power of resilience and purpose.
To support others navigating trauma, Anjanette founded the I AM HER Foundation, a platform dedicated to providing support and financial assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy. By reducing barriers to healing, the foundation creates spaces of care, empowerment, and recovery.
Through her work, Anjanette aspires to advance systemic change, fostering a society that prioritizes well-being, equity, and human dignity for all.