The 26th cohort of engaged citizens graduated from the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) Signature Leadership Program on Thursday, June 7, 2018. A recognition ceremony and celebration was held at 5:30 p.m. at local Evanston restaurant Red Hot Chili Pepper, 500 Davis Street.
Leadership Evanston Director Jennifer G. Moran said, “As a cohort, Leadership Evanston XXVI found a collective voice for advocacy. Our work in Leadership Evanston encouraged active listening by the participants and resulted in five project teams highlighting the challenges for Evanston’s youth. After 26 years, Leadership Evanston continues to respond to the ever-changing landscape of our community.”
Photo by: Mike Kelly
Leadership Evanston XXVI graduates include: Susan Marshall Abraham, community volunteer; Kelli-Ann Alcott, Youth & Opportunity United, Inc.; Carole Christensen Bass, community volunteer; Ashley Brandt, Goldstein & McClintock LLLP; Karli Butler, Curt’s Café; Teri Campbell, Evanston Public Library; Savannah Clement, City of Evanston; Lori Coombs, Evanston Township High School; Brandi Crawford, Youth Job Center; Linda Del Bosque, Evanston Woman Magazine; Jean Fies, community volunteer; Ellen Frolichstein, Institute for the Therapy Through the Arts; Steven Frost, Evanston/Skokie School District 65; David Graham, Sidley Austin LLP; Chantell Johnson, MacArthur Foundation; Natalie Joy, Evanston Work Ethic Program; Laurie McCall Kaplan, Evanston Work Ethic Program; Lisa Levin, McGaw YMCA; Lesly Levitas, community volunteer; Murphy Monroe, The Actors Gymnasium; Mireya Morales, Rotary International; Michael Moran, Anonymous Architects; Joi-Anissa Russell, The James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy; David Servillo, Gene Servillo Consulting; Rebecca Slenk, McGaw YMCA Children’s Center; Rosa Ines Sriver, Chicago Public Schools; David Stone, Northwestern University; and Bryant Wallace, Chessmen Club of The North Shore.
Class members presented five team projects this year covering a range of topics including opportunities for youth, the connections between philanthropy and public funding, restorative justice practices, storytelling and reconciliation, and an investigation of how to be a trauma informed community.
In 1992, ECF started its Leadership Evanston program to provide Evanston with skilled and knowledgeable individuals who take responsibility for the community and its future. LE has trained more than 720 leaders, 80% of whom still live or work in Evanston. Today’s participants gain a deep and broad knowledge of Evanston’s diverse perspectives, institutions, and communities; examine and practice key community leadership skills; and build a network to work together toward a just, vibrant, and inclusive community.
Applications are being accepted for the 27th class of Leadership Evanston now through mid-August. Individuals who live or work in Evanston are encouraged to participate. The program seeks to include people from all neighborhoods, interests, and sectors. Payment plans and scholarships are available. For information or an application, visit www.evanstonforever.org or contact Director Jennifer Moran at [email protected] or 847-492-0990.