25th class graduates from Leadership Evanston
June 8, 2017 | ECF Press Release
The 25th cohort of engaged citizens graduated from the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) Signature Leadership Program on Wednesday night.
A recognition ceremony was held at 5:30 p.m. in the offices of ZS Associates, One Rotary Plaza, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston.
leadership evanston through the years
In 1992, ECF started its Leadership Evanston (LE) program to provide Evanston with a steady stream of skilled and knowledgeable graduates whose leadership talents would enrich civic and community life. Since that time, LE has trained more than 700 leaders, 80% of whom still live or work in Evanston. Today’s participants gain a deep and broad knowledge of Evanston’s diverse perspectives, examine and practice key leadership skills, and work in project groups that tackle some of Evanston’s most challenging problems.
25th cohort
Leadership Evanston Director Jennifer G. Moran said, “The 25th cohort was unafraid to wrestle with the challenging issues surrounding equity. Our work in Leadership Evanston mirrored the larger discussions going on in our community this year. This is a group of community leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves to get things done in Evanston.” 
Leadership Evanston XXV presented five team projects this year covering a range of topics: affordable housing, addressing trauma, empowering youth, investigating food equity and refreshing the Leadership Evanston program.
Class XXV graduates include: Maggie Allexsaht, McGaw YMCA; Nichole Boyd, Evanston Township High School; Kristin Brown, Rotary International; Val Buchanan, Northwestern University; Lynn Chehab, NorthShore University HealthSystem; Socorro Castro, Evanston Public Library; Maggie Cong-Huyen, Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management; Pam Cytrynbaum, Injustice Watch; Michael Drennan, Ridgeville Park District; Ellen Feldman, recently retired Northwestern University Research Center; Evan Finamore, community activist; Roland Fouche, City of Evanston; Carmen Francellno, Family Focus Evanston; Bryon Harris, Evanston/Skokie District 65; Lori Hatton, community volunteer; Katie Knapp, City of Evanston; Elisabeth “Biz” Lindsay-Ryan, diversity and inclusion consultant; Kylette Lindsey, City of Evanston; Kathleen Long, Laurel Associates, LLC; Letitia Mann, community volunteer; Yoli Maya Yeh, LumenKids and Fusion Academy; Donique McIntosh, social justice and diversity consultant; Becky Moore, Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U); Mary Ellen Poole, Impact Behavioral Health Partners (Housing Options); Jess Rutstein, Justin Wynn Fund; Liz Schaps, Northwestern University; Tasha Triplett, Curt's Café; Mark Watson, Nature's Perspective; Jody Wright, Evanston Police Department.
apply
Applications are being accepted for the 26th class of Leadership Evanston now through mid-August. Individuals from all neighborhoods and sectors in Evanston are encouraged to participate. Payment plans and scholarships are available.
about the foundation
Founded in 1986, the Evanston Community Foundation helps Evanston thrive now and forever as a vibrant, inclusive, and just community. It builds, connects, and distributes resources and knowledge to Evanston – not just one group, neighborhood or issue – all of Evanston. ECF stands ready to be a thought partner, a collaborator, an investor, a facilitator, and most of all a convener to grow impact. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.