leadership evanston graduates 27th class
June 5, 2019 | ECF Press Release
Leadership Evanston Director, Jennifer G. Moran said, “As a cohort, Leadership Evanston XXVII 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 27 years, Leadership Evanston continues to respond to the ever-changing landscape of our community.”
The 27th cohort of engaged citizens graduated from the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) Signature Leadership Program on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. A recognition ceremony and celebration was held at Evanston’s First United Methodist Church.
leadership cohort
Leadership Evanston XXVII graduates include: Xochitl Ayala, Rotary International; Laura Brown, Downtown Evanston; Alexandria Buckley, McGaw YMCA; Shayla Butler, Northwestern University; Edgar Cano, City of Evanston; Sarah Cort, McGaw YMCA; Kelly Diaz, ETHS; Len Felton, Youth Job Center; Sarah Gordon, Center for Financial Services Innovation; Lauren Grossman, Across the Table; Cesca Henderson, EPD; Rev. Grace Imathiu, First United Methodist Church; Tanya Jenkins, EPD; Martha Klitzkie, Reef Environmental Education Foundation; Linda Larkin, community volunteer; Claudia Larrea, MetroSquash; Rick Marsh, Curt’s Café; Shiva Mohsenzadeh, Legislative Aide for Laura Fine; Jennifer Montojo, Evanston Art Center; Jessi Moon, Evanston Community Foundation; Allie Payne, Dreamtown Realty; Jeremy Round, Gather; Rachel Ruttenberg, The Family Defense Center; Joyce Sia, Northshore University Healthcare; Maria Slawinski, General Reinsurance; Jace Smith, McGaw YMCA; Erin Tegge, PEER Services; Maria Tolpin, Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation; Vanessa Vegas, Rotary International; Lisa Winn, Evanston Community Bank; Nancy Zwick, Evanston artist.
Class members developed five team projects this year covering a range of topics including Arts Across Evanston Wards, Belonging, Community Network, Financial Literacy and Peer Advocacy. Allie Payne, Dreamtown Realty, said of the program, “Prepare to be vulnerable, prepare to connect, and prepare to come in with a purpose of building your network. Leave becoming a connector of people, thoughts, and ideas.”
about leadership evanston
In 1992, ECF started its Leadership Evanston (LE) program to provide Evanston with skilled and knowledgeable individuals who take responsibility for the community and its future. LE has trained more than 730 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 vibrant, equitable and inclusive community.
apply to participate 2019-2020
Applications for the 28th class of Leadership Evanston are welcome 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. Apply online. For more information contact Leadership Evanston Director Jennifer Moran.
about the foundation
Founded in 1986, the Evanston Community Foundation helps Evanston thrive now and forever as a just, vibrant and inclusive 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.