celebrated Leadership Evanston's 25th year
April 25, 2017 | ECF Press Release
Monday night, the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) celebrated Leadership Evanston’s twenty-fifth anniversary by honoring outstanding alumni for their community leadership. The honorees represent the depth and breadth of Leadership Evanston’s twenty-five year history.
The event was held at SPACE in Evanston.
about Leadership Evanston
Leadership Evanston (LE) encourages meaningful community engagement by building participants’ understanding of Evanston and leadership skills, while building a network of thoughtful residents and Evanston employees. Besides serving as elected and volunteer leaders, graduates have been instrumental in creating and leading significant local initiatives and organizations.
introducing the honorees
Leadership Evanston honorees: (back row, left to right) Mitchell Smith, Marion Flynn, Mark Tendam, (front row, left to right) John Wylie, Michael Barrera and Malik Turley. Not pictured: Steve Hagerty
To represent the future of Evanston leadership, ETHS Community Service Director Mary Collins introduced Michael Barrera and John Wylie from Emerge, the ETHS sophomore leadership development program created in collaboration with Leadership Evanston. Barrera is a current participant and Wylie is an Emerge alumni and now a Northwestern student serving as an Emerge mentor. The final honoree representing the future was Mitchell Smith (LE 16), introduced by Leadership Evanston Steering Committee member Brenda Phillips. Smith, a native Evanstonian, serves as the building manager at Ebenezer Primm Towers and as a local faith leader.
The honorees representing Evanston’s present leadership were mayor-elect Steve Hagerty and former city council member Mark Tendam, who participated in the same Leadership Evanston class in 2003-04. ECF Vice President of Programs Marybeth Schroeder, who formerly served as Director of Leadership Evanston, said their participation in the municipal election helped realize the program’s founders’ vision that Leadership Evanston alumni would take the challenge of running for elected office. “When I decided to take Leadership Evanston, I didn’t know what to expect. But it took me out of my north-side bubble and got me more familiar with the city I came to love even more,” said Tendam.
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. 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.