Leadership Series Launch Session | Democracy: What’s at Stake?

Join us for the 2026-27 LGC Leadership Series launch session! As the country prepares for a consequential election and Chicagoans get ready to vote in their first, fully-elected school board, join us for a candid conversation about the state of democracy, governance, civic participation, and the decisions that will shape Chicago’s future.

Our speakers will explore what is at stake for local communities, public institutions and civic leadership during this time of political transition, polarization and public scrutiny as we envision a new path forward. Our esteemed panelists include:

  • Moderator MELISSA BELL — CEO, Chicago Public Media
  • HEATHER Y. ANICHINI — President & CEO, The Chicago Public Education Fund
  • KAREN FREEMAN-WILSON — President & CEO, Chicago Urban League
  • VENU GUPTA (LGC Fellow since 2010) — Executive Director, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
  • JESSE RUIZ (LGC Fellow since 2014) — Partner, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, The Vistria Group

This session will also offer a special opportunity to connect with candidates running for Chicago Board of Education President during a reception and meet and greet. All candidates running for president have confirmed their attendance, including:

  • JESSICA BIGGS — Board Member (District 6B), Chicago Board of Education; Director, Southwest System of Care; former Principal and Special Education Teacher, Chicago Public Schools
  • HILARIO DOMINGUEZ — former Deputy Political Director, Chicago Teachers Union; former Special Education Teacher, Chicago Public Schools
  • VICTOR P. HENDERSON — Attorney and Founder, Henderson Parks; former Certified Public Accountant; Board Member, Urban Prep Academies

Due to limited seating and high demand, we kindly ask that you register only if you are certain you can attend. Tickets for this event are exclusively for Fellows. (The LGC Signature Fellows Class of 2027 and sponsor participants are preregistered, no ticket required).

LAUNCH SESSION LOCATION & TIMING DETAILS

The session will be hosted at Discovery Partners Institute (200 S Wacker Dr. | 20th Floor).

The session will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a networking reception and continental breakfast. The program will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. Following the panel discussion, LGC will host a meet and greet opportunity with candidates running for Chicago Board of Education President.

THANK YOU to our generous 2026-27 Leadership Series Sponsors! Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact mijin.park@lgcchicago.org

To register, click here.