CHICAGO, IL — The University of Chicago Center for Effective Government (CEG) at the Harris School of Public Policy today announced its 2025 class of Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) fellows—some of the area’s most promising government and nonprofit leaders—who make up the eleventh cohort of the Center’s prestigious interdisciplinary leadership development program.
The 2025 cohort includes fellows from nonprofit organizations, City of Chicago government, and Cook County government. They join a program that fuels an exchange of ideas across Chicago and Cook County that improves practices and civic outcomes while spurring greater collaboration and innovation across our institutions.
“When we select each Civic Leadership Academy cohort, we assemble a group of committed, knowledgeable practitioners who can learn from each other and collaborate to facilitate change in Chicago’s civic sector,” said William Howell, Director of CLA and the founding Director of CEG. “As the legitimacy of our institutions is called into question, it’s more important than ever for government to be responsive to the challenges facing its constituents. CLA advances more effective governance by elevating cross-sector discussion and empowering a community of civic leaders to enact reform.”
“Through the Civic Leadership Academy, I am excited to develop new strategies to tackle systemic challenges. I look forward to collaborating with leaders across sectors, gaining fresh perspectives, and enhancing my approach to partnership and problem-solving,” said Kathy Cullick, CLA 2025 cohort member and Director of North Lawndale Collaborative at Chicago CRED. “My goal is to use this experience to drive meaningful change, foster strong community connections, and implement sustainable solutions that address the root causes of violence. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to lasting transformation that promotes safety, equity, and opportunity throughout Chicago.”
The new cohort joins a network of more than 300 CLA alumni integral to the civic infrastructure of Chicago. CLA fellows and alumni hold positions as change-makers across Chicago and Cook County, advancing reform and spurring progress on a number of critical policy issues.
Luis Zepeda, incoming CLA fellow and First Deputy Commissioner at the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation said: “I hope to implement the insights and skills gained from the program, and be able to foster a more inclusive, dynamic, and effective work environment within my current department and across the city. CLA will give me the opportunity to reflect and refine my strategic decision-making abilities and provide me with the tools needed to approach complex challenges I encounter daily in my current role.”
Last week, fellows began a rigorous six-month program that teaches essential leadership skills and provides the time and space to focus on a specific leadership skill that will directly benefit their work. In addition to attending classes and discussions with world-class University of Chicago faculty, fellows participate in a monthly Civic Practitioner Leadership Series, closed-door discussions with key Chicago leaders and CLA alumni; and a week-long Global Practicum in Paris, where fellows engage with and learn from their counterparts in an international setting. A collaborative final project leverages fellows’ cohort experience and the broader CLA network to envision meaningful opportunities for reform in Chicago. Upon completion of the program, they will receive a certificate in civic leadership from the Harris School of Public Policy.
“The 2025 cohort of the Civic Leadership Academy is a diverse coalition of leaders that truly reflects Chicago,” said Sadia Sindhu, executive director of CEG. “The wide range of professional and lived experiences in this cohort allows fellows to have informed, rigorous, and productive conversations about how to create lasting institutional change in Chicago and Cook County.”
The 2025 Civic Leadership Academy fellows are:
Nida Abbasi, Program Officer, Criminal Justice, MacArthur Foundation
M. Tauseef Akbar, Associate Director of Spiritual Life & Coordinator of Muslim Life, University of Chicago
Kenneth G. Balcarcel, Director of Compliance, Adult Education, City Colleges of Chicago
Lisa M. Bly-Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Jobs Council
Jeremi Bryant, Project Manager, Water Programs, Elevate
Christopher Chavez (AB’12, AM’13), Director of Planning & Data Analytics, Department of Strategy & Insights, Chicago Housing Authority
Kathy Cullick, Director, North Lawndale Collaborative, Chicago CRED
Deanna Durica, Director of Public Health Policy, Cook County Department of Public Health
Sylvia Dziemian, Director of Public Health Operations, City of Chicago Department of Public Health
James M. Harris, Assistant Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
Noureen Hashim-Jiwani, First Deputy of Policy, City of Chicago Office of the Mayor
Zulmarie Hatch (AM’16), Director of College Access & Persistence, The Academy Group
Laura Hool, Chief of Staff, Carole Robertson Center for Learning
Bweza Itaagi, Englewood Nature Trail Steward, Grow Greater Englewood
Audrey Jonas, Deputy Director of Communication, Cook County Bureau of Asset Management
Devon LaRosa, Chief of Schools - Network 16, Chicago Public Schools
Rory McHale, Director of Legislative & External Affairs, Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender
Robin Murphy, General Counsel, Civilian Office of Police Accountability
Kanako Ishida Musselwhite (AM’12), Budget Director, Cook County Department of Budget and Management Services
Philip Nadasdy, Chief Strategy Officer, Chicago Architecture Center
Lycrecia L. Parks, Chief Risk Officer and Vice President of Portfolio Management, Chicago Community Loan Fund
Eleanor Perrone Toriski, Chief Operating Officer, Civic Consulting Alliance
Tawaga Roberts, Administrative Sergeant, Youth Investigation Division, Chicago Police Department
Robert Rodemeyer, Deputy Supervisor, Child Protection Division, Cook County State's Attorney's Office
Matt Stern, Assistant Commissioner, Implementation & Evaluation, City of Chicago Department of Housing
Ali S. Tarokh, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Trellus
Alexa Van Brunt, Director, Illinois Office, MacArthur Justice Center
Ariel Van Cleave, Managing Editor, Audio News, WBEZ
Luis Zepeda, First Deputy Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation
The 2025 cohort of CLA fellows was introduced at a ceremony with remarks from CEG Director William Howell; Ethan Bueno de Mesquita (AB’96), Dean and Sydney Stein Professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy; Mayor Brandon Johnson; and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (AB'69, MAT'77). Cindy Chan Roubik (CLA'22), Deputy Commissioner City of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, delivered an alumni address on behalf of the broader CLA community. The ceremony was held January 9th, at 5pm at the Chicago Cultural Center.
"I am proud to welcome the newest cohort of Civic Leadership Academy Fellows and celebrate the leaders who are working to improve our civic organizations and local government so that, together, we can best serve our city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "The leadership these fellows bring to their organizations and communities is vital to addressing our city's challenges and emerging stronger. I commend the Harris School of Public Policy and Center for Effective Government for continuing to develop new leaders who are shaping a more equitable, bright future for all."
“The Civic Leadership Academy empowers our local civic leaders with the tools and knowledge to drive meaningful change in their communities. By fostering collaboration, innovative thinking and a spirit of service, CLA equips our public servants with the skills needed to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This program exemplifies how leadership can come from every corner of our County — not just elected offices or institutions. Congratulations to this year’s cohort on joining a legacy of impactful leadership.”
“The Harris School is exceptionally proud of the Civic Leadership Academy, which brings together some of the top government and non-profit professionals from around the city of Chicago and Cook County to develop rigorous skills and strategies for addressing our community's most pressing challenges,” said Ethan Bueno de Mesquita (AB’96), dean and Sydney Stein Professor at Harris. “This new cohort will build on the CLA’s ten-year legacy of policy engagement, bolster its 300-strong network of leaders, and work to ensure a brighter future for us all.”
The Civic Leadership Academy is made possible through generous support from the Harris School of Public Policy, Harris Family Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, Walder Foundation and Waraich Family Fund, and has presented named fellowships to the following individuals: The 2025 Walder Foundation Fellows are Kenneth G. Balcarcel of the City Colleges of Chicago and Ali S. Tarokh of Trellus, and the 2025 WF Fund Fellow is M. Tauseef Akbar of the University of Chicago. Additionally, Laura Hool of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning is the recipient of the Jessica Bryar Scholarship, named in honor of CLA 2017 alumna Jessica Bryar, who passed away in 2019.
Press contact: Megan Busbice, Program Associate, Center for Effective Government