Along with our announcement, we shared the new MLA logo. The logo was designed by MLA 2023 alum, Carlos Matallana. Carlos’ experience in MLA was an inspiration for his design, and shared the following: “First, the shield shape represents a safe learning environment, high ideals, open knowledge sharing, and protection. Inside the shield, the sun shape, also used in the Latino Policy Forum logo, symbolizes continuous renewal, sound judgment, and unwavering willpower. The rectangular shape within the shield represents the public and private institutions where MLA leaders are instrumental in fostering equity and justice.”
The 2025 cohort is deep in the work. They came together at the beginning of February at the Field Museum and met each other and their trainers for the first time. We invited past cohort members to help us welcome our new group, share about their experiences and give the current cohort a glimpse of what they can expect: tough, but necessary, conversations, deep personal work, and lasting bonds. We then moved onto the Maori Meeting House to ground ourselves in the moment and for cohort members to share and learn about one another. We also held our first retreat and workshop.
A very special feature of MLA is that each cohort builds important and powerful relationships with one another. Which is why we were devastated to learn of the recent passing of one of our own, Arkey Adams. As a part of the 2025 MLA cohort, Arkey had already left an indelible mark on her fellow cohort members. She will forever be a part of this group and the wider MLA community of leaders.
On behalf of the Latino Policy Forum and the 2025 MLA cohort, I want to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Arkey’s family, friends, and community. Arkey had a profound impact on everyone who knew her, and she touched so many through her work in the arts. We will miss her dearly. In lieu of flowers, Arkey’s loved ones are collecting funds to support her family through this challenging time.
The Multicultural Leadership Academy is made possible through the generosity of the Chicago Community Trust, Healing Illinois, JP Morgan Chase, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the Walder Foundation.