FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 28, 2025
CONTACT:
Graciela González
Director of Communications
ggonzalez@latinopolicyforum.org
312-728-4291
Latino Policy Forum Announces 2025 Multicultural Leadership Academy Cohort
“This is what unified, purposeful leadership looks like.”
CHICAGO, IL – Today, the Latino Policy Forum announced the 2025 cohort of the Multicultural Leadership Academy (MLA), a program that every year, brings together established and emerging leaders who together work to build cross-cultural understanding and cooperation in Black and Latino communities. This year’s group joins a strong network of change-makers driving positive impact across Illinois.
“This is what unified, purposeful leadership looks like,” said MLA Senior Program Manager at the Latino Policy Forum, NiCole Ward. “The Multicultural Leadership Academy is a call to action for our community leaders to show the world what is possible when we choose unity and collaboration over division. This group answered that call. They represent the real story of our communities – one of shared aspirations, mutual support, and collective strength. I am excited to embark on this transformative journey with our 25 leaders as they deepen their leadership skills and build lifelong bonds.”
The Forum is proud to announce the 2025 cohort of the Multicultural Leadership Academy, they are:
| Arkey Adams Chicago Culture Lab | Ken Alvarado New Life Centers |
| Monserrat Ayala Increase the Peace Chicago | Lilia Escobar The Resurrection Project |
| Ada Garcia Allies for Community | Carlos García León Lookingglass Theatre Company |
| Kelvin Gensollen Arellano Palenque LSNA | Lisette López Latinos Progresando |
| Alyssa Mendez Metropolitan Family Services | Isamar Mendoza UChicago Family Birth Center |
| Yemilee Monjes-Lempa Palenque LSNA | Shatara Nowling After School Matters |
| David Orta UChicago Consortium on School Research | Maty Ortega Cruz Advance Illinois |
| Gabriel Pérez scaleLIT | Melissa Perez Latino Policy Forum |
| Rev. Dr. Kenneth D. Phelps Concord Community Organization | Fernanda Ponce National Immigrant Justice Center |
| Sean Price BUILD | Braulio Puente City of Chicago Department of Housing |
| Jeremy Rembert Everyday Educators | Susana Salgado Ortiz Centro Romero |
| Amber Strickland BUILD | LaKeisha Walker Honorable Women, Inc. |
| Elena Westbrook Civic Consulting Alliance |
Since 2009, the Latino Policy Forum has cultivated more than 300 community leaders through the Multicultural Leadership Academy (MLA) and the Illinois Latino Nonprofit Leadership Academy, the predecessor of MLA. Past cohorts take their experience in the program and apply it to their advocacy, work, and activism, and support one another. They work together to build bridges between their communities, have a positive impact, and inspire action and solidarity.
Every year, a panel of past cohort members review more than 100 applications and choose 24 leaders to be a part of the eight-month program. Cohorts are comprised of established and emerging leaders who are actively involved in social change, policy impact, and/or community development. The Academy fosters a space where participants can develop their skills as leaders and visionaries while enhancing their effectiveness as agents of social change, policy impact, and community improvement. Past participants have gone on to run for office, establish and lead social impact organizations, but also host solidarity walks, healing circles, and other community events.
The Multicultural Leadership Academy is made possible thanks to the generous support of The Chicago Community Trust, Archer Daniels Midland, The Walder Foundation, Grand Victoria Foundation, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
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About the Latino Policy Forum
The Latino Policy Forum is the only organization in the Chicago area that facilitates the involvement of Latinos at all levels of public decision-making. The Forum conducts analysis to inform, influence and lead. Its goals are to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies, and engage diverse sectors of the community, with an understanding that advancing Latinos advances a shared future. For more information, visit latinopolicyforum.org.