FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 26, 2026
CONTACT:
Graciela González
Director of Communications
[email protected]
312-728-4291
CHICAGO, IL — Today, the Latino Policy Forum announced the 2026 cohort of the Multicultural Leadership Academy (MLA), a professional development program that equips leaders with the skills, networks, and cross-cultural understanding necessary to build and strengthen relationships between Black and Latine communities, drive social change, and advance community empowerment across Illinois. This year’s group joins a strong network of change-makers driving positive impact across Illinois.
“In the Multicultural Leadership Academy, participants will discover the powerful leader within,” said MLA Senior Program Manager at the Latino Policy Forum, NiCole Ward. “Right now, our communities face unprecedented challenges that require us to be united and strong. We need dynamic, passionate leaders who understand that our communities depend on us and that we build strength by building together. This cohort stepped forward because they believe in an inclusive vision, and that commitment is exactly what will drive the change Illinois needs.”
The Forum is proud to announce the 2026 cohort of the Multicultural Leadership Academy. This year’s leaders are:
| James Alford University of Illinois Chicago | Dr. Christian Bello Escobar El Centro, Northeastern Illinois University |
| Manuel Beltran Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights | Channa Bush UCAN |
| Jiana Calixto Equal Hope | Sian Du’Prey Hispanic Federation |
| Lional Freeman Sonic Explorations | Brittany Fry Advocates for Urban Agriculture |
| Rosalba Garibay Thresholds | Dr. Richard Glass Jr. Ombudsman Chicago High Schools |
| Kenneth Gonzalez Balcarcel City Colleges of Chicago | Senyah Haynes Msaada Center for Community Transformation |
| Miguel Hernandez Latino Policy Forum | Santalucia Hernandez Chicago Debates |
| Jeremy Lamour New Life Centers of Chicagoland | Dr. Esther Lopez Refugee One |
| Julio Martinez Morales Consulting | Mariana Martinez Rush Copley Medical Center |
| Jorge Mena Robles Latino Cultural Center, University of Illinois Chicago | Nancy Negrete Cook County Board of Commissioners, Alma E. Anaya, 7th District |
| Vero Ortiz Enlace Chicago | Charita M. Pates Center for Housing and Health |
| Jalen Preacely Chicago Community Trust | James A. Sims Claretian Associates |
| Veronica Tinajero Chicago State University – Latino Resource Center | |
Since 2009, the Latino Policy Forum has cultivated more than 320 community leaders from more than 200 different organizations 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 approximately 25 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. MLA 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, Grand Victoria Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, JP Morgan Chase, Lohengrin Foundation and Schreiber Philanthropy.
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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.