Community Leadership Fellows

Community Leadership Fellows Identify + Amplify = Diversify
Live Here. Work Here. Lead Here. Leadership Development Program

Community Leadership Fellows is a stipend leadership program that involves; educational workshops, tactical trainings, collaborative learning, coaching, mentoring and networking. We believe that the investment in homegrown talent will lead to sustainable, vibrant communities. By approaching the fellowship with the concept of “do nothing about me without me,” the Fellows will have the support to la

y down a foundation that will lead the residents of the westside to reclaim their blocks, their community and their businesses. These communities will then have the power to shift mindsets about the westside. When you invest in people from the community to lead, true economic and social change will take place. The westside of Chicago is full of talented individuals who know all too well that opportunities and resources are not always evenly distributed among their community. They are often the frontline community organization or government workers dedicating their lives to the vulnerable population they serve. Their expertise, commitment and enthusiasm are the very qualities that make them successful. Their career path, however, is often stalled in direct service work with no clear roadmap to executive level leadership within their organization or agency. Community Leadership Fellows (CLF) seeks to change this dynamic by breaking down the barriers that prevent upward mobility for the talented citizens of the westside.

This week, CLF gathered across three dynamic sessions to strengthen the skills, mindset, and relationships needed to lea...
03/15/2026

This week, CLF gathered across three dynamic sessions to strengthen the skills, mindset, and relationships needed to lead effectively in our communities.

Alumni reflected on what wellness looks like in practice, the importance of rest and recovery, and how maintaining balance helps leaders show up consistently for the people and communities they serve. This session was facilitated by LeShonne W. Quiñones Segura of The Luminary Collective.

Kendra M. Coleman and Alexandra Herrera, MBA of Kindred Organizational Consulting, Inc. helped Fellows advance their networking abilities through the Level Up Networking Series.

Finally, the Class of 2026 completed the final full day session of their cohort year at the Obama Foundation. Instructors included Lee Ann Eiland CLF ‘23 and Cassidy Golwick Priester. Special guests Bree Perry, Jaquanda Jones, and Ivan Adames informed the group about the Chicago fundraising and philanthropy climate. In the Leaders in Action Speaker Series, Executive leaders Bradly Johnson MPA, Dion Dawson, and Liz Siciliano shared insight into the challenges they face in their roles.

What a week!!😅

Fellows = fitness. 10th Anniversary of  !
09/20/2025

Fellows = fitness. 10th Anniversary of !

The Class of 2026 completed their first Friday session with support from the new CLF initiative: Legacy Deans. Alumni  ,...
09/14/2025

The Class of 2026 completed their first Friday session with support from the new CLF initiative: Legacy Deans. Alumni , , and .h3ro hosted the Fellows at in Austin. Elaine Marthel CLF ‘24 lead a training on vision using mirrors to help leaders identify the strength within.

We are excited to welcome a CLF alum to the Community Leadership Advisory Council. Ely Bahena CLF ‘23 joins the team to ...
08/26/2025

We are excited to welcome a CLF alum to the Community Leadership Advisory Council. Ely Bahena CLF ‘23 joins the team to help build the vision for our future.

When asked about her new appointment, Ely shared this:

“Growing up in Little Village, I didn’t have mentors or spaces that helped me see myself as a leader. As a first-generation student and daughter of immigrants, I invested deeply in my community but rarely saw that same investment reflected back in me or my peers. Early on, I learned that “if you can’t see her, you can’t be her.” In searching for those spaces, I found CLF, which opened a door I didn’t know existed, a place that believed in me before I fully believed in myself. For the first time, I felt truly seen and empowered to lead with my whole heart.

Now, as a Council Advisory Member, it feels like a full circle moment. I carry my community and my journey with me, along with a powerful commitment to ensure CLF remains a place where West Side leaders know they belong and are empowered to lead.”

Aisha Oliver CLF ‘23  becomes one of the newest members of the CLF Community Leadership Advisory Council. We are honored...
08/26/2025

Aisha Oliver CLF ‘23 becomes one of the newest members of the CLF Community Leadership Advisory Council. We are honored to have her on the team to embody the philosophy of lifting as you climb.

Aisha shared this statement:

“Preparation, positioning, and ex*****on are essential to the growth and success of any leader. Community Leadership Fellows equips individuals with these critical tools, empowering them to elevate both personally and professionally. I’m proud to continue my journey with CLF as a board member and remain a resource to its alumni and future cohorts.”

There’s still time to come out and cheer on the CLF team at Bulls Fest 3 on 3 tournament today. United Center Court 12. ...
08/23/2025

There’s still time to come out and cheer on the CLF team at Bulls Fest 3 on 3 tournament today. United Center Court 12. Next games 1:30pm and 3:00pm. Free event.

The Class of 2026 is kicking off their leadership journey this week at the  The opening retreat continues today as cohor...
08/08/2025

The Class of 2026 is kicking off their leadership journey this week at the The opening retreat continues today as cohort 4 fuels their passion with inspiration and motivation.

Join us in welcoming the next cohort of Community Leadership Fellows!The Class of 2026 will join the leadership developm...
08/01/2025

Join us in welcoming the next cohort of Community Leadership Fellows!

The Class of 2026 will join the leadership development experience designed to uplift the emerging voices of those who live, work, and lead on the Westside. We are excited to welcome 17 promising community leaders who will begin a journey of self-discovery, collaboration, and transformation.

INTRODUCING THE 2026 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP FELLOWS:

Antione Brewer | North Lawndale    
* Program Manager | YMEN
Perriyana Clay | Austin    
* Outreach & Partnerships Manager | Project Exploration
Jacqueline Covarrubias | Little Village    
* Director of Learning & Development | The Alliance 98
Phillissa Dawson | Austin    
* Safe Space Coordinator | The Austin Experience 
Davonte Dudley | Austin    
* Executive Director in training | Root2fruit
Teshauna Edwards | North Lawndale    
* Program Director | Young Men’s Educational Network
Angelica Green | Austin    
* 25th District Council Member | CCPSA
Jalesa Haggard | East Garfield Park    
* Program Director/ Runner | Coach Across America/ Peace Runners 773
Langston Harris | Austin    
* Austin Safety Liaison | Project Exploration
Kim Jay | West Garfield Park    
* Training Manager, Consultant & Senior CHW | Sinai Urban Health Institute
Yesenia Juarez | Little Village    
* Community Artist | Little Village Busy Bees
Rosondunnii Inell Marshall | West Humboldt Park    
* Mental Health Consultant and Founder | ConTextos and The Darkroom Chicago
Keishjuan Owens | North Lawndale    
* Case Manager / Founder | Ignite/ LumberJackPak
Stephen Ramsey | Austin  
* Realtor | Coldwell Banker Realty
Jasmine Robinson | West Garfield Park    
* Entrepreneur & Business Owner | P&C Catering 
Diamond Trusty | East Garfield Park    
* Owner | The Evelyn Experience 
Nyedra Turner | East Garfield Park    
* Field Manager/ Community Violence Intervention | Metropolitan Peace Initiatives

Congratulations to Janeicia Williams CLF ‘25 on chairing the 4th Annual Westside Youth Empowerment Conference! It was an...
06/29/2025

Congratulations to Janeicia Williams CLF ‘25 on chairing the 4th Annual Westside Youth Empowerment Conference! It was an uplifting commitment to support the youth from our beloved Westside. Congratulations to

Thank you Alderman Rodriguez for your continued support of CLF!
06/27/2025

Thank you Alderman Rodriguez for your continued support of CLF!

The Community Leadership Fellows (CLF) program is transforming the landscape of community leadership, equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and vision to drive meaningful change on the West Side.

Please join us in congratulating our Constituent Services Director, Cristy Calderon, on successfully completing the CLF program. Thank you for proudly representing Little Village and the 22nd Ward! ¡Felicidades on your graduation! 🎓

Address

2302 S Pulaski Unit #23278
Chicago, IL
60623

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Community Leadership Fellows posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share