Deadline: September 10, 2024.

For one year, 20 of Chicago’s best and brightest, ages 35-45, from some of the city’s most prominent organizations, engage in a rigorous program to further their knowledge of US foreign policy and global affairs and strengthen their leadership skills. Grounded in that experience, they join a circle of globally fluent Chicago leaders for a lifetime of connection and impact.

Council Emerging Leaders are exceptional in their fields and represent some of Chicago’s most prominent organizations. These visionary leaders span industries from finance and law to healthcare and manufacturing, and from government and education to the arts and nonprofits.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

You must:

• Be at least 35 and no older than 45 on December 30, 2024.
• Reside in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, with long-term intentions to remain in Chicago

Ideally, you will demonstrate:

• Ambition and drive—You should be highly accomplished in your career and expect to rise to the top of your fields in the next 10 years.
• Enthusiasm for global affairs—You demonstrate a strong professional and/or personal interest in global issues, trends, and events.
• Community engagement—You are active in your community and committed to working on issues that will have a positive impact on Chicago as a global city. 
• Diverse experiences and perspectives—You convey well your diverse contribution to the Emerging Leader community, not only in personal and professional backgrounds but also in intellectual and political perspectives.

BENEFITS

By participating in the Council’s Emerging Leaders Program, you can expect to:

• Develop a thorough, multifaceted understanding of global affairs and US foreign policy
• Consider how global challenges impact your field and how your field impacts the world
• Formulate and articulate clear, informed opinions on global issues
• Hone your public speaking skills
• Learn how to write op-eds and policy briefs
• Deftly handle television interviews and other media engagements
• Become part of a broad network of global leaders from a wide range of industries
• Connect with global leaders and experts, including ambassadors, US representatives and senators, government officials, policymakers, and journalists

Find more information on the OFFICIAL LINK