Welcome our 2026 CUE Fellows!
- Admin
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
16 diverse leaders from across Chicago representing various sectors
Chicago United for Equity is proud to announce the selection of 16 Chicago-area leaders as the 2026 Racial Equity Fellows. The Fellowship advances community-driven leadership and policy innovation to dismantle systemic racial inequities across Chicago.
The Racial Equity Fellowship is a year-long program that works with individuals and their organizations from across sectors—nonprofit, government, academia, philanthropy, and grassroots community organizations—who are committed to redesigning and implementing innovative strategies that address structural racial disparities. Fellows receive frameworks, tools, coaching, thought partnership support for their racial equity projects, and access to Chicago United for Equity’s alumni and partner networks.
“These Fellows represent the creativity, resilience, and accountability Chicago needs to move from intention to impact,” said Jerry Hawkins, Executive Director of Chicago United for Equity. “By investing in their leadership and centering community-defined solutions, we accelerate progress toward a more just and racially equitable Chicago for everyone.”
“Our city’s future depends on leaders who not only understand racial inequities but have the tools and community trust to change them,” said Tamela Meehan, Board Co-Chair, 2019 Fellow, Chicago United for Equity. “We are proud to support this outstanding cohort of Fellows whose work will directly uplift communities.”
Join us in welcoming the 2026 CUE Fellowship cohort to the vibrant CUEmmunity!
Meet the 2026 CUE Racial Equity Fellows and Partner Organizations:
Cameron Barnes, AMPT: Advancing Nonprofits
Angelica Chavez, Greater Chicago Food Depository
Anne Coleman, Cook County Planning and Development
Kaylin Davis, Mikva Challenge
Brittany Fry, Advocates for Urban Agriculture
Ashirwad Gangadghar Wakade, South Asian American Coalition to Renew Democracy (SACRED)
Tonyisha Harris, The Nature Conservancy
Loren Jones, Impact for Equity
Elizabeth Munyan, City of Chicago
Kathy Niedorowski, Chicago Funders Together to End Homelessness
Alan Oviedo, Rudd Resources
Doniece Stevens, City of Chicago Department of Finance
Mike Strode, The Kola Nut Collaborative
Ryan Tripp Burbon, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development
Ciera Whitaker, Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability
Victoria Marie Williamson, Women Initiating New Directions (WIND)