As this was our first program under our newly rebranded identity, we knew we had to make a smashing impression! …

Six years ago, a few determined people frustrated with the lack of people with disabilities in leadership positions created a groundbreaking program-the first of its kind in the nation-to bring greater disability inclusion to tables of power and influence in the Chicago region. What started as one weekend, grew in…

Recipient of our Excellence in Entrepreneurial Leadership Award Established In Honor of Michael W. Ferro Jr. — Earlier this year, ADA 25 Advancing Leadership announced a new award: the Excellence in Entrepreneurial Leadership Award Established In Honor of Michael W. …

A look back on our incredible guests of 2020 — As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we can’t help but reflect on all of the amazing women with disabilities who brought power, honesty, and wisdom to our 2020 events. …

Members Briefing Recap — What is redistricting? And why should we care? To help answer these questions, we partnered with CHANGE Illinois for a virtual Members-only briefing led by guest speaker Liliana Scales (Advocacy Director, CHANGE Illinois), who demystified Illinois’s redistricting process for us and laid out a few simple ways we can all…

A recap of our End-of-Year event — Despite a long and volatile year fraught with death and uncertainty, we created room for celebration and reflection in Advancing Power and Influence, our virtual end-of-year event (now live on our YouTube channel!). In addition to congratulating, announcing, and welcoming our Advancing Leadership Members and Fellows, we showcased three disability…

On December 8th, ADA 25 Advancing Leadership announced its class of 16 Fellows for 2021! These accomplished leaders represent a cross-section of professionals from across the nonprofit, government, corporate, and education sectors in Illinois. Four new individuals were also welcomed to the Members Network, now comprising almost 170 diverse leaders…

Apply to win our Excellence in Entrepreneurial Leadership Award Established in Honor of Michael W. Ferro Jr. — Calling all Advancing Leadership Members and Fellows: Are you an entrepreneur and own your own business? Founder of a non-profit or social enterprise? Do you have an emerging business idea that just launched? If so, we want to hear from you! ADA 25 Advancing Leadership just announced a new award…

Disability Justice in the Fight for Racial Equity Day 4 Recap — Meaningful change includes systemic change. In the final session of our Disability Justice in the Fight for Racial Equity forum, national disability and racial justice policy advocates share how current policy can be built and shaped to advance the rights and voices of the multiply marginalized. “This conversation quite literally…