Program Overview

In Chicago, there are limited opportunities for mid-to-senior level professionals from underserved and under-resourced communities to engage with, and learn from, successful senior leaders and each other. Prior to the launch of IMPACT, there was no formal platform for the intergenerational transfer of experience and knowledge, creating a need for an expanded historical and civic education for the next generation. Through IMPACT, the Chicago Urban League strives to move the needle toward greater equity in leadership positions by developing and supporting emerging leaders from underserved and under-resourced communities.

Each year, IMPACT selects a cohort of around 40 professionals between the ages of 30-45 years old who hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and have at least seven years of increasingly responsible professional experience. Moreover, successful candidates have a strong, demonstrated track record of civic leadership. Selection to IMPACT is competitive and requires submitting letters of recommendation and engaging in a formal interview process. Prospective fellows are assessed based on personal and professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and commitment to civic engagement.

Our Fellows

Since its launch in 2014, the IMPACT Leadership Development Program has assembled eleven extraordinary cohorts, each consisting of some of the brightest, most talented professionals from underserved and under-resourced communities in Chicago. These high-achieving leaders have gravitated toward IMPACT because of the professional advancement and networking opportunities that the program affords them.

Our cohorts are exceptionally diverse in terms of professional experience, educational background, and personal interests. We strongly believe that this diversity of thought and experience is crucial to our Fellows’ learning and development, and we openly welcome the different viewpoints and perspectives that each of our Fellows brings to the table.

IMPACT Fellows share the Chicago Urban League’s vision of equity and economic mobility and are unified in their commitment to affecting positive change as their generation’s most influential leaders. Our hope is that this mutual commitment permeates the very fabric of our communities and inspires long-term social and economic transformation.

Program Structure and Curriculum

IMPACT is a leadership development program that provides mid-to-senior level professionals with the opportunity to combine executive education courses with topical modules related to contemporary issues facing Chicago, and the nation, more broadly. Together, these elements, bolstered by 1:1 mentor matches with senior, cross-sector executives, provide Fellows with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in increasingly responsible leadership roles while accelerating civic impact across the city of Chicago.

The IMPACT Leadership Development Program is a rich offering that comprises six distinct program elements:

• Individual Leadership Assessments
• Historical, Current, and Political Perspective Modules
• Academic Immersive and Capstone Project
• “Lessons in Leadership” and “Masterclass” Speaker Series
• IMPACT Alumni Association Membership
• One-on-One Mentorship

Together, these programmatic elements empower mid-to-senior level career professionals from underserved and under-resourced communities with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in increasingly responsible leadership roles.

Monthly modules form the backbone of the IMPACT Leadership Development Program. The Chicago Urban League invites prominent academics, subject matter experts, and industry leaders to share their knowledge and insights with our Fellows over the course of day-long sessions. Learning material is presented in a variety of ways – via lectures, panel discussions, and breakout group reflections, to name a few. Our Fellows grapple with ideas and challenge themselves and each other on an intellectual level, but more than that, they develop a practical understanding of their role in activating their potential for the co-creation of a better Chicago.

IMPACT hosts a “Lessons in Leadership” speaker series, which features senior leaders from the Chicago area who share their stories of challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned in their careers.  These stories capture our Fellows’ imaginations and inspire them to pursue their passions. Each Fellow is also paired with a mentor who offers guidance on matters such as professional development, relationship mapping, work/life balance, and board engagement.

View a list of past “Lessons in Leadership” speakers. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

• 2027 Program Application
• Program Schedule
• Fee Schedule
• Frequently Asked Questions Document 
• List of Program Offerings 
• Refer a Candidate Form
• Organizational Sponsor Form (also embedded in application)
• General Recommendation Letter Form (also embedded in application)

To find out answers to questions you have about the IMPACT Leadership Development Program please contact the Director of Leadership Programs, Omandra Zamora, at ozamora@chiul.org.

IMPACT Capstone Project

See us in action! Learn more about the 2026 Capstone Project below!