EALA graduates 21 professionals in 2024 class

The 2023-24 class of the Elgin Leadership Academy (EALA) celebrated the completion of their ten month intensive leadership program with a graduation ceremony on May 4, 2024 at Elgin Community College.

The EALA students have worked together with local leaders to expand their network of contacts and resources to increase their breadth of knowledge about the community and to develop personal and professional leadership skills.

A program of the Elgin Area Chamber, the EALA Class has been led by volunteer coordinators Dan Fox, Ruth Munson, and Anthony Ramos. “When you bring many people together - people who have consistently demonstrated enthusiasm and leadership in their careers - you experience great energy and see amazing examples of leadership,” said Fox.

“Leadership development is a priority within our Chamber’s strategic plan,” notes Carol Gieske, CEO and president of the Elgin Area Chamber. “This award-winning leadership development program is designed to meet the community’s needs for active participation and networking of informed and dedicated community leaders.”

21 professionals graduated in this year’s EALA class:

• Janet Aldred, JQ Designs, LLC;
• Julisa Alonso, KCT Credit Union;
• Nicole Altman, PetroChoice;
• Corey Battles, Battles Investment Group;
• Wendy Chen, Elgin Community College;
• Kari Christensen, Lamp Incorporated;
• Danielle Conduff, Advocate Sherman Hospital;
• Karyn Garcia, Ascension Saint Joseph - Elgin;
• Jason Gold, Fox Meadow Elementary School;
• Nick Halan, Hampston, Lenzini & Renwick, Inc.
• Scott Jenkins, City of Elgin;
• Mario Keane, Office of IL State Representative Matt Hanson;
• Karina Maksimova, Open Door Health Center of Illinois;
• Charmaine Marshall, Synergy Strategic Business Solutions;
• Denise Momodu, City of Elgin;
• Edgar Montes, Alignment Collaborative of Education (ACE);
• Renee Skrabacz, Elgin Community College;
• Emily Tyler, Food for Greater Elgin;
• Yadi Vargas, Corporate American Family Credit Union;
• Sarah Vetter, Gail Borden Public Library District; and
• Elizabeth Yurisich, Advocate Sherman Hospital.

Since EALA was introduced in 1991, more than 550 local business, government, and neighborhood individuals have completed the program and have committed to become stronger leaders of the Elgin area community. The next class will be offered in the fall of 2025.

For further information, please contact Carol Gieske at the Elgin Area Chamber at 847-741-5660 or go online at www.elginchamber.com.