Meet the Social Impact Leaders that are Paving the Way

Join How Women Lead and a group of seasoned social impact thought-leaders in Chicago to explore your role in shaping the future of philanthropy. Meet two of philanthropy’s trailblazers. 

Andrea Sáenz, President & CEO, Chicago Community Trust. 

Sáenz is the first Latina President & CEO of the Chicago Community Trust. Before her current role, Sáenz was the Trust’s Chief Operating Officer. She has also served as first deputy commissioner for Chicago Public Library, chief of staff to the Chicago Public Schools CEO, policy advisor for the U.S. Department of Education, and executive director of HACE.Sáenz’s board service includes National Louis University, American Civil Liberties Union, Chicago Public Education Fund, and Chicago United. An immigrant from Ecuador, she is energized by the Chicago region’s strength, connection, and cultural vibrancy.

Maria S. Pesquiera, President, Healthy Communities Foundation. 

Prior to joining Healthy Communities Foundation, Maria served as President of Mujeres Latinas en Acción, the oldest Latina-led organization in the US that offers culturally affirming services to Latinas and their families. Preceding her time at Mujeres, Maria led the Development and Marketing team at The National Museum of Mexican Art, one of the most prominent first-voice institutions for Mexican art and culture in the US. Maria has served on several local and national civic organizations and currently serves on the boards of Forefront Illinois, Hispanics in Philanthropy, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, Adler University and Grantmakers in Health.

This panel discussion will be moderated by Amalia Rioja, Partner, Hoke LLC; former Commissioner, State of Illinois Executive Ethics Commission, Sarah Glavin, Head of Community Affairs at Amazon, Chicago, and Julie Castro Abrams, CEO and Founder of How Women Lead.