CHICAGO, IL — September 2025 — United Way of Metro Chicago announced the inaugural cohort of ChiNEXT, its premier program for early career professionals to develop a deeper understanding of Chicago’s civic landscape by visiting communities across the Chicago region and attending classroom-style sessions on a variety of critical topics, including public safety, income inequality, and human services. Participants hear from top corporate and community leaders, explore their own passions, and engage in purpose-driven field trips, all within a cohort of peers.
“Early in my career, I was lucky to have been inspired by a person who brought leadership in our city to life. Now, it’s United Way of Metro Chicago’s turn to bring that to the next generation,” said Sean Garrett, President & CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago. “ChiNEXT supports civic engagement, which is part of United Way’s mission, by introducing young professionals to our neighborhoods and the challenges facing our city. We believe this early involvement will help shape better outcomes for all Chicagoans.”
The inaugural ChiNEXT cohort meets for six sessions from September 2025 through March 2026:
September – Community Tour in North Lawndale led by Chicago Mahogany’s Shermann “Dilla” Thomas
October – Public Safety at Cook County Jail
November – Health Disparities & Self-Reflection at the Healthy Lifestyle Hub in Auburn Gresham
January – Income Inequality & Community Perceptions at the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation in Austin
February – Human Services & Fundraising at 211 Metro Chicago Contact Center at Xchange Chicago in Greater Grand Crossing
March – Next Generation & Graduation in Little Village
“For generations, the leaders of our business community built a strong civic and philanthropic foundation in Chicago because they acted upon a commitment to our city – and each other. ChiNEXT brings young people together with some of the most effective and impactful Chicagoans to grow our next generation,” said Bridget Gainer, Global Head of Public Affairs & Policy at Aon, and the United Way of Metro Chicago board member who brought ChiNEXT to life. “It’s yet one more way United Way is supporting communities – now and in the future – through its strong civic and corporate relationships.”
ChiNEXT is a key piece of United Way’s civic engagement strategy, deepening its commitment to cultivating future leaders for the sake of better outcomes for all Chicagoans in the future. Other civic leadership opportunities include the Board Leadership Institute, Associate Board Basics, and Young Leaders United, plus a partnership with the online training platform BoardBuild. Learn more at LIVEUNITEDchicago.org/programs.
About United Way of Metro Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago brings together business, government, philanthropic, individual and community leaders to deliver funding and resources while amplifying the expertise of nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We help individuals meet their basic needs and work alongside neighborhood partners to address local priorities and create communities where all people can thrive. United, we are building a stronger Chicago region. For more information, visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org.
Media Contact
Kris Adamik, 312.906.2291,
kris.adamik@LIVEUNITEDchicago.org