GET READY FOR an inspiring evening of global connections and impactful stories! The Fulbright Association and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (CCGA) invite you to an engaging in-person event showcasing exciting work happening both in the U.S. and around the world.
Enjoy brief yet powerful presentations from CCGA Emerging Leaders and Fulbright alumni, followed by a lively networking reception where you can connect with internationally minded professionals, foreign service members, Fulbright alumni, current Fulbright Scholars, and students.
This free, business casual event is open to all—whether you’re a global affairs enthusiast, an international professional, or simply curious about the world. Don’t miss this chance to meet like-minded individuals and be part of a vibrant community committed to global exchange and service.
WHEN Thursday, March 6, 2025
TIME 6-9 pm
WHERE Chicago Council on Global Affairs
130 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
RSVP *FREE – Register in the link below to attend*
https://forms.gle/r1K6T6GPyWDYbvsS9
PROGRAM AGENDA
6:00-6:30 Doors open and networking reception
6:30-6:40 Welcoming remarks
6:40-8:00 Presentations from the CCGA Emerging Leaders Program
8:00-9:00 Networking reception
Ariel Schwartz is the Executive Director of Global Leadership Programs at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, where she oversees the strategy and development of a suite of foreign policy and global affairs leadership programs. She joined the Council in 2022 as Director of the Emerging Leaders Program, its original and signature global leadership development initiative.
Previously, Schwartz directed interdisciplinary research initiatives at Northwestern University’s Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and served as faculty at Northwestern University and Lake Forest College. She holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Religious Studies with a certification in Global Politics and Religion from Northwestern University, a B.A. in Religion from Barnard College of Columbia University, and a B.A. in Hebrew Bible from the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Chris Graves is a dedicated school principal in Chicago, Illinois, leading Jordan Community Elementary with a commitment to collaboration, equity, and student success. He draws inspiration from the school’s diverse community, which primarily serves refugee and newcomer families from around the world. With over 30 languages spoken by students and their families, Jordan Elementary embodies resilience, strength, and aspiration.
Passionate about collaboration and driven by a data-informed approach, Dr. Graves integrates research and strategic practices into his leadership. His work focuses on holistically supporting newcomer students and their families, helping them achieve academic success while addressing social and emotional needs.
In fall 2024, Dr. Graves joined 18 other school administrators from across the country on a Fulbright exchange to the United Kingdom, including London, to study their educational model and explore strategies to improve student outcomes in the U.S.
Kate Vergara is a global health consultant who has dedicated over 20 years to tackling public health challenges affecting vulnerable populations worldwide. She has led major contracts focused on polio eradication through World Vision US and USAID, collaborating with organizations such as CORE Group Polio Project, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, WHO, Rotary International, Save the Children, CDC, and multiple national ministries of health. Her efforts in global immunization programs have impacted over 1.6 billion people across high-risk countries.
Currently, Dr. Vergara serves as Vice President of Health Impact at NJOY LLC, where she oversees human subjects research for FDA submission, advancing the mission of “Making Smoking History.” She discovered her passion for public health through the Fulbright Program, conducting research on tuberculosis and intestinal parasites in the Peruvian Amazon (2003-04). She remains deeply engaged with the Fulbright Association Chicago Chapter as a Board Member.
A Chicago native, Dr. Vergara holds degrees from NYU and UIC and teaches Epidemiology at Baylor University. A dedicated athlete, she is an Ironman 70.3 finisher, marathon runner, and Medical Reserve Corps volunteer.
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