The 2025-26 class of Elgin Area Leadership Academy (EALA) is underway, meeting monthly in a ten-month intensive leadership program that provides them insight into many aspects of the community.

A program of the Elgin Area Chamber, Dan Fox, Ruth Munson, and Edgar Montes serve as the volunteer co-coordinators of the EALA Class. "When you bring this 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 Dan Fox.

“Leadership Development is a priority within our strategic plan,” says Carol Gieske. “This award-winning leadership development program is designed to meet the communities’ needs for active participation and networking of informed and dedicated community leaders.”

This year’s class includes:

Victoria Ballesteros-Gonzalez, Elgin Community College

Crissy Barnat,  Gail Borden Public Library District

Michael Baumgartner, Apex Gear Service, Inc.

Kristin Berggren, Centro De Informacion

Vivian Bocage, Rieke Interiors

John  Gieske, Village Bank & Trust

Sandra Gonzalez, Elgin Community College

Yvette Gonzalez-Collins, School District U-46

Andres Lozano, Golden Corridor Family YMCA

Daniel Meyers. Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras

Leslie Nathan, Community Crisis Center

Jeffrey Otte, JAO Consulting LLC

Mireya Perez, School District U-46

Sergio Perez, Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc.

Erin Ramirez, Real Change Studio

Allison Rodriguez, The Salvation Army

Myeshia Sanders, K'S Ultimate Vending

Janine Szerszen, Elgin Community College

Melanie Toth, Marklund

Joel Yumba, Elgin Community College 

Since EALA was introduced in 1991, more than 550 local business, government, and neighborhood leaders have completed the program and have committed to becoming stronger leaders for our community.