The 2025-26 class of Elgin Area Leadership Academy (EALA) recently graduated, celebrating their completion of a ten-month, immersive leadership program that offered participants valuable insight into many facets of their community.

A program of the Elgin Area Chamber, the EALA class was led by volunteer co-coordinators Dan Fox, Ruth Munson, and Edgar Montes. “When you bring this many people together—individuals who have consistently demonstrated enthusiasm and leadership in their careers—you experience incredible energy and witness truly inspiring examples of leadership,” said Fox.

“Leadership development is a key priority within our strategic plan,” said Carol Gieske, President and CEO of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the program. “Through EALA, we are not only strengthening individual leaders, but also building a more connected, informed, and engaged community. These graduates leave with a deeper understanding of Elgin’s opportunities and challenges—and the relationships and confidence to make a meaningful impact moving forward.”

This award-winning leadership development program is designed to meet the community’s needs for active participation and networking among informed, dedicated community leaders.  

This year’s graduating class includes:

Crissy Barnat, Gail Borden Public Library District

Kristin Berggren, Centro De Información

Vivian Bocage, Rieke Interiors

John Gieske, Village Bank & Trust

Sandra Gonzalez, Elgin Community College

Yvette Gonzalez-Collins, School District U-46

Jose Hurtado, Hines & Associates

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

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 persons have completed the program and have committed to becoming stronger leaders for our community. The next class will be offered in the fall of 2027.

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