Career Services

Events

Real World Perspectives for Policy Students

Wednesdays, 12:00 - 1:20pm during Winter Quarter
Woodlawn Room

Featuring Harris School Mentors, this series was designed with students in mind, and with the goal of providing access to the work and personal perspectives of seasoned policy practitioners. Students will gain firsthand knowledge of industry-specific career paths, the impact of relevant policy legislation to organizations, thoughts on the future of specific industries, and tips from the experts on how best to get involved. In addition to Mentors, panelists also include Harris School Dean's International Council members, Visiting Committee members, and alumni who have graciously donated their time for this series.

Wednesday, January 16: Economic Development
Hear what some of Chicago’s experts are saying about economic development in Chicago, the US, and abroad.

Moderator: Paula Worthington

Panelists:

• Robert Colangelo, Chief Executive Officer, National Brownfield Association
• Andy Geer, AM’94, Vice President and Executive Director, HeartlandHousing, Inc.
• Frances R. Grossman, Executive Vice President, ShoreBank Corporation
• Karim Pakravan, Vice President, JPMorgan Chase Bank; Adjunct Faculty, Harris School
• C. Robert Sawyer, Regional Director, Economic Development Administration
• Jodie Winnett, AM’94, Associate Director, Illinois Department of Revenue

Wednesday, January 23: Foundation Management
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of foundation management and learn what it takes to break into this industry.

Moderator: Donald Stewart

Panelists:

• Phyllis Glink, MPP’96, Executive Director, The Irving Harris Foundation
• Robert (Bud) Lifton, Former Chairman, American Printers and Lithographers, Inc.
• John Peller, MPP'00, Director of Government Relations, AIDS Foundation of Chicago
• Benna Wilde, Managing Director, Prince Charitable Trusts

Wednesday, February 20: Public Advocacy
Hear what seasoned practitioners have to say about current issues in public advocacy at some of Chicago’s premiere institutions and insights from their career experiences.

Moderator: Robert LaLonde

Panelists:

• Daniel Luchins [CV (pdf)], Chief of Mental Health Research, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center / University of Illinois at Chicago
• E. Hoy McConnell, II, Executive Director, Business and Professional People for the Public Interest (BPI)
• Sophia Siskel, President and CEO, Chicago Botanic Gardens
• Erma Tranter, Executive Director, Friends of the Parks
• Karen Witter, Associate Director, Illinois State Museum

Wednesday February 27: Urban Development/Chicago Urban Issues
Learn more about what is being done in Chicago and across the country to address some of the most vital urban development and urban policy issues.

Moderator: Charles Wheelan

Panelists:

• MarySue Barrett, President, Metropolitan Planning Council
• Michael Bradley, Director of Finance & Administration, Chicago Community Loan Fund
• Peter Ellis, Design Partner, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
• Michael Lohmeier, MPP'02, Senior Business Development Manager, Fannie Mae
• Raul Raymundo, Executive Director, Pilsen Resurrection Project
• Mara Tapp, Journalist and Broadcaster