is honored to host Karina Ayala-Bermejo, the CEO & President of Instituto del Progreso Latino (鈥淚nstituto鈥), as the special guest speaker for the Council鈥檚 annual holiday luncheon on Thursday, December 5. Ayala-Bermejo will speak to her work to address the migrant crisis in the city, highlighting the idea that every single one of us can make a difference.
The luncheon serves as one of the Council鈥檚 signature events 鈥 bringing together 缅北禁地 students, staff and faculty with members of the Women鈥檚 Leadership Council and the broader community. Each year, the Council selects a leader in the Chicago community to share their experience and expertise with attendees.
As current leader of the Instituto, Ayala-Bermejo Instituto鈥檚 works to assist Latino immigrants and their families through education, training and employment initiatives that help these individuals participate in a changing U.S. society while preserving cultural identity and dignity. She oversees the management of all aspects of Instituto with an operating budget of nearly $20 million, two charter high schools, Instituto College of Nursing and over 200 employees while maintaining external relationships including national, regional and local leaders. Previously, she served as General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) one of the oldest non-profits in Illinois. She is a recognized leader, keynote speaker, moderator and frequently interviewed on television including appearances on ABC, NBC, Telemundo, Univision and Chicago Tonight.
