Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced Emily Cooper, Vice President of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, was selected to participate in the eleventh cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.
“I am honored to join this distinguished cohort of business leaders committed to strengthening the connection between education, economic opportunity, and equity,” said Emily Cooper. “Chicago’s business community has long been at the forefront of workforce innovation, and I am eager to bring back insights and best practices that not only support our region’s employers and future workforce, but also ensure that opportunities are accessible to all. By prioritizing inclusive hiring and equitable workforce development, we can create a more diverse and thriving talent pipeline that benefits both businesses and the communities they serve.”
“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Kyle Butler, Senior Manager, Programs, K-12 Education at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”
Following a competitive application and selection process, Emily was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the eleventh class of this program. The eight-month program, consisting of both in person and virtual meetings, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development.
Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of over 350 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.
For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website.