UNA-Chicago Chapter

See our March Newsletter published 3/24/25 with 10 notices about new events and activities!

Meet our 25 new 2025 and 7 returning Global Goals Ambassadors totaling 32 covering all 17 Goals!

From the Edges of the World: A Polar Photography and Conservation Pop-up

We embarked on a journey to some of the world's most remote and stunning landscapes—Antarctica, Arctic Svalbard, and Swedish Lapland.

Photographer, science teacher, and avid traveler Tracy Crowley shared her global adventures, showcasing photography for sale dedicated to supporting Polar Bears International. This event was paired with a concurrent gallery show in Oregon by Linda Steider, also benefiting Polar Bears International.

The evening also featured images by Peg Keiner, a National Geographic Explorer and Director of Innovation and Learning at GEMS World Academy, whose work captures the beauty of the polar regions.

🌍 This event was proudly sponsored by the United Nations Association of Chicago in support of Global Goal 15: Life on Land and by Tracy Crowley Photography.

 Free for all ages. Open House format with 6:00pm Greeting!

🎤 Explored polar photography and learned about conservation efforts at a community event to support Polar Bears International and honor International Women's Day. The event is led by women and an opportunity to meet our new UNA-Chicago President Ashley Goeken.

☕ 🍷 🍪 Enjoy individual servings:

We came together to honor International  Women's Day, celebrated the beauty of our planet, and raised $1,000 for a cause that ensures a brighter future for polar bears and other polar wildlife.

2024 Annual Meeting and Global Goals Awards on Thursday, December 12

Our 2024 Annual Meeting was Thurs., Dec. 12 in person from 6:00-7:00pm open to members only followed by the Global Goals Awards from 7:00-8:00pm open to all at Polsinelli Law Offices, 150 N. Riverside Plaza. Nine board positions were open for election. Nominations for Global Goals awards exemplified one or more of the 17 goals and were accepted through November 22. Two awards were selected and presented: 1.) Dr. Adrienne Coleman, Ed.D. and 2.) Chicago Student Refugee Coalition.  Heavy appetizers were served. All board position nominations were uncontested, so there was no balloting required. President Cecilia Torres gave a 2024 report and Ambassador Goal #11 Ashley Goeken co-hosted. Please see our Leadership page to welcome our 2025 board!

National UNA-USA Global Goals #8 Ambassador Payal Patel hosted Women's Entrepreneurship Day Tuesday, November 19 from 6pm to 8pm at The Hoxton in Fulton Market at 208 N. Green St.  Payal is a member of UNA-Chicago. An exceptional lineup of women founders and business leaders offered insights on successfully launching and scaling businesses, discussed strategies for overcoming the unique challenges women face in leadership, and explored how to harness our entrepreneurial superpowers. The program featured a panel-style fireside chat and an interactive workshop led by an award-winning author, speaker and business coach, followed by networking. This event was free and open to individuals at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey and to all those only committed to attending to ensure availability for all interested participants.

UNA-Chicago celebrated UN Day on October 24!  Our evening program on Zoom included welcome remarks and a special message in support of the United Nations from President Cecilia Torres. Fikayo Adeyemi-Benson gave testimony of his role as Director of Global Goals and what it means to him. Sana’a Hussien, board member, provided historical insight on the Chicago Chapter and its impact in the community. Alina Hussein, Global Goals ambassador, held a recorded conversation with UNA-USA UN Youth Observer, Oscar Lopez.  Meet Oscar and learn about his national Youth Observer role. Charles Gunn helped greet guests and supported technology.

Fireside Chat for UN-SDG #2 Goal on Zero Hunger: Register Here on Eventbrite

On Wed., July 31, 2024 from 6-7pm Central Time, Mr. Steven D. Ericson, Executive Director at Feeding Illinois, will join Global Goal #2 Ambassador Seyi Akerele on Zoom for a fireside chat titled "Achieving Zero Hunger - The Impact of Food Banks". We will explore the critical role food banks play in addressing hunger and fostering food security. Mr. Ericson will share his insights and experiences in leading efforts to combat hunger, providing valuable perspectives on how food banks can drive community impact and policy change. This event promises to be an enlightening discussion for anyone interested in social causes and food security initiatives, offering participants the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from an industry expert.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and begins with Teacher Appreciation Week! UNA-Chicago featured an Online Wellness Workshop on May 8 from 6-7pm hosted by our Global Goals Ambassador for Quality Education María Barragán Ortiz. María is an award-winning educator, coach and international speaker who has provided seminars, workshops and professional development on conscious leadership, building relationships and safe environments to hundreds of educators and advocates around the world. This event was free and open to everyone. #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #globalgoals #advocatewellness

Day of Dignity

Chicago’s 2nd Day of Dignity event was Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 10:00-4:00 at the Humboldt Park Field House, 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd. Day of Dignity was a big success, serving over 600 participants from diverse and underserved communities alongside 12 partner organizations. UNA-Chicago is again a community partner to Day of Dignity sponsored by Islamic Relief USA and hosted by the Chicago Refugee Coalition.  UNA-Chicago again hosted an information table and distributed supplies to support refugees in Chicago and worldwide.  Below is State Senator Mike Simmons, District 7 in Rogers Park, with a message of gratitude for Day of Dignity.

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Join us for our free webinar Wed., July 10, 2024 6-7pm on Zoom titled "Addressing Water Scarcity: Strategies for Sustainable Development" hosted by the Global Goals Committee with Global Goal #6 Ambassador Omotolani Oyelade and Dr. Fikayo Benson, Director. Register anytime on Eventbrite.

UNA Chicago Board members, UNA Chicago, Ambassadors, members and friends with special guests, our friends from the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. 

Master Kim and Jennifer Kim from the Peace School, recipients of the Global Goal Award 2023, accompanied by the UNA Chicago Board members, from left to right, Director of Communications and Technology, Charles Gunn, Director of Special Initiatives, Sana'a Hussien, and Chapter President, Cecilia Torres.