UNA-Chicago Chapter
Annual Meeting on Sat., Dec 9: 3-5pm
Our 2023 Annual Meeting is Saturday, December 9 from 3-5pm at Polsinelli Law Offices located at 150 N. Riverside Plaza. Doors open at 2:30. You must RSVP for in person attendance by Friday, Dec. 8 at 12:00 noon or for online attendance by Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2:30pm. Meeting will include presentations from candidates for six positions: Vice President, Advocacy Director, Education Director, Treasurer, Membership Director, and Marketing and Social Media Director. Click here for a description of board positions. Please apply here by Nov. 30. From Dec. 1-10, answers to "Why are you applying for the role selected?" and "Why do you believe you will be a good fit for the specific position to which you are applying?" are posted to the right for election review with no personal or resume info given. Elections will start at 5:00pm after meeting and continue for 24 hours with online ballot for members. Meeting will also include a year-in-review and guest speaker about Human Rights Day and the 75th anniversary of UDHR.
Fireside Chat on Economic Opportunity in Chicagoland on Fri., Nov. 3: 12-1pm
Join the discussion with UNA-Chicago Global Goal #8 Ambassador Gabrielle Sims along with Economist and Kellogg School of Management Professor Benjamin Jones about Chicago's economic growth trajectory and pathways for shared prosperity in the region. Please get more information and sign up on Eventbrite.
UN Day Event October 28
Our annual United Nations Day event was Saturday, October 28th from 3:00-5:00pm at Polsinelli Law Offices located at 150 N. Riverside Plaza. Doors opened at 2:30. The event began with inspiring opening remarks by our keynote speaker, IL State Senator Mike Simmons, 7th Senate District. The Global Goal Award 2023 was presented to the Peace School, for its unwavering mission advocating for peace locally and globally.
The second half of the event welcomed guest speaker, multiple award recipient, Executive Director and Founder of the Syrian Community Network, Suzanne Akhras. The event concluded with a presentation from student leaders and refugee advocates from the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. Light refreshments were served.
Teacher Wellness Online Retreat
María Barragán Ortiz's 2nd Wellness Retreat was on October 10th. It was a time for a time of mindfulness, self-care, and conscious leadership. Registration for that event was through Eventbrite . Oct. 10 was the UN's World Mental Health Day and Oct. 5 was the UN's World Teachers' Day!
Day of Dignity
UNA Chicago was a community partner to "Day of Dignity" major outreach event sponsored by Islamic Relief USA and hosted by the Chicago Refugee Coalition on Saturday, August 26 from 10am-6pm at Sullivan High School in Rogers Park. UNA-Chicago hosted an information table 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.

International Youth Day August 12
Please consider participating in Youth Day. More info here. UN seeks youth media posts throughout August.
Rachel Pittman, UNA-USA Executive Director, Joins Meeting
The Global Goals Ambassadors committee hosted its meeting on Monday, August 14 from 6-7pm. It featured Rachel Pittman, Executive Director of UNA-USA for a Fireside Chat with Global Goals Director, Fikayo Benson. She joined us from Washington D.C.
The November newsletter was emailed November 18. Upcoming events are our Annual Meeting on December 9. UNA-USA Membership (with Chicago Chapter selected) is welcomed and required for voting, but not required for general attendance.
2023 Board Election Candidates Announced
Director of Advocacy
Tina Michaels
Sherlee Small
Director of Education
Muriel Marseill
Director of Marketing and Social Media
Valisha Powell
Director of Membership
La Trese Annette Monden
Vice President
Alaa Bin Ajab
Jerico Matias Cruz
Cranston Ramirez-Knight
Click here to view candidate answer profiles. Elections will start at 5:00pm after Annual Meeting and continue for 24 hours with online ballot for members. Ballots information will be sent to all members on record. Note: There was no candidate for Treasurer.
©UNA Chicago
UNA Chicago Board members, UNA Chicago, Ambassadors, members and friends with special guests, our friends from the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition.
©UNA Chicago
Master Kim and Jennifer Kim from the Peace School, recipients of the Global Goal Award 2023, acompanied 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.
© UNA Chicago
Our keynote speaker, IL State Senator Mike Simmons, with student leaders and advocates from the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition.