CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation announced Monday their new Executive Director, Micaela Vargas.
According to City Council, the Executive Director will lead the Foundation’s efforts to build a pipeline for Chicago’s Latino youth to attend college by raising scholarship funds, providing internships, and mentoring opportunities; and while working alongside Chicago City Council Latino Caucus members and public and private partners. Vargas will also manage the Foundation’s Leadership Academy for mid-level, high-potential professionals to further develop the next generation of public and private sectors leaders.
Vargas comes to the CLCF with over eight years of experience in public policy, political strategy, business development, and operations and has served in a variety of leadership roles supporting senior-level executives and top government officials.
“We’re exceptionally pleased that Micaela has taken on this important leadership role at the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th), Chairman of the Foundation, in a statement. “She succeeds Sonia Del Real, the Foundation’s first Executive Director, who we thank for setting a strong foundation for the many successes we have had to date. We are confident that Micaela's expansive knowledge of leadership programming, years of fundraising experience, and government and policymaking experience make her well positioned to lead us going forward. What’s most impressive about Micaela, is her passion and commitment to the Latino community. Her experience coupled with her passion will enable her to plan more effectively for the future of the foundation, expand our programs, and introduce innovative approaches to achieve our mission.”
Vargas will be tasked with implementing the Foundation strategic plan to grow the reach of existing programming and building on the fundraising success of fundraising of the organization.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the CLCF. The Foundation is poised to really develop its vision and build on the tremendous momentum of the past several years. I look forward to being a part of the effort to bring the foundation to the next level, making a positive impact for the Latino community as a whole in Chicago,” Vargas said.