Myetie Hamilton is the CEO of Leadership Greater Chicago and president of the Chicago Park District. Born to a teen mom and raised in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, Hamilton’s passion for civic engagement was inspired by her grandparents, champions for working-class families and community safety. She emphasizes the power of collective civic engagement and cross-sector collaboration to address Chicago’s challenges. Hamilton’s vision is to cultivate civic-minded leaders and contribute to building a more equitable and economically vibrant Chicago.
Please share your perspective on the importance of civic engagement and how it can positively impact communities.
The impact of civic engagement shows up in many ways, from the corporate sector targeting resources in our most marginalized communities to nonprofits that serve the homeless and hungry or provide services to support the success of our youth. The way we realize impact is through the power of collective civic engagement and social responsibility. It means us coming together on one accord.
As the CEO of LGC, what strategies do you plan to implement to promote leadership and engagement in the city?
My vision is to modernize our programming by leveraging the city as our classroom for the Signature Fellows Program and The Daniel Burnham Fellowship. I plan to integrate more meaningful and tangible experiences for our Fellows that not only lead to a deeper understanding of the issues our region faces, but provide real-time experiences that will inspire a drive to lead transformational efforts across sectors to make Chicago stronger and better for all.
What long-term vision do you have for Chicago’s civic engagement efforts, and how do you plan to contribute to the xity’s growth and development in your role as CEO of Leadership Greater Chicago and president of the Chicago Park District?
As the CEO of LGC, my responsibility is to create a space and experience where our Fellows can convene, connect, and activate to explore the city’s needs, develop deep life-long relationships, and then take action to create transformational change. As the president of the Chicago Park District Board, a driver for me is equity and investing in our communities that need it most. Our greatest opportunity is to leverage our parks programming, field houses and green spaces so they are the “go to” places for families and children to access skill building, after-school programming, and other resources. When we empower the most disinvested communities, we are a stronger and better Chicago.
What advice would you give to young professionals who aspire to become civic leaders and make a positive impact in their communities?
Jump into action. There are so many ways to get involved, from volunteering for a nonprofit organization whose mission you support to starting a block club in your neighborhood. Promising leaders who are interested in making transformational change can consider applying for the 2025 LGC Signature Fellowship Program. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. CST. For more information and applicant criteria, visit lgcchicago.org
