The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has announced that Emily Cooper, Vice President of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, will participate in the eleventh cohort of its Business Leads Fellowship Program. This initiative aims to train leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations by providing resources, expert access, and peer networks to tackle pressing education and workforce challenges.
Emily Cooper expressed her enthusiasm for joining the program: “I am honored to join this distinguished cohort of business leaders committed to strengthening the connection between education, economic opportunity, and equity.” She emphasized Chicago's role in workforce innovation and her eagerness to implement insights gained from the program to support employers and future workforces while ensuring accessible opportunities. "By prioritizing inclusive hiring and equitable workforce development," she added, "we can create a more diverse and thriving talent pipeline that benefits both businesses and the communities they serve."
Kyle Butler, Senior Manager for Programs in K-12 Education at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, highlighted the program's origins: “We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners. They see better than anyone else the critical link between education and economic development.”
Emily Cooper was chosen after a competitive selection process along with 34 other executives from chambers of commerce, economic development professionals, and association leaders for this eight-month program. It includes both in-person and virtual meetings covering topics such as early childhood education through workforce development.
Upon completion of this program, participants will join a network exceeding 350 chambers of commerce and statewide associations nationwide actively engaged in education and workforce initiatives.
For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit their website.