Celebrating the First CLX + Paragon Performance Evolution Executive Leadership Program Cohort

In January, we wrapped up the final learning session of the first-ever Chicago Learning Exchange (CLX) + Paragon Performance Evolution Executive Leadership Program — and what an incredible journey it’s been!

Since October, this inaugural cohort of 17 youth development leaders from across Chicago gathered to strengthen leadership skills, build community, and explore coherence-focused practices to bring back to their work and teams. Through four months of deep learning and connection, these leaders have enhanced their capacity for self-reliance, stress management, and emotional self-regulation.

A huge thank you to our generous trainers and collaborators at Paragon Performance Evolution — Jeffrey Robert Benton and Kevin Cherep — for their expertise and guidance.

The program’s initial impact is clear from the data we’ve received:

• 85% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they learned new practices, tools, or skills that will improve their work or organization.
• 94% of participants said the program had a positive impact on their leadership.
• 94% expressed a desire to continue learning with CLX.
• 67% of participants reported improved overall stress and well-being.
• 75% saw better stress management, with a 115% increase in their ability to manage stress effectively.

These remarkable outcomes demonstrate the transformative power of investing in leadership development — and we believe in the ripple effect it will have on Chicago’s youth development ecosystem.

We are thrilled to continue convening, supporting, and learning from this remarkable group in the months ahead. Their dedication to growth and collaboration reflects the strength of Chicago’s youth development community.

We hope to be able to share more about the next phase of our leadership development work in the months ahead, and to invite more leaders to join future cohorts!

2024-2025 CLX + Paragon Executive Leadership Cohort:

• Teju Adesida – Associate Director, Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education
• Rosy Aguilar – Downtown Director, After School Matters
• Taylor Bayless – Special Projects Manager, Chicago Public Library
• Cristina De La Rosa – Executive Director, Erie Neighborhood House
• Andrew DeMuro – Director of Program Quality, National, Guitars Over Guns Organization
• Jakina Dortch, EdM – Child Thrive Program Director, Children's Place Association
• Marcus Flenaugh – Youth Development Director, South Side Help Center
• Julie Koslowsky – Director of Teen Services, Chicago Public Library
• Joy Nelson, PHR – Chief People Officer, Urban Initiatives
• Chris Nergaard – Senior Program Director, NNW Branch, After School Matters
• Dominic "I.B." Pettis EL – Program Director, Chicago, Guitars Over Guns Organization
• Janel Pilate, MPH – Community Parent Organizer, South Side Help Center
• Amy Rasmussen – Executive Director, Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education
• Gloria Razo – Director of HR, Erie Neighborhood House
• Shekeita Webb – Interim Executive Director, Chicago Center for Arts & Technology
• Kristen Wykret – Youth Arts Program Manager, Chicago Center for Arts & Technology
• Tiffany Wilson-Washington – Chief Program Officer, Urban Initiatives