Strategic Leadership, Critical Issues

Woman wearing glasses, pointing with outstretched arm, looking at hand-written large paper on wall.

Emily Harris has helped non-profit organizations, private developers, public agencies and philanthropists accomplish big ideas and launch bold plans for more than three decades.

Eight people smiling in front of sign for Disability Rights.

Disability InclusioN

Emily designed and led ADA 25 Chicago to make the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act a catalyst for greater inclusion. She developed the programs and strategy for ADA 25 Advancing Leadership, a nationally unique non-profit that develops leaders with disabilities and connects them to civic engagement opportunities.

Group of people posed with a doctor in hospital hallway.

Workforce & Economic Development

At Metropolis Strategies Emily managed teams contributing research and direction to City and County economic growth plans. With Leadership Greater Chicago, she created a job readiness program and workforce policy roundtable. She led Chicago Community Trust initiatives to expand disability employment in the healthcare sector and minority participation in the construction industry.

Group of people standing in a circle in the woods with trees and leaves on ground. They are surrounding sign for New Era Trail Englewood Remaking America.

Conservation & preservation

Emily collaborated with communities along the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor to develop parks and trails and revitalize Main Streets. With photographer Edward Ranney, she co-authored the book and produced the exhibit Prairie Passage. Working with city, state and federal agencies she protected landmarks and reclaimed open spaces in Chicago and Illinois.

Children with teachers facing sideways, two with raised hands pointing at objects in distance.

Early Childhood Policy

Emily led the team that developed the Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map, a resource allocation system. She was appointed to the Illinois Early Learning Council and advocated for Preschool for All. She facilitated strategic plans and work groups for Illinois’ Department of Human Services and Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.

Lighted blue pavilion surrounded by high rise buildings.

Planning & Development

Emily brought pavilions designed by international architects to Millennium Park, and worked on the development teams for River City and congregate elderly housing in multiple states. She conducted feasibility analyses and developed community partnerships for affordable and senior housing, and was the editor of Chicago’s Central Area Plan.

Woman at podium speaking into microphone. Poster behind her for ADA25 Advancing Leadership.

NOn-profit Leadership

Emily’s experiences as executive director and in philanthropy gives her deep hands-on knowledge of fund raising, staff and board development, organizational design and management. Most recently she led Advancing Leadership from a concept, to a project incubated at the Chicago Community Trust, to its launch as an independent non-profit supported by a back-office partnership.