The space was still and silent, just a classroom in waiting, until the women from the 2026 class of Leadership America started to pour in. The lively conversation, shared smiles, and camaraderie filled the room with a contagious energy from the get-go and set the tone for what would be a transformative and inspirational morning in Chicago.
The longest-running leadership program for women in the U.S., Leadership America brings together accomplished leaders from across industries for three sessions of inspiration, learning, and meaningful dialogue focused on leadership, innovation, and community impact. This year, the second session was held in Chicago, allowing The Chicago School to host the group on campus. Through a blend of personal storytelling, humor, and professional insight, President Michele Nealon, Psy.D., opened the day by speaking about the university and the ongoing challenges women continue to face in the workplace and society.
In her keynote address, Dr. Nealon reflected on perseverance, leadership, and mental health, challenging the audience to think beyond traditional boundaries and embrace leadership as a force for creating healthier, more connected communities.
Dana Blanton, director of clinical education at the Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine at The Chicago School, noted that Dr. Nealon’s overcoming cultural and societal expectations in Ireland to become a clinician and university president serves as a powerful example of resilience and determination. Her message, according to Blanton, encouraged women to continue supporting one another as they navigate political, professional, and socioeconomic barriers.
Dr. Nealon spoke candidly of women’s experiences in the workplace, emphasizing mental health. She called for leaders to create meaningful change. An integrated-health panel sought to expand attendees’ understanding of how community programming and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen their own work and improve outcomes in their communities.
A recurring theme emerged during the two panel sessions of the morning: the importance of collaboration across traditionally separate systems to improve outcomes for individuals and communities. During the first panel, which was about integrated health, leaders explored how partnerships can address the social, behavioral, and economic factors that influence well-being. Roxanne Smith, MD, MPH, of UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital, emphasized that most health outcomes are determined by factors outside the exam room, underscoring the need for healthcare organizations to serve as bridges between healthcare, education, and community support systems.
The second panel showcased innovative work taking place at multiple levels, from state policy initiatives and local community programs to the development of clinical education models focused on primary care and community integration. Participants highlighted the value of breaking down silos to create more effective and equitable systems of care.
“To be in a room with so many accomplished women leaders through Leadership America is always energizing and inspiring. I was honored to moderate a panel on integrated health and to be part of such meaningful conversations around leadership, innovation, and impact. I appreciated the opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by so many incredible women making a difference through their leadership.” — Alisha DeWalt, Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
The Chicago School session reiterated the mission of Leadership Women and Leadership America to cultivate leaders who are equipped to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. As Thea Kachoris-Flores, special assistant for Health-Related Social Needs, reflected, bringing together women from diverse sectors helps prepare leaders to make stronger contributions to their organizations and communities.
Throughout the day, discussions about integrated health, leadership development, mental health, and community impact shared a common theme: Meaningful progress happens when leaders work together, support one another, and embrace collaboration as a catalyst for change.