floChicago Fellows
The core of the floFellows Program is a seven-day immersive experience the summer before students’ senior year in high school at the University of Chicago. Throughout the week students are exposed to a wide-range of cultural experiences, dynamic speakers and inspirational ideas that spark discussion and reflection as well as activities to encourage healthy dialogue and problem solving, despite divergent opinions and beliefs.
The floFellows Program continues throughout senior year, with students reuniting for overnight retreats and Saturday Sessions designed to build upon the summer with continued focus on leadership development, future planning, and the exploration of social justice issues in Chicago.
Rafael Villa
High School: Back of the Yards College Prep High School, Class of 2017
What are you up to? I am majoring in Math and Educational Studies at Trinity College.
Where are you headed? Because of the floChicago team, I want to pursue a career in some level of education. I would like to go to graduate school and work as a teacher, at a not for profit or do education policy research. What the floChicago team does is so powerful and I hope to have the same impact in someone's life that they have on me.
How has floChicago impacted you? floChicago was incredibly influential and instrumental in who I am today. I found confidence in myself I did not know I had, just by being surrounded by my incredible peers. I give credit to this program for helping me realize that GPA doesn't define you or your leadership ability, but that leaders are defined by their passion and commitments. I am motivated to work hard for the better of those who need it most.
PAST SPEAKERS HAVE INCLUDED:
Lori Lightfoot, Mayor of Chicago
Larry Levy, Founder of Levy Restaurants & The Levy Organization
Ari Levy, Founder & President of Lakeview Investment Group
Bruno Abate, Chef of Tocco and Founder of Recipe for Change
Seema Pajula, Vice Chairman, Deloitte
David Axelrod, former Senior Advisor to President Obama
John Rogers, Jr., Founder, Co-CEO, and Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Investments
Walter Burnett, Alderman of Chicago’s 27th Ward
Adolfo Hernandez, Director Pritzker Community Health Initiative, Pritzker Foundation
Don Thompson, former CEO of McDonald’s
Liz Thompson, CAFÉ President and Office Director, Cleveland Avenue
Anna Valencia, City Clerk of Chicago
Eugene Jones, Former CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority
Daniel La Spata, Alderman of Chicago’s 1st Ward
Candace Moore, City of Chicago’s Chief Equity Officer
