New Faces in New Places!

Next Generation Leadership Council (NGLC) was created to identify, work with and present emerging new leaders in the areas of education, politics, business and community service. From all accounts, there are plenty of fresh faces eager to take the baton and attempt to secure their place in leadership roles. There are four who are embarking on challenges that will test their endurance and commitment. Dori Collins, Christian Mitchell, David Peterson and Rodrick Wimberly have accepted the challenge and are preparing themselves for emergence.

Each of these individuals, as well as many others will be profiled as NGLC prepares to host its leadership symposium in March. As the election grows closer, select candidates will appear in the news service. New business people, community activists and educators will also be highlighted as we identify the next generation of leaders.

Roderick F. Wimberly

There are two new candidates for the O'Mara Frossard vacancy; one of the leading challengers is Rodrick F. Wimberly, who's been an Illinois attorney since 1995. He has his own firm, Rodrick F. Wimberly & Associates. Wimberly may be the only ordained minister running for judge this year. According to his campaign website, Wimberly serves as a minister at the Apostolic Church of God and as co-facilitator of the Apostolic Church of God's Legal Ministry.

Christian Mitchell

Christian Mitchell is running to be your next State Representative of the 26th District here in Illinois. After graduating from the University of Chicago, he started his career as a community organizer; working with single mothers like his own trying to provide a better life for their kids. He also worked with students fed up with failing schools, families struggling with rising health care costs, and business owners trying to keep their doors open. "It’s the courage of these everyday people that has inspired me to serve," says Mitchell.

Dori Collins

Dori Collins is the current owner of Pink Slip Management, Inc in Chicago, a private special events venue that can be transformed into anything you can imagine – from sophisticated receptions, workshops, seminars, book clubs, intimate weddings and corporate meetings. PINK features 2,500 square feet of flexible space in its South Loop location at E. 26th Street.

Today Dori has found herself deep into a world of politics, and as a fresh face in a new place, she's attempting to unseat a community advocate and mainstay in Illinois politics in Ken Dunkin. Dori believes that a change is needed and she is the right person at the right time to assure the 5th District has expanded opportunities.

David A. Peterson, Jr.

The Board of Directors of the A P Randolph Pullman Porter Museum has elected David A. Peterson, Jr., as its president. He replaces the Museum's Founder and Director Emeritus, Dr. Lyn Hughes. The Museum, which is located in the Historic Pullman District, was founded in 1995 and is dedicated to promoting, honoring and celebrating the legacy of A. Philip Randolph and contributions made by African-Americans to America's labor history.

The new president's election and subsequent rise within the organization signals a change of the leadership guard as David's ascension is being billed as a resolve to Preserve, Rebuild and Move Forward, with a fresh mindset. He is under 30 years old so his youth, passion, background and vision are symbolic of the qualities the Museum needs to go forward.

In handing over the leadership reins, Dr. Hughes pointed out that Peterson has been involved in many facets of the museum since he was a child. While in high school, he lived in the historic north Pullman community, and often volunteered at the Museum. While he was in college during the summers, he worked at the Museum.

Peterson has already made significant strides in safeguarding the Museum's future by cultivating the next generation as he established the young adult division, MUSEUM 44, in honor of the 44th President, Barack Obama. Peterson has also begun the rebuilding process with a completely new multi-generational board of directors.