Our Story

Developing leaders who shape what comes next.

Legacy Leaders fellows celebrating together

Since 2010

What started in Chicago as a commitment to mentoring youth has become a multi-stage leadership development community with local and global reach to young adults everywhere.

Core Pillars

A movement rooted in purpose.

Our Mission

Equip youth and adults with the tools to develop their maximum potential and become purposeful leaders in their communities and beyond.

Our Vision

Provide training and life-transforming experiences that create a ripple effect of world changers.

Our History

Built in Chicago.
Growing beyond it.

Since its inception in 2010, Legacy Leaders has been committed to developing the potential of individuals from Black and Brown communities by equipping them with the confidence, leadership skills, and support needed to pursue greater opportunities and create lasting change.

What began as a passion for mentoring and developing youth throughout the city of Chicago has grown into a multifaceted leadership development organization impacting individuals across multiple stages of life. In our early years, Legacy Leaders focused on creating youth leadership programs, mentorship opportunities, and community-based experiences that empowered young people to overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and envision a brighter future.

As our impact expanded, so did our vision. Today, Legacy Leaders serves emerging leaders through a robust Young Adult Fellowship Program, now entering its fifth program cycle. This flagship initiative connects young adults with mentors, leadership training, professional development opportunities, community service experiences, and a network of support designed to help them thrive personally and professionally. Through this program, participants gain the tools, confidence, and relationships needed to become influential leaders within their families, workplaces, and communities.

Our commitment to leadership development extends beyond our local communities. Through strategic partnerships and global outreach efforts, Legacy Leaders also supports a children's home in South Africa, providing resources, encouragement, and opportunities that help young people flourish despite challenging circumstances. This international partnership reflects our belief that leadership, hope, and opportunity should know no geographic boundaries.

At the heart of everything we do is the belief that every individual possesses untapped potential and the ability to positively influence the world around them. Through mentorship, leadership development, coaching, service-learning experiences, and collaborative partnerships, Legacy Leaders helps individuals identify their strengths, overcome obstacles, and transform their futures.

More than a leadership organization, Legacy Leaders is a community dedicated to raising up the next generation of purpose-driven leaders who will create meaningful impact in their families, organizations, neighborhoods, and beyond.

Legacy Leaders wide group session
Mentor leading a workshop
Community event with young adults
Professionals collaborating wide
Leadership seminar
Community outreach event

Our Fellows

A timeline of impact.

Every cohort adds a new chapter to the Legacy Leaders story. Scroll through our fellowship cycles to see a growing community of emerging leaders.

2010-2020 fellows

2010-2020

High School Impact

Supporting 3,652 students through leadership development, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities.

2022 fellows

2022

Mentorship in motion

The second class deepened mentor relationships, leadership coaching, and accountability systems that helped fellows move from ideas to action.

2023 fellows

2023

Networks that open doors

Professional exposure, community service, and peer connection expanded what fellows believed was possible for their families and futures.

2024 fellows

2024

Leadership with strategy

Participants sharpened practical leadership skills while building stronger career plans, community impact, and personal discipline.

2025 fellows

2025

The next legacy

The newest cohort continues the flagship journey with mentorship, professional development, and transformational experiences for the next wave of leaders.

The Leadership

Experience, imagination, and conviction.

Sign up to be a board member
Liv Peterson

Liv Peterson

Board Chair

Creative Entrepreneur, Liv More Media

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Nelly Taromina

Nelly Taromina

Vice Chair

Chief Executive Officer, JADA Construction & Design

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Everett Gutierrez Jr.

Everett Gutierrez Jr.

Ex-Officio

President & Founder, Legacy Leaders

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Thomas Kunkle

Thomas Kunkle

Treasurer

Financial Advisor, WestPoint Financial Group

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Christina Roberson-Smeltzer

Christina Roberson-Smeltzer

Secretary

Vice President of Public Affairs, Maze of Life

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Mary Douglas

Mary Douglas

Advisory Board Chair

Inside Sales Specialist, KeHE Food Distributors

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Monet Traslavina

Monet Traslavina

Young Professionals Board

Director of Operations, Esther Grace Foundation

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President and founder portrait placeholder

From the President

Welcome to Legacy Leaders

Thank you for your interest in Legacy Leaders. Since 2010, we have been committed to helping individuals discover their potential, develop their leadership abilities, and create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

We believe leadership is not defined by a title. It is defined by influence. Through mentorship, leadership development, coaching, speaking engagements, workshops, and service opportunities, we help people build confidence, strengthen their skills, discover purpose, and pursue their goals with greater clarity.

None of this work happens alone. It takes mentors, donors, volunteers, alumni, and partners who are willing to invest in the next generation. Whether you want to grow as a leader, support the mission, or create opportunities for others, we invite you to join us in building a legacy that lasts.

Leading for Change,

Everett Gutierrez Jr.

President & Founder, Legacy Leaders

Legacy Sneaker Gala

Celebration of purpose.

Our signature biannual event brings together mentors, supporters, and emerging leaders for an evening of inspiration. More than a fundraiser, it is a reminder that leadership can be both authentic and accessible.

2025 Gala Highlights

Guests arriving at the 2025 gala

Arrival

An opening hour designed for connection, mentorship, and community celebration.

Audience listening during keynote moment

Stories

Transformational testimonies that remind supporters why investment matters.

Celebratory gala stage moment

Honoring impact

Recognizing leaders and partners whose example ripples outward.

Friends posing together at gala

Community

A room full of mentors and fellows celebrating investment in each other.

Networking and conversation during gala

Connection

Every gala creates space for meaningful introductions and future collaborations.

Fundraising celebration at gala

Momentum

Translating the energy of the night into resources that fuel mentorship.