Eilene Ladson (she/ her) is an equity-driven professional who employs systems-thinking and healing-centered frameworks to lead civic and organizational change. Grounded in Black Feminist principles, Eilene supports organizational leadership in creating cultures where individuals are valued for their full humanity and lived experiences. Her passion lies in cultivating social conditions rooted in collective care and intersectional justice.
As a Trauma Specialist and Director of Trauma Initiatives at the Illinois Collaboration on Youth, Eilene gained extensive experience in navigating and building partnerships with large, cross-sector community organizations by integrating race equity driven and trauma-informed practices into statewide grantee programs for the Illinois Department of Human Services. Most recently, in her role as Vice President of Program and Clinical Supports at Ada S. McKinley Community Services, she further honed her expertise in nonprofit operations, strategic planning and implementation, and evaluation.
A few years ago, Eilene intentionally embarked on a journey of thriving and taking up space. This journey led her to join a Black woman-owned dance studio, where she found a supportive multigenerational Black femme community. Eilene continues to contribute to this community as a strategic planning facilitator to the instructors and a collective care coach to the members.
Eilene is a member of the 2020 cohort of the New Leaders Council Chicago chapter and a University of Chicago 2022 Civic Leadership Academy Fellow. She enjoys barre, the Fast and Furious series, traveling, and exploring Chicago with her Staffy, Queenie.