Leadership Starts Here
In November, several Chicago House team members completed our second Emerging Managers Cohort, which is an initiative that continues to strengthen the organization’s investment in internal leadership development. Designed for non-management staff, the program helps employees prepare for future supervisory roles and has already supported several first-cohort graduates in advancing into upper-level positions.
The training covers essential management skills, including performance oversight, hiring practices, and how policy and structure support staff success. Participants also complete assessments to better understand their own communication styles and how to work more effectively with colleagues across the organization. The program is facilitated by Human Resources in partnership with organizational leaders, creating a reciprocal model where emerging managers learn directly from those who have advanced while seasoned staff gain opportunities to strengthen their public speaking skills.
Lathem Bonem, our HR Director, shared why this approach matters: “This is a great opportunity for employees to build their skill set and confidence. If they’re thinking of moving into a management position, they can receive in-depth, hands-on learning that covers topics essential to being a successful manager.” He also emphasized that the program’s success relies heavily on participants creating a space of openness. “Both cohorts have demonstrated commitment, honesty, and vulnerability. This is a key factor in the success of the program.”
Participants echoed this impact. Sky Renteria, a Peer Health Navigator, joined because of a long-standing interest in mission-driven leadership. “Leaders make or break the mission,” she said. “This program helped me understand Chicago House’s philosophies and connect with others who also want to grow.” Sky found the deep dive into internal processes—such as onboarding, job descriptions, and payroll—particularly enlightening.
Julia English, a Supportive Housing Case Manager, who had been hoping to take the training for over a year, appreciated the practical insights: “I've never held a management position before so this seemed like a good way to start learning the skills needed. I learned a great deal about how to be an effective communicator and problem solver and was able to reflect on what types of management styles I have worked under in the past and what kind of manager I could be in the future.”
Hunter Partlow, a Sexual Health & Outreach Coordinator, is already thinking about how to put the material into practice. “I look forward to applying everything I learned with my manager and coworkers in the sense of practicing within this field my manager duties. His biggest takeaway? “The overall experience is rewarding for many reasons, but the main one is development and a little more sight into what managers should be doing currently and if not, how you can navigate the conversation for that should be to ‘BE DOING.’”
As Chicago House continues building pathways for growth, the Emerging Managers Program remains a cornerstone of our professional development strategy that invests in staff who are ready to lead and support the organization’s mission at a more significant level.
Help us cheer on our team members from the first and second cohorts for completing this milestone in their careers!
Second Cohort Graduates: Julia English, Xay De Fischer, Jackie Gonzalez-Fernandez, Hunter Partlow, Sky Renteria
First Cohort Graduates: Mikey Brown, Nikita Jobe, David McDaniel-Wilson, Jessie Stevens, Martina Williams, Patrice Williams