Karen Freeman-Wilson

Karen Freeman-Wilson is President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, where she leads efforts to advance economic, educational, and social progress for African Americans through direct service and advocacy. She previously served as mayor of Gary, Indiana from 2012–2019, becoming the first woman to lead the city and the first African American woman elected mayor in Indiana. Her public-service career also includes serving as Indiana Attorney General, Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, and presiding judge of the Gary City Court. Freeman-Wilson is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and has held national leadership roles addressing criminal justice, policing, cities, and urban communities.