Women In Policy Panel

In honor of Women's History Month, the Harris EMP admissions team hosts the Women in Policy panel event. Hear from alumni and current students of the Evening Master's Program about their journeys, challenges facing women in this space, and creating support systems.

Panelists

Lara Mbayed Dailey is currently a Vice President at McGuireWoods Consulting, where she uses her knowledge of the legislative process and her relationships with policy makers and government stakeholders to achieve policy goals for a diverse client base. She previously worked as a legislative liaison at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and as a Legislative Fellow in Governor Pat Quinn’s Office. In 2012, Lara completed a year of service with City Year Chicago where she served as a mentor and tutor at a Chicago public high school. She is an alum of the 2020 Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership Academy, and holds a master's degree in Public Policy and a bachelor's degree in Political Science.

Chantal E. Forster is the executive director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG). Throughout her career in the private, public, and social sectors, Chantal has led community-driven technology initiatives and collaboration programs for data and knowledge sharing. Chantal holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy from the University of Chicago and serves on several nonprofit boards of directors. Chantal is passionate about building resilient, equitable communities, supporting urban arts and culture, and beekeeping.

Samantha H. Simpson is the Cook County Assessor’s Office Director of Data Analytics.  For over 15 years, Samantha has built smart strategies for civic causes, political campaigns, government agencies and regulated corporations. She spent 6 years at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau providing consumers and staff with data-driven digital products and resources. Before joining the Assessor’s Office, Samantha led the implementation of user-friendly technology solutions at Deloitte Digital and ran for Illinois State Representative. A South Side of Chicago native, Samantha completed her undergraduate studies at The Johns Hopkins University and is a proud graduate of the Harris Evening Master's Program, AM '19. Samantha serves on the board of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action and is driven by delivering sustainable resources to underserved communities. 

Katie Levin (moderator), EMP Class of 2021, has  spent the last six years working in environmental philanthropy at a family foundation. "Through Harris, I am developing the tools and mindset I need to better evaluate the impact of my work and re-imagine my contribution to the philanthropic sector moving forward. Harris’ “classroom” experience and the social networks alike create cohorts of leaders equipped with the skills and resources to catalyze the change we all hope to create in and beyond Chicago."