Luncheon Honoree & Leadership

“I have spent my career speaking up for people whose voices have been marginalized, and by doing so I learned there is nothing more powerful than making your voice heard – a skill you can learn through high school debate. Through debate, youth not only find their voice, they find their power and a tool they can use to transform their lives and communities. That is why I am honored to be recognized by Chicago Debates as their 2019 Champion of Debate.”

– Lisa Madigan, Former Illinois Attorney General

Chicago Debates is proud to honor former Attorney General Lisa Madigan as our 2019 Champion of Debate!

Often recognized for her leadership and integrity, Lisa Madigan has brought a high level of activism to the Office of Illinois Attorney General. From her first days in office, she has demonstrated principled leadership, putting policy before politics and focusing her work as the state’s top legal advocate on protecting the people and communities of Illinois.

Prior to becoming an attorney, she was a teacher and community advocate, developing after-school programs to help keep kids away from drugs and gangs. Madigan also volunteered as a high school teacher in South Africa during apartheid.

Thanks to our 2019 Luncheon Co-Chairs!

Rishi Agrawal

Founder of The Agrawal Firm

Farissa Knox

Founder & CEO of RLM Media & WRUW Productions

Lerry Knox

CEO & Co-Founder of Sovereign Infrastructure Group

Interested in joining luncheon leadership? Contact Willa Voss for more information and to get involved.

Check out all of our past Luncheon Honorees

2018

Andrea Zopp
CEO, World Business Chicago

2017

David Axelrod
Director, University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics

2016

Terry Mazany
Former President & CEO, Chicago Community Trust

2015

Beth Swanson
V.P. of Strategy and Programs, Joyce Foundation

2014

Gery Chico
Partner, Chico and Nunez

2013

Toni Preckwinkle
President, Cook County Board

2012

Tom Wilson
CEO, Allstate Insurance Company