City Colleges’ Vice-Chancellor of Legislative and Community Affairs Named to Erikson's Executive Fellows Program’s 2024 Cohort

Vice-Chancellor of Legislative and Community Affairs Jennifer Mason will join the Erikson Institute’s sixth cohort of its Executive Fellows program. This program, focused on early childhood development through a racial equity lens, equips decision-makers with the tools to support children during the critical brain development years of 0 to 5. Participants will learn to champion equitable access to resources, programs, and services for young children and their families.

Mason’s extensive background in advocacy and community engagement makes her a valuable addition to the program. At City Colleges of Chicago, she works closely with legislative bodies and community organizations to enhance educational opportunities and resources for students. Her previous roles include district director for Illinois State Senator Barack Obama, director of constituent services and acting state director during Obama’s tenure as a U.S. Senator, and deputy chief of staff for the Office of Personnel Management in the Obama White House, where she addressed domestic violence and sexual assault in the federal workplace. Mason also served as the Midwest regional representative for the Department of Labor, building coalitions to support presidential and agency priorities.

Additionally, Mason serves on the board of directors for Women Employed, is the incoming co-chair of America’s Urban Campus, and participates in the Mayor’s Interagency Reentry Council and the Civic Advisory Council of the City of Chicago.