Alex Perez, Adler University social media manager, still remembers the challenges of his first leadership role. In 2018, he was named the director of community affairs for a Chicago-area school district — a position that tested him both personally and professionally.
“I struggled because I lacked the understanding and guidance needed to truly excel,” he said.
Fast forward seven years, and Perez has grown as a leader, including being elected as a Chicago Police District Council Member in 2023. The Council brings police officers and Chicago residents together to plan, prioritize, and build mutual trust while giving Chicagoans a meaningful new role in oversight.
As an elected official, Perez continues to reflect on the leader he aspires to be and the legacy he hopes to leave behind — and this extends to his work at Adler University, where he seeks to align his leadership journey with the institution and meaningfully advance its mission and values.
“Adler offers something truly unique to its students and community — a commitment to health equity,” he said. “I hope to become a stronger advocate for the University’s work, helping to propel its transformative initiatives forward and ensuring that our impact resonates within our communities.”
Driven by a desire to continue growing as a leader, Perez applied for the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Leadership Academy, joining its 2024-25 cohort. The CLCF Leadership Academy program was created in 2018 in response to a pressing need for Latino leadership development and is designed to bridge leadership gaps in both public and private sectors by creating a robust talent pipeline.
“What truly inspired me was learning about the incredible network of Chicago’s most successful and influential Latino leaders who have been part of this organization in various capacities,” Perez said. “Seeing how CLCF has helped shape these trailblazers compelled me to take a shot at joining their ranks. And by empowering more Latinos to step into leadership roles, we can ensure that our voices, experiences, and perspectives are represented, shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for our city and nationwide.”
Perez began the program in October 2024, with an expected completion in May. Over the course of seven months, he will complete 100 hours of leadership training, including seven hours of personal one-on-one executive coaching. The curriculum covers executive leadership and management development, individualized personality assessments, and access to community, civic, and industry leaders, growing one’s social network.
“So far, the experience has been incredible,” Perez said. “What stands out most to me is the camaraderie and the opportunity for deep self-reflection. It’s been an honor to connect with such driven, like-minded people who have not only inspired me but also significantly expanded my professional network.”
Latinos remain the fastest-growing minority group in Chicago and nationwide, yet they are still underrepresented in leadership roles across many sectors. Perez emphasizes the importance of programs like the CLCF Leadership Academy in addressing this gap.
“Even in 2025 we continue to face significant underrepresentation in leadership roles across industries and sectors,” Perez said. “This disparity underscores the critical need for programs like the CLCF Leadership Academy, which are designed to elevate Latino voices in decision-making spaces.”
And nearly halfway through the program, Perez said he’s already thinking of new ways to apply what he’s learning to his role at the University.
“I believe Adler is on the verge of an exciting evolution,” he said. “New leadership, fresh ideas, and creative approaches position it to stand out even more prominently in the higher education landscape.”