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In 2015, Disability Lead set out to do something no one else was doing: build a network of disabled leaders with the skills, connections, and confidence to shape the civic and professional life of the Chicago region. This fall, we’re celebrating a decade of impact—and we can’t talk about how we got here without talking about you.
Our Members aren’t just participants in our programs. They are Disability Lead. More than 88% of our Members actively support our mission—as donors, ambassadors, mentors, connectors, program contributors, and board advisors. That’s not typical for a nonprofit. That’s a movement.
What 10 Years of Member Power Looks Like
Members have shown up for us in every way imaginable:
As donors—more than half of our Members make regular financial contributions, helping ensure our programs remain accessible regardless of financial circumstances.
As ambassadors—sharing their stories with funders and partners, making the case for why disabled leadership matters and why Disability Lead deserves support.
As program builders—speaking at the Disability Leadership Summit, facilitating sessions at the Institute, and lending expertise to develop programming that actually reflects the lives of disabled people.
As connectors—opening doors to civic leaders, corporate partners, and funders whose relationships have shaped who we are today.
As mentors and nominators—paying it forward by guiding the next generation of Fellows and growing our network of disabled leaders.
As strategic advisors—serving on board committees and helping set the direction of the organization.
This is what got us to 10 years. And it’s what will take us to 10 cities.
The Next Chapter: 10 Cities by 2040
Disability Lead has set an ambitious goal: to expand beyond Chicago and bring our model of disabled leadership development to 10 cities across the country by 2040. The leaders, systems-changers, and power-builders we need in those cities? Many of them are already in your networks, they’re your friends and partners.
Expansion takes resources, relationships, and proof of concept. Our Members provide all three. Every donation—whether $10 or $10,000, one-time or monthly—signals to funders that this community is invested. Every introduction to a civic leader in another city plants a seed. Every Member who leads with power and influence is the case study we bring to the next philanthropic foundation, the next city, the next cohort.
Celebrate With Us—And Help Us Build What’s Next
Our 10th Anniversary Celebration is a moment to honor what we’ve built together. But more than that, it’s a launching pad. If you’re a Disability Lead Member, a donor, a mentor, a champion—thank you. You are the reason we’re here.
And if you’re looking for a way to invest in the next 10 years, we’d love to talk. Reach out to Anne Renna, Director of Development, to learn more about how you can support Disability Lead’s growth, our current and national chapters, and national expansion.
To elevate and connect a network with disabilities who shift power, transform systems, and redefine leadership. That’s been our mission since day one. We’re just getting started.
About the Celebration in September
1. It's a community reunion, not a fundraising dinner. Disability Lead's 10th Anniversary Celebration is about the people who built this organization—our Members, mentors, partners, and champions. This isn't a room full of strangers being asked to write checks. It's a gathering of a movement, many of whom have been with us since the beginning.
2. The guests of honor are the community itself. At a typical gala, you celebrate an organization. Here, we're celebrating our Members—the 300+ disabled leaders who have shown up as donors, ambassadors, program builders, connectors, mentors, and advisors. More than 88% of our Members actively support our mission. That's not a donor base. That's a movement.
3. It's a launching pad, not a look back. Yes, we're marking 10 years—but the bigger story is what comes next. Disability Lead has set an ambitious goal to expand to 10 cities by 2040. This event is where we announce that vision publicly and invite our community to be part of building it. Guests won't just be celebrating the past; they'll be investing in the future.
4. Disabled leadership is centered, not a side note. Everything about this event—who's in the room, who's on the stage, whose stories are told—reflects our mission. This isn't a mainstream nonprofit gala where disability is a cause. It's a celebration by and for disabled leaders.
5. It's intimate and intentional. This isn't a 500-person ballroom event. It's a curated gathering of people who have a real relationship with Disability Lead, which means every conversation in that room has the potential to matter.