Young Leadership Committee

A photo of CEL Young Leadership Committee with members.

Get involved and make a difference!

The Young Leadership Committee (YLC) is a passionate group of young professionals dedicated to advancing CEL’s mission: maximizing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As ambassadors of CEL, YLC members lead engaging philanthropic events, build meaningful partnerships, participate and support fundraising initiatives, volunteer in programs, and contribute their diverse skills to help CEL grow and thrive.

YLC Mission and Vision

Mission: To cultivate a community of young leaders who champion inclusion, awareness, and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities by supporting CEL through engagement, advocacy, fundraising, and collaboration.

Vision: A joyful and engaged network of young leaders driving awareness, action, and change for people with developmental disabilities —where everyone feels connected, inspired, and empowered.

A photo of young leadership committee member doing art with CEL member.

How we make an impact!

The heart of what we do and why it matters.

  • Foster connections with young leaders
  • Plan and execute events to support CEL
  • Volunteer with CEL members
  • Build pipeline of future leaders
  • Participation in CEL committees
  • Representation at Board meetings
A group photo of two Young Leadership Committee members and CEL members smiling, with one member proudly holding artwork.

YLC Commitment & Involvement

YLC members commit to 1 to 2 years of involvement, averaging 5 to 8 hours per month. Participation includes:

  • Monthly virtual meetings (second Tuesday, 5:30–6:30 PM)
  • Helping plan and promote YLC and CEL events

  • In-person volunteer opportunities at CEL’s Riverwoods Center (2 to 4 times per year)

  • Supporting DDAM fundraising efforts in March (mostly remote)

  • Attending CEL signature events like Chef’s Night, Artful Evening, and the Golf Outing

  • Optional opportunity to serve as a virtual career mentor

Meet the Young Leadership Committee!

YLC and CEL member during Tuesday Art Night.

Alex DeTrempe

Committee Member
YLC and CEL member during Tuesday Art Night.

Cori Sloan

Member
YLC and CEL member during Tuesday Art Night.

Danny Bersh

Chair #3
YLC and CEL member during Tuesday Art Night.

Jamie Miller

Chair #1
YLC and CEL member during Tuesday Art Night.

Jonathan Bersh

Member
YLC and CEL member during Tuesday Art Night

Julie Nadig

Chair #2

Past Events

CEL staff with Young Leadership Committee members at fundraiser event.
Young Leadership Commitee members at fundraiser event.

We hosted Homestead on the Roof in the city of Chicago where we welcomed a fun crowd of young professionals (21-39) who are hoping to learn more about CEL.

We welcomed a group of professionals interested in learning more about CEL at Tapster in Lincoln Park to learn more about CEL and how you can support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.