City Colleges of Chicago Showcases Student Success at National Leadership Congress

More than 1,600 community college leaders gathered in Chicago for four days for the 2026 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Leadership Congress. City Colleges of Chicago hosted conference participants at two of its colleges and showcased its students, programs, and partnerships that help students succeed throughout the event.

This year's theme, "Driving Change, Leading with Care: Where Vision Meets Compassion," brought together trustees, college presidents, and other college leaders to exchange ideas and explore ways to strengthen community colleges and the communities they serve. Richard J. Daley College and Olive-Harvey College welcomed Congress attendees for campus tours, City Colleges employees volunteered to help navigate guests throughout the Congress, adult educator Olha Tsvyntarna performed the national anthem, the Harold Washington College Jazz Band performed at Thursday evening's reception, while an instructor DJ from Truman College's Sound Asylum program provided music for Friday night's event.

City Colleges Board of Trustees Chair Katya Nuques and Chancellor Juan Salgado kicked off the event, welcoming trustees to Chicago. City Colleges Executive Vice Chancellor and City Colleges Foundation President Veronica Herrero, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Mark Potter, Vice Chancellor of Strategy and Planning Brittany Jackson Kairis, and Vice Chair of the City Colleges Board of Trustees Rev. Dr. Marshall Elijah Hatch, Sr. all brought their expertise to the Congress by participating in various panel discussions focused on student support for parenting students and the success of City Colleges' partnership with One Million Degrees. These sessions highlighted how vital support outside the classroom is for overall student success.

The Congress concluded Saturday with a keynote address from Wilbur Wright College alumna Tina Lopez, who shared how attending City Colleges helped her build a path toward financial independence. During her address, Tina described how her decision to attend City Colleges helped her reach her goal of becoming an entrepreneur and a real estate owner within five years of graduation.

"It was such a pleasure bringing Congress to Chicago, and we are grateful to have had City Colleges of Chicago alongside us every step of the way. Thank you again for your partnership, generosity, and for helping make the 2026 Leadership Congress such a special experience," said Christina Simons, Associate Vice President of Trustee Education and Events Association of Community College Trustees.

From effective student support strategies to showcasing the achievements of its alumni, City Colleges used this opportunity to spotlight its commitment to opportunity, access, and student success to a national audience.