Meet Our 2025 Gala Speakers!
Keynote Speaker,
Cenk Uygur
Cenk Uygur is the CEO and founder of TYT (The Young Turks) - the largest online news show in the world and the longest-running online daily stream. With a verified global audience of more than 500 million views a month and 31 billion total video views, TYT is the #1 most engaged news and politics network. Cenk is also the bestselling author of Justice is Coming. He has appeared on numerous broadcast networks and debated on popular video casts like Piers Morgan and Joe Rogan. His monologues, particularly on Gaza and the domestic civil rights fallout, often go viral on social media. Previously, Uygur was the host of MSNBC Live. Uygur graduated from the Wharton School of Business at University of Pennsylvania and from Columbia Law School.
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th Ward
Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez represents Chicago’s 25th Ward and has been a member of the City Council since May 2019. He has consistently pushed back against austerity measures that burden working-class communities.
This year, Ald. Sigcho-Lopez has worked closely with CAIR-Chicago defending free speech rights, rapid response immigration work, and Palestinian justice advocacy.
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, 33rd Ward
Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez represents Chicago’s 33rd Ward and has served on the City Council since May 2019. As a community organizer she is dedicated to supporting immigrants, youth, and Chicago’s diverse communities. In partnership with CAIR-Chicago, Ald. Rodríguez has been a strong advocate for immigrant rights, Palestinians human rights, and community empowerment.
Master of Ceremonies, Arjumand Khan
Arjumand Hashmi Khan is a renowned, two-time Emmy Award–winning journalist and media consultant whose career spans multiple broadcast networks. A trailblazer in the media industry, she is recognized as a trusted media source and a strong community liaison for the Muslim community. As a journalist, Arjumand has made significant contributions to advancing accurate and authentic portrayals of the community. She is also the founder of H3M Media Consulting.
