Meet Our 2026 Gala Speakers!
Keynote Speaker, Ana Kasparian
Ana Kasparian is the Executive Producer and host of The Young Turks, where she has built a reputation for sharp analysis, fearless reporting, and direct, uncompromising commentary. Known for her blunt criticism of establishment power and media hypocrisy, her work focuses on political corruption, foreign policy, civil liberties, economic inequality, and the abuse of institutional power.
Kasparian’s reporting and commentary have been featured by CNN, Time, and The New York Times. As a former investigative reporter for RealClearInvestigations, she pursued deeply reported stories that challenge dominant narratives and hold powerful institutions accountable.
Linda Sarsour
Linda Sarsour is an author, award-winning racial justice and civil rights activist, seasoned community organizer and mother of three. Ambitious, outspoken and independent, Linda shatters stereotypes of Muslim women while also treasuring her religious and ethnic heritage. She is a Palestinian Muslim American and a self-proclaimed “pure New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn!”
Salam Al-Marayati
Nationally recognized for his commitment to improving the public understanding of Islam and policies impacting American Muslims, Salam is president and co-founder of the Muslim Public Affairs Council. He oversees MPAC’s groundbreaking civic engagement, public policy, and advocacy work.
U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-1)
Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson represents Illinois' First Congressional District with a legacy rooted in activism and achievement. Born to civil rights leaders Rev. Jesse Jackson and Jacqueline Jackson, he inherited a profound commitment to justice and has translated that heritage into decades of impactful work for marginalized and underserved communities.
U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL-3)
The daughter of working-class Guatemalan immigrants, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez is an accomplished legislator, social service director, community leader, and coalition builder who has dedicated her life and career to advocating for working families. She proudly represents IL’s 3rd Congressional District as the first Latina elected to Congress in Illinois and the entire Midwest.
IL State Senator
Graciela Guzmán (20th District)
Graciela Guzmán serves as State Senator for Illinois' 20th District, representing communities across northwest Chicago. She began her public service in January 2025, serving as Vice-Chair of the Senate Education Appropriations Committee and sitting on the Health and Human Services Appropriations, Higher Education, Human Rights, Public Health, and Veterans Affairs committees. and Co-Chairs the Affordability and Tax Justice Coalition, a bicameral effort focused on state revenue. Before her election, she helped secure a landmark victory expanding healthcare access to low-income seniors regardless of immigration status.
Imam Al Ameen Siddique
Imam Al Ameen Siddique is a faith and community leader whose remarkable journey of Islamic leadership began while incarcerated, where he helped build a thriving Muslim community and guided hundreds of young men to Islam through da‘wah, education, and mentorship. Read more about Imam Al Ameen here.
