Ellen Ray  

Ellen Ray has worked in Chicago as a community organizer and nonprofit leader for two decades. In August 2023, Ellen began serving as the Chief of Staff for the Office of Congresswoman Delia Ramirez. Prior to that role, she served as Chief Executive Officer at Chicago Cares. In her two decades of leadership in the Chicago metropolitan region, Ellen has proven herself an accomplished strategist, organization builder, and change agent. In her time at Chicago Cares, she has reshaped the organization’s approach to civic engagement, launched their community investment strategy, and developed innovative approaches to help Chicagoans find their place and their power to advance social change. Prior to stepping into her role at Chicago Cares, Ellen served as Center for Changing Lives’ (CCL) Executive Director. During her successful tenure at CCL, the organization implemented and innovated upon a nationally recognized financial opportunity model and secured two Social Innovation Fund awards. Previous positions included a Civic Action Organizer with Community Renewal Society and a number of direct service roles in social sector organizations across Chicago. Ellen is passionate about building up leaders and organizations committed to a more just, loving and equitable world. In addition to her full-time job, Ellen has a vibrant consulting practice, Partners in Change LLC, that brings coaching to organizational development, strategy, and change efforts. As a facilitator, Ellen leverages her expertise, experience, and charisma for organizations all over the country. Ellen holds a Master of the Arts degree from University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration and an Executive Scholars Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Ellen is a Fellow of the third class of the Civil Society Fellowship, a Partnership of ADL and The Aspen Institute, and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.