Past, Present, Promise: Homecoming Summit 2025
A Weekend-Long Celebration of 25 Years of Collective Impact
We are still riding the wave of gratitude and pride after the 25th Anniversary Homecoming Summit on October 3-4, 2025, a weekend that felt like both a reunion and a recharge. When we first envisioned this event, we wanted a space where alumni, corps members, and partners could feel truly seen, celebrated, and connected. Anchored in our anniversary theme, Past, Present, Promise, the summit was a time to recognize the collective effort it took to get us here, and a recommitment to the work that still lies ahead. Seeing that vision come to life at the Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago was unforgettable.
A Joyful Kickoff
The weekend opened with a burst of energy as the King College Prep Marching Band welcomed guests into the reception on Friday evening. Chanelle Bell, Vice President of External Affairs, opened the program by reminding attendees that there were only a couple of months left in this milestone year and that the Homecoming Summit would be one of their last opportunities to come together for connection and celebration in our anniversary year. She noted that the weekend felt like the family reunion we had all needed, a time of celebration, reflection, and learning together. Then she honored our 2025 Alumni of the Year—Jeraniqua Martin, Elizabeth Jamison-Dunn, and Jesse Ilhardt, and the Peter Jennings Award for Civic Leadership winner, Aimee Eubanks Davis. These extraordinary leaders embody the values of Teach For America in action. These innovators, advocates, and changemakers remind us of what is possible when we bring passion and persistence to the work of educational excellence. Anajah Philogene, Executive Director of TFA Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana, closed the evening with a toast and a powerful reflection on 25 years of impact and an inspiring call to action to carry this momentum forward to TFA’s 35th Anniversary National Summit in Las Vegas next year.
Starting the Day with Connection, Care, and Purpose
Saturday began with three concurrent gatherings that set a positive tone for the day: the Connecting Sectors Breakfast hosted by Brian Malkin from the advisory board and Brittany Liesman from the Leadership Circle, Mindfulness + Movement led by alumna Eunice Yu, and Corps Member Cohort Kickoff: Setting the Stage for the Year. The breakfast brought together alumni from across various industries to connect, share stories, and build a sense of community. Guests also enjoyed complimentary professional headshots to commemorate the day. Mindfulness + Movement was a restorative session that helped attendees ground themselves through guided reflection, gentle movement, and meditation focused on gratitude and purpose. During the Cohort Kickoff, current corps members met with their managing directors and peers to set the stage for a strong year of teaching and leadership.
“I enjoyed reconnecting with TFA and seeing how the organization has transformed since I was a corps member, particularly in its focus and impact within Chicago. It was great to meet current CMs as well.””
Opening Plenary and Morning Sessions
Programming officially began with a keynote from Executive Director Anajah Philogene, followed by an inspiring fireside chat with Jetaun Whittlesey, Elizabeth Jamison-Dunn, and Jamyle Cannon. Their conversation explored how early classroom experiences grew into lifelong commitments to leadership and education excellence.
Attendees then joined five morning breakout sessions, including:
McCormick Foundation Presents: Play’s Role in School: Leveraging Choice, Delight and Wonder (VOCEL)
Personal Brand: A Pathway to Power and Resistance (Jennifer Reid Davis)
Sustainable School Change: Leading Without Burning Out (Teachers Supporting Teachers)
Teaching as Discovery: Powerful and Playful Math and Literacy Instructional Routines in PreK–2 (Teach Plus Illinois)
The State We’re In: Investigating Illinois Progress (Advance Illinois)
Lunch, Opportunity Fair, and Afternoon Sessions
The Opportunity Fair connected participants with organizations passionate about education excellence, offering insights into fellowships, leadership roles, and programs that create meaningful impact.
The afternoon featured six additional sessions, including.
Beyond “Fine:” Understanding the Power of Student Experiences to Shape Outcomes (Transcend)
Creating a Culture of Joy! (Accelerate Institute)
Cultivating a Burn-in Mindset and Combating Burnout (Burn-in Mindset)
Data for Impact: Exploring CPS Data Using the UChicago To&Through Milestones Tool (UChicago To&Through Project)
From Story to Service: Answering the Call (LEE and Chicago Board of Education Members)
The AI Sandbox—Build Your Own AI Tool (Mike Yates, TFA Reinvention Lab)
Closing Plenary: Illuminating Alumni Innovators
The Summit concluded with the Illuminating Alumni Innovators plenary. Moderated by Jonathan Chaparro, Chief Regional Success and Innovation Officer at Braven Chicago, the session celebrated alumni who are redefining what education excellence looks like for the next generation. The session featured:
Teirra Scott (GODDESS Mentoring) – empowering young women through mentorship rooted in identity, wellness, and leadership.
Sean Klamm (Playground IEP) – simplifying special education workflows so teachers can spend more time with students.
Joyce Pae (Chicago Academy Elementary) – using design thinking to reduce gender disparities in behavioral referrals, achieving a 15% drop in one semester.
“It was amazing to see how many people stay connected to and through TFA long after their corps years. The afternoon plenary was especially fascinating.”
A Weekend to Remember
Guests left with one-of-a-kind tote bags, professional headshots, and memories of connection and inspiration. The Homecoming Summit was not just an event; it was the culmination of 25 years of collective impact and a reminder of what is possible when our network comes together.