Inclusive Collective - A Jesus-Rooted Movement

The Inclusive Collective is excited to announce the inaugural 2026 Student Leader Fellows: Tahj Warren (Junior), Joe Whiteside (Senior), Gabriel Pellabon, John Brownridge (Junior), Brandon Wright (Freshman), and Jessica Paul (Grad).

This year’s fellowships were awarded to both undergraduate and graduate level students who have shown leadership capacities in their universities, colleges, and local churches. They represent the campuses of Chicago State University, University of Chicago, Southern New Hampshire University, Ivy Tech Community College, National Louis University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago; and the faith communities of Lighthouse Church of Chicago, Urban Village Church Hyde Park / Woodlawn, LaSalle Street Church, and University Church.

The IC Student Leader Fellowship seeks to support faith formation, leadership development, and community engagement in a diverse cross section of college students living and working in Chicago. This year’s fellows will engage urgent questions of faith and action together, in order to design and implement projects, activities, or service opportunities for their local community. The cohort will be guided under the mentorship of Rev. Kenji Kuramitsu who will both support the fellows and nurture their growth as faith leaders.

During times such as these, when so much feels threatened or under attack, we want to support, invest in, and walk alongside college students more than ever. ⁠
⁠
Continuing in our commitment to build community, explore faith and spirituality, and invest in student leaders committed to engaging their campus and the wider world - the Inclusive Collective is excited to be launching our new Student Leader Fellowship. ⁠
⁠
This will be a cohort of 6-8 college students from campuses around the city of Chicago committed to walking and growing alongside one another over the course of the academic year. Monthly Zoom meetings for reflection, connection to a local church community, in-person retreats, site visits, and a celebration will make up the curriculum. ⁠
⁠
The Rev. Kenji Kuramitsu, the Associate Dean of Student Life at the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel, will act as the cohort mentor. ⁠
⁠
A stipend of $1,500 per semester will be available to each cohort member who participates. ⁠
⁠
Use the following link to apply now or share the link with a student you think would be interested in participating! ⁠
⁠
https://forms.gle/BSNvU12H4NJPqtQw8

Happy National Coming Out Day!

We’re excited to support Lighthouse Foundation’s (LF) 5th Anniversary Fundraiser on July 13 as a proud member congregation of LF’s Coalition of Accomplices for Racial Equity (CARE)! Join us at Meeting House Tavern from 12 PM—2 PM to honor a Black LGBTQ+-founded and led organization providing healing and liberation at the intersection of Blackness and Queerness. Enjoy dynamic entertainment and joyful community. Enjoy Drag Bingo ($20 a card), dazzling drag performances by Kenya J. Sanchez and Olaysia, and inspiring keynote speeches. Tickets start at $35 for entry. Visit bit.ly/LF5Fund.

Let’s celebrate Lighthouse Foundation’s remarkable work over the past five years and join their ongoing efforts to empower Black LGBTQ+ individuals in Chicago. See you there!