UIC Urban Forum

Did you attend this year's ? Take this quick survey to let us know about your experience! Your feedback will help inform the Forum for years to come.

Photos and videos from this year's event will be available in the coming weeks.

🔗 Survey:

2026 Urban Forum Attendee Feedback Form

Introducing Clarisol Duque, a featured panelist at the UIC Urban Forum! 🏙️

As State Director for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Clarisol leads all aspects of the Senator’s Illinois operations, working across critical issues including healthcare, education, environmental justice, violence prevention, and immigration. Her work is rooted in collaboration—partnering with community organizations, advocacy groups, and leaders at every level of government to serve communities across the state.

Clarisol also led the launch of the Chicago HEAL Initiative, a groundbreaking collaboration with major hospitals to reduce violence and improve community health by addressing root causes through economic opportunity, engagement, and clinical strategies.

A longtime advocate, she has dedicated much of her career to advancing the Dream Act and supporting immigrant communities. 🌎 In addition to her professional work, she serves on the boards of the Big Shoulders Fund and the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy, helping expand educational access and support women in public leadership.

A proud Chicago native and UIC graduate, Clarisol brings deep experience and a strong commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities.

🔗 Registration for the 2026 UIC Urban Forum is now open. Reserve your spot: https://urbanforum.uic.edu/

🎤Meet one of the 2026 UIC Urban Forum Panelists: Drew Williams-Clark!

Drew Williams-Clark is the Director of Build Up Cook in the Bureau of Asset Management at Cook County (Illinois). Build Up Cook builds municipal capacity to address capital and infrastructure needs through technical assistance providing project management, asset management, fundraising, engineering and construction support.

Drew has varied experience in urban planning and green infrastructure. He has held leadership positions at the Metropolitan Planning Council, Center for Green Technology, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and Village of Oak Park.

🔗 Registration for the 2026 UIC Urban Forum is now open. Reserve your spot: https://urbanforum.uic.edu/