As the CEO of Little City Foundation, Marie Newman is a former Congresswoman, marketing and PR executive, author, women’s rights activist, LGBTQ+ advocate, subject matter expert, and healthcare activist. She is a sought-after speaker and has been a life-long fighter for equity for underserved and marginalized communities. With a background in nonprofit, the private sector, and government, Newman is the nexus of where a nonprofit leader leverages tremendous strength in relationships from multiple sectors. Previously serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Newman was the first woman in history to be elected to Illinois’ Third Congressional district. Earlier in her career, Newman worked for multiple firms as a marketing agency executive and pursued many entrepreneurial ventures, including founding an anti-bullying organization that influenced the White House to establish a Presidential executive order requiring all schools to implement anti-bullying programs. Newman is frequently interviewed by national news media and has a robust social media following. She is a leader known to move missions and initiatives forward and brings her deep commitment to equity to the forefront.