Ariel Schwartz (Chicago, IL) is the director of the Emerging LeadersProgram at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. In this role, she oversees the strategy and execution of the Council’s signature global leadership development program. Prior to joining the Council, Schwartz directed interdisciplinary research initiatives at Northwestern University’s Buffett Institute for Global Affairs. She holds a Ph.D. in Religious studies with a certification in Global Politics and Religion from Northwestern University, a B.A. in Religion from Barnard College of Columbia University, and a B.A. in Hebrew Bible from the Jewish Theological Seminary.