Elianne Bahena
District Chief of Staff
Elianne “Ely” Bahena is the proud daughter of immigrant parents from Guerrero, Mexico, a first-generation college graduate, and a passionate Latina leader who grew up in La Villita. She worked in the nonprofit sector for almost a decade, advocating for the protection of immigrant survivors of domestic violence and for the rights of immigrant communities across Illinois.
In addition to her professional work, Elianne is the Co-Chair of the Young Women’s Giving Council at the Chicago Foundation for Women, member of the HACE Chicago Auxiliary Board, and South City Vice Chair for the Cook County Young Democrats. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Mujeres Latinas en Acción and Urban Warriors.
She is a Community Leadership Fellows alum and a current fellow of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation.
She is inspired to uplift other young women like her. “When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity … you do not slam it shut behind you … you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.” - Michelle Obama
