Andrea Sáenz

As president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust, one of the nation’s largest and oldest community foundations, Andrea Sáenz works to bring to life a vision to realize a stronger and more prosperous Chicago region where access to opportunities transcends race, ethnicity, or zip code. This work is both professionally fulfilling and deeply personal for Sáenz. She joined the Trust from Chicago Public Library, where she led strategy, program design, and organizational development. Previously, she served as chief of staff at Chicago Public Schools, policy advisor at the U.S. Department of Education, and executive director of HACE, a national nonprofit focused on Latine success in professional careers. She serves on numerous nonprofit boards. Sáenz earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from Scripps College.

Considered one of Chicago’s leaders making a difference, Crain’s Chicago Business recently included Sáenz on its “Who’s Who in Chicago” list and its inaugural “Women of Note” list in 2023. Her extensive board service includes the Economic Club of Chicago, National Louis University, Chicago Public Education Fund, Chicago Public Library Foundation, and College Unbound. She is a member of Leadership Greater Chicago and received an honorary doctorate from Dominican University. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies from Scripps College.