From North Lawndale to City Hall, Kenya Merritt’s story is about resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to Chicago. A Lane Tech graduate and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumna, Kenya’s academic journey laid the foundation for a career focused on equitable growth and opportunity. Her passion for service blossomed during her studies in political science and solidified while interning for Senator Carol Moseley Braun, an experience that ignited her commitment to public service.
Kenya earned her Master’s in Public Service Management at DePaul University while balancing work and motherhood—a testament to her determination. “DePaul’s flexibility allowed me to grow as a leader while managing my responsibilities as a single mom,” she shares. Her academic and professional experiences have shaped her focus on creating pathways for others, particularly in Chicago’s underserved communities.
As Chicago’s Deputy Mayor of Business and Neighborhood Development, Kenya champions initiatives that ensure all 77 neighborhoods benefit from the city’s growth. She emphasizes the critical role of education in creating opportunities, highlighting Chicago’s unique advantage of having 20 diverse colleges and universities. “Our institutions are key to fueling innovation and talent that attract businesses and strengthen our economy,” she says.
Kenya’s work is deeply rooted in listening to Chicagoans and fostering partnerships between businesses, communities, and government. Her leadership reflects the ethos of the city’s educational and cultural richness. “Chicago’s strength lies in its people and their stories,” she says. Through her efforts, Kenya continues to bridge gaps and empower the next generation of scholars and leaders, fueling Chicago’s skyline and future.