Josina Morita, senior research associate at the Applied Research Center, was named one of the “35 under 35” by the Community Renewal Society, a Chicago-based alliance working to eliminate racism and poverty.
 
The Society's “35 under 35” celebrates new voices in anti-racism and anti-poverty movements by acknowledging emerging leaders and the need to bring multi-generational groups together.
 
“It’s crucial for organizations working on racial justice to recognize the importance of young leadership,” said Morita, 26.  “We’re the ones directly affected by these issues and the ones continuing the work. We’ve got a lot of energy and innovative ideas that should be recognized.”
 
Morita will receive her award June 21 in Chicago where she works alongside ARC’s Midwest-office Director and racial justice leadership institute coordinator Terry Keleher.
 
Amanda Cage, a program officer at the McCormick Tribune Foundation and Ambar Mentor, from Valerie Denney Communications, nominated Morita after working with her on different projects.
 
For the past five years, Morita has been a star player for ARC-- first as an intern, then an associate researcher, and now, a senior research associate and producer of ARC’s Illinois state report card on race and policy.
 
The Illinois Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity, published in 2006, was the first report of its kind that evaluated Illinois lawmakers on their response to issues of racial equity.

 
“I’m most proud of the report cards,” Morita said. “Very few people are talking about race and policy broadly.”
 
Morita has also conducted research on welfare, youth organizing and immigrant rights.
 
She will be honored on June 21, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business Rothman Winter Garden; 5807 S. Woodlawn. For more info, visit: www.communityrenewalsociety.org