The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Jessi Haish LaRue and Malia Jones as the inaugural recipients of the Chamber’s new Rising Leader Award.
New in 2026, the Rising Leader Award recognizes women who are making a significant impact early in their careers through professional achievement, creative leadership, and community engagement. The award celebrates women who are excelling in their careers today while demonstrating the potential to become future leaders and mentors in the community.
Jessi Haish LaRue serves as Executive Director of the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center and Marketing & Events Specialist at the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC). Through her work in both organizations, LaRue has demonstrated a commitment to promoting local history, supporting economic development, and creating meaningful opportunities that connect people with the DeKalb community.
Malia Jones is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist at Birth to Five Illinois Region 16, she works alongside families, community partners, and organizations to advocate for Early Childhood Education and Care needs and strengthen connections to resources throughout DeKalb County.
Recipients were selected based on their demonstrated professional achievement, creative leadership, and community engagement through a review of submitted nomination materials.
The Rising Leader Award stems from the DeKalb Chamber’s annual ATHENA Award, which recognizes established leaders and mentors who make a significant impact in their workplaces and communities. The new award provides an opportunity to recognize women earlier in their careers who are already demonstrating those same qualities of leadership and community involvement.
LaRue and Jones will be recognized at the DeKalb Chamber’s ATHENA Award Reception on October 16 at the Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb. The event is open to the public with tickets available online at dekalb.org/athena-award.
Submit A News Item
"*" indicates required fields