Last week, more than 60 members of the Upwardly Global community came together at Guild Row in Chicago for The Uplift: A Night of Comedy & Community. The evening was all about connection, bringing people together through laughter, shared stories, and a common purpose.
Organized by the Chicago Leadership Council (LC), the event welcomed alumni, volunteers, staff, and friends of Upwardly Global for a night of celebration and fundraising. The goal: to support immigrant and refugee professionals as they rebuild their careers in the U.S.
The comedy lineup featured three local talents who lit up the stage with their unique styles:
- Sam Biru
- Sonal Aggarwal
- Kathryn Gongaware
Between sets, our Community Engagement Manager — and proud alum — Kahlil Bagatsing shared his personal story with warmth and humor, reflecting on how the Upwardly Global program helped shape his life and career.
The evening closed with a heartfelt thank-you from Upwardly Global President Alice Kang, who celebrated the strong sense of community in the room and the impact of everyone’s support.
The event was made possible thanks to the dedication of the Chicago LC:
- Liz Miller
- Natalie Ostoic
- Shannon Morris
- Maddie Morelock
- Jackie Ostrowski
- Rachel Kraska
- Alex Diaz
With behind-the-scenes support from:
- Adam Hecktman
- Elizabeth Tadesse
The Uplift reminded us that when we come together with intention and joy, we create space or belonging and connection. With guests already asking about the next one, it’s clear that this might be the start of something special in Chicago.
