Chicago-based foundation to be headed by Indian-American

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Alphawood Foundation Chicago announced Oct. 19, that Chirag G. Badlani would take over as Executive Director, effective November 8, 2021.

Alphawood Foundation Chicago is a grant making private foundation “working for an equitable, just, and humane society” the organization said in a press release.

Badlani is a partner at the Chicago law firm Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd., where he practices in the areas of civil rights, constitutional law, immigration law, and labor and employment.

He has worked extensively with nonprofit and advocacy organizations in Chicago on increasing access to justice, protecting immigrants’ rights, and reforming the pretrial system.

The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin have recognized Badlani for his civic and pro bono achievements.

Previously, he worked at the Vera Institute of Justice on the expansion of legal orientation programs for immigrant detainees. Earlier in his career, he spent time in the public sector working in urban planning and community development at the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Badlani was a law clerk to Judge Ann C. Williams of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and to Judge Allyne Ross of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead an organization which has had an immeasurable impact on so many progressive issues I care deeply about,” Badlani said. “I am beyond excited to work with the Alphawood Foundation Board, founder Fred Eychaner, and Jim McDonough to advance justice, support the arts, and address new challenges facing our community.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Chirag to Alphawood,” said Fred Eychaner, Chairman. “With his leadership, enthusiasm, and proven commitment to the Chicago community, we know the Foundation will be able to continue its important work supporting our many

Alphawood Foundation awards annual grants to organizations in and around Chicago, primarily in the areas of advocacy, architecture and preservation, arts, the environment, promotion, and protection of the rights of LGBTQ persons and people living with HIV/AIDS, and other human and civil rights.

According to his profile on the law firm’s website, hsplegal.com, Badlani graduated magna cum laude from New York University School of Law (J.D. 2008), where he served as a Production Editor for the Journal of International Law and Politics and as a Competitions Research and Writing Editor for the Moot Court Board. During law school, Mr. Badlani worked at NYU’s Immigrant Rights Clinic. He received his B.A. from Yale College (B.A. 2003).

Badlani succeeds Jim McDonough, who retired as Executive Director this month. He is a member of the bar in Illinois and New York.