Speaker Welch Delivers Message About Collaboration and Inclusivity as a Leader at 2022 Edgar Fellows Luncheon

Champaign, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch joined former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and the 2022 Class of Edgar Fellows on Wednesday to deliver remarks about his historic rise to the speakership and offer advice on how to be an inclusive, effective leader.

“I’ve had no shortage of challenges in these 18 months as Speaker, but I’ve learned a lot and I’ve always let my ‘why’ guide me in those difficult times,” Speaker Welch said during his afternoon speech. “As a leader, you must remember what you’re passionate about and why it keeps you going. We won’t always agree on everything, but we must treat one another with mutual respect and remember that we’re all being guided by our purpose, our ‘why.’”

The Edgar Fellows Program is designed to inspire respectful and collaborative leadership to tackle challenges that face Illinois. The program was created by Governor Edgar and Speaker Welch was selected to be a fellow in 2016. He also delivered a keynote address in 2021.

“It was such an honor and a privilege to be selected as an Edgar Fellow just 3 years after I began my career in the Illinois House of Representatives,” said Speaker Welch. “Being here, delivering a speech for my second year in a row to such a distinguished group of people, is truly a gift that keeps on giving. I want to thank Governor Edgar for creating this program and reminding us that when we work together, we can accomplish amazing things for the people of this state.”

Forty participants were selected for the Edgar Fellows Class of 2022. Speaker Welch would like to offer congratulations to members of the Illinois House of Representatives who were selected this year. Those Representatives include Chris Bos, R-Lake Zurich, Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, Amy Elik, R-Alton, David Friess, R-Redbud, Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, Edgar Gonzalez, Jr., D-Chicago, Dave Severin, R-Benton, and Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva.