Racial Equity and Real Estate Conversations: Empowering Latino Homeowners

Welcome Remarks: 

Peggy A. Korellis, Ed.D., Interim President

Peggy A. Korellis, Ed.D. serves as the Interim President of Richard J. Daley College.  Dr. Korellis has over 30 years of experience serving students through public education, at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. Dr. Korellis began her career in higher education at City Colleges of Chicago in a variety of increasingly responsible roles, and most recently as Vice Chancellor of High School Strategy with the District Office. In this role, Dr. Korellis has overseen the implementation of the Chicago Roadmap, a comprehensive partnership with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to collaborate and provide greater access to high quality pathways, a more streamlined enrollment experience as well as supporting college readiness in math & English. 

Fritz Kaegi, Cook County Assessor

Prior to beginning his career in Cook County government, Fritz spent more than 20 years valuing assets as a mutual fund portfolio manager and analyst. In his 13 years at Columbia Wanger Asset Management, Fritz served as a financial steward, helping average families save for retirement and focusing on small companies operating around the world. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Illinois Assessment Officer designations. He is also a member of the IAAO, the International Association of Assessing Officers.

Since assuming office in 2018, Fritz has brought fairness, ethics and transparency to the Cook County Assessor’s Office with a vision focused on operational changes, technological upgrades, and the elimination of favoritism. 

Panel: 

Empowering Latino Homeowners: Property tax reform, housing policy, immigration, and building generational wealth

Moderator: Oswaldo Alvarez, Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus

Oswaldo Alvarez is a Chicago native with nearly two decades of experience spanning the nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors -- all sectors designed to work with and for the community. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation (ILLCF), overseeing the organization’s programs, operations, and development. In less than three years he successfully rebranded the organization, launching the policy and leadership development programs, growing the annual budget from $300,000 to over $1.6 million, and establishing its first ever endowment.  

His extensive experience and commitment to community development have positioned him as a key figure in advocating for equitable policies and fostering leadership within the Latino community. 
 

Fritz Kaegi, Cook County Assessor 

Fritz was born and raised in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago and still maintains close ties to the community. He attended Hyde Park’s Kenwood Academy for high school, completed his undergraduate studies at Haverford College, and received his MBA from Stanford University. In 2020 Fritz received the A. Philip Randolph Change Agent Award from the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum and in 2021 the Adlai Stevenson Award for Public Service from the Chicago chapter of the American Society for Public Administration. Fritz’s wife Rebecca is a teacher; they live in Oak Park, with their three children, where Fritz is a member of First United Methodist Church of Oak Park.

Dr. Teresa Córdova, Director of Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago

Teresa Córdova is Director of the Great Cities Institute and Professor of Urban Planning and Policy at UIC. Teresa is an expert in community/university partnerships and methodologies of engaged research. In addition to strategies for community and economic development, her work focuses on the impacts of global economic restructuring on communities. Over the years, Dr. Córdova has been instrumental in affecting economic development policy and projects, the provision and design of infrastructure, local governance, and neighborhood change. She sits on the Cook County Economic Development Advisory Committee and is a former Chair of the Chicago Plan Commission.
 

Jeylú B. Gutiérrez, Chicago's 14th Ward Alderwoman

Alderwoman Jeylú Gutiérrez is a dedicated public servant who made history as the first Latina to hold the esteemed position in the 14th Ward of Chicago. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Jeylú immigrated to the United States seeking a better future and opportunities. Living on the southwest side of Chicago, Jeylú experienced firsthand the challenges faced by many immigrant families and witnessed the power of community support and advocacy. Jeylú brings her firsthand experience as an immigrant, mother of three, and former educator to the forefront of her work, ensuring that the voices of the 14th Ward are heard and their concerns addressed. 

Lissette Castañeda, Chicago's Department of Housing Commissioner

With over 20 years of experience in affordable housing development, housing services, and organizational leadership, she brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. In her role, Castañeda is leading efforts to streamline the affordable housing development process and expand homeownership opportunities—particularly in historically disinvested communities across Chicago. She is honored to serve in this capacity, where she can champion new housing initiatives while ensuring that Chicagoans have the support and resources needed to remain in their homes and thrive for the long term.