Berto Aguayo

2026-2027 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Headshot of Berto Aguayo, 2026-2027 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Attorney, K&L Gates; Founder, Increase The Peace Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Berto Aguayo is an attorney at K&L Gates and the founder of Increase The Peace Chicago, a nonprofit organization that develops young leaders and promotes nonviolence through community organizing, where he built cross-community coalitions, supported over 700 youth leaders, trained over 400 community leaders, elected officials, and attorneys in nonviolent collective action, and launched Chicago’s first Black and Brown Unity Car Parade. Berto co-founded the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois Rapid Response Network, where he scaled a rapid response network from four to 77 attorneys and law students across Illinois to advocate for constitutional rights during immigration enforcement actions. His leadership is informed by his journey from former gang involvement to community advocacy.

YOUR SUPPORT TURNS HOPE INTO ACTION

Donate to the Barack Obama Foundation.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

Meet the 2026-2027 United States Leaders

Adrian Lipscombe thumbnail

Adrian Lipscombe

Austin, Texas
Ahmed Badr thumbnail

Ahmed Badr

Madison, Connecticut
Alejandro Miranda thumbnail

Alejandro Miranda

Madison, Wisconsin
Allie Utley thumbnail

Allie Utley

Overland Park, Kansas
Amanda Swope thumbnail

Amanda Swope

Tulsa, Oklahoma
Amara Manoogian thumbnail

Amara Manoogian

Washington, District of Columbia
Angelica Salinas thumbnail

Angelica Salinas

Oak Creek, Colorado
Caroline Hutton thumbnail

Caroline Hutton

Washington, District of Columbia
Chastity Bowick thumbnail

Chastity Bowick

Columbus, Ohio
Deja Foxx thumbnail

Deja Foxx

Tucson, Arizona
Elizabeth Toba Pearlman thumbnail

Elizabeth "Toba" Pearlman

Chicago, Illinois
Erin Wilson thumbnail

Erin Wilson

Alexandria, Virginia
Jade Begay, Diné and Tesuque Pueblo thumbnail

Jade Begay, Diné and Tesuque Pueblo

Santa Fe, New Mexico
Jahnavi Rao thumbnail

Jahnavi Rao

Berwyn, Pennsylvania
Jamila Trimuel thumbnail

Jamila Trimuel

Chicago, Illinois
Jenna Cargile thumbnail

Jenna Cargile

Clarksville, Tennessee
Joshua JP Peters thumbnail

Joshua “JP” Peters

Chicago, Illinois
Joshua Manske thumbnail

Joshua Manske

Algona, Iowa
Juan Diego JD Mazuera Arias thumbnail

Juan Diego “JD” Mazuera Arias

Charlotte, North Carolina
Keaton Sunchild thumbnail

Keaton Sunchild

Great Falls, Montana
Kellyn King thumbnail

Kellyn King

Simi Valley, California
Khalil Thompson thumbnail

Khalil Thompson

Washington, District of Columbia
Landon-Mascareñaz thumbnail

Landon Mascareñaz

Denver, Colorado
Larissa Larz May thumbnail

Larissa “Larz” May

San Francisco, California
Laura Grannemann thumbnail

Laura Grannemann

Detroit, Michigan
Laura Restrepo thumbnail

Laura Restrepo

Horsham, Pennsylvania
Lauren Click thumbnail

Lauren Click

Phoenix, Arizona
Lonnie Scott thumbnail

Lonnie Scott

Gainesville, Florida
Lucas Schleusener thumbnail

Lucas Schleusener

Washington, District of Columbia
María José Ramírez Braíz thumbnail

María José Ramírez Braíz

St. Joseph, Missouri
Mary Margo Franz thumbnail

Mary “Margo” Franz

Seattle, Washington
Matt Hildreth thumbnail

Matt Hildreth

Key Center, Washington
Nalleli Cobo-Uriarte thumbnail

Nalleli Cobo-Uriarte

Los Angeles, California
Naomi Henigin thumbnail

Naomi Henigin

Hampton, Virginia
Ora Nitkin-Kaner thumbnail

Ora Nitkin-Kaner

New Orleans, Louisiana
Oren Jacobson thumbnail

Oren Jacobson

Northbrook, Illinois
undefined

More about the Leaders Program

A headshot of a young woman smiling at the camera. The young woman has olive skin and brown eyes. She has dark curly hair that hits her shoulders and is wearing a blue denim shirt.

Leaders

For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.

Learn More
A person wearing a hoodie with the hood up is shown in profile, crouching down to light a candle. She is seen in profile in the glow of candlelight coming from dozens of votives surrounded by assorted flowers. A set of small votive candles are arranged in the shape of a heart near the person’s foot. Six heart-shaped red balloons float above the vigil.
  • The Center
  • Building the Center
Future water terrace to honor Ann Dunham will feature Maya Lin sculpture
Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Terrace at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.
Learn more
placeholder
  • Defending Democracy
  • Leaders
Copenhagen Democracy Summit
Learn more
President Obama speaks on a panel. In the background is a board that reads, "CHICAGO." It is a bright blue color with the Chicago map on the right side.
  • Watch
  • Barack Obama
Watch: President Obama shares the vision of the presidential center
Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi
Learn more