Nina Sánchez, Enrich Chicago Executive Director, to exit organization

Adria Husband to serve as Interim Executive Director as Enrich Chicago launches Executive Director search

July 15, 2025 (CHICAGO) – The Board of Directors of Enrich Chicago, the non-profit organization formed in 2014 to promote racial and cultural equity in the Chicago arts sector, will launch an executive search to replace Nina Sánchez, its longtime Executive Director, who departs the company effective today. After serving at the helm for nearly eight years, Sánchez’s transition reflects a commitment to shared leadership and making space for emergent perspectives to sustain and grow the organization’s long-term equity efforts. Adria Husband, who has served as lead facilitator for Enrich Chicago’s philanthropy affinity group for two years, has been named the Interim Executive Director.

“Nina has been as much one of the caretakers of the Chicago arts ecosystem—rooted in racial equity, transformative learning, and justice-driven change—as she has been the leader of Enrich Chicago,” says Hilesh Patel, co-Board Chair. The growth that has emerged from her care and nurturing now makes space for new energy ahead, and our Board has full confidence in Adria’s ability to bridge the transition from Nina’s tenure.”

Sánchez says, “I am proud of what our community has achieved together and grateful for the privilege of being able to steward our collective vision. After nearly eight years in my role, I am embracing that it is time for the next stage of our vision to be carried forward with fresh leadership and perspectives. This shift reflects our core values: that no single person should hold power indefinitely, and that transformation requires both continuity and renewal.”

During Sánchez’s tenure, Enrich amplified awareness of the ideologies of anti-racism and racial equity to over 5,000 people via workshops and public engagements. Enrich’s data-driven practices and surveys of the arts community have shaped broader narratives on the funding equity landscape in Chicago, advancing the organization’s mission to reverse decades of inequitable funding practices.T hrough its community forums and by embedding its mission in other Chicago non-profits, EnrichChicago aims to repair and undo the harm endemic in arts institutions, society, and culture. The Board now seeks a leader whose energy and perspectives will guide Enrich Chicago's next chapter.