Posted on May 27, 2026

Honoring Bob Wordlaw’s Legacy and the Work That Continues

*From left to right (2006): Jonathan Fanton, President of the MacArthur Foundation; Bob Wordlaw, NLEN Board President; Brenda Palms,* *NLEN President & CEO; and Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, Chair of the MacArthur Foundation’s Board of Directors.*

At the North Lawndale Employment Network, we are proud to honor the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Bob Wordlaw — a visionary leader, advocate, and early champion of NLEN’s mission.

Bob served as a dedicated board member and NLEN’s second Board President. During some of the organization’s most formative years, he helped open doors, build critical relationships, and strengthen the foundation that continues to support our work today. His belief in dignity, opportunity, and community empowerment helped shape the values that continue to guide NLEN.

As Brenda M. Palms, President & CEO of NLEN, reflected:

“Bob was one of a small circle of early believers whose faith in our mission and in my leadership changed what was possible for us. His deep commitment to dignity, opportunity, and community power continues to shape our values and the way we show up for North Lawndale.”

Bob’s leadership contributed to moments that transformed NLEN’s trajectory, including standing alongside NLEN leadership during the organization’s receipt of the inaugural MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. His legacy lives on through the thousands of lives impacted by NLEN’s workforce development programs, financial empowerment services, transitional employment initiatives, and community-centered partnerships.

We invite friends, colleagues, community partners, alumni, and supporters to join us in recognizing Bob Wordlaw’s extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to NLEN and the North Lawndale community.

Join Us in Paying Tribute to Bob Wordlaw

We encourage our community and friends of NLEN to attend the upcoming Annual Meeting hosted by the Chicago Jobs Council as an opportunity to come together, celebrate Bob’s impact, and honor his years of leadership and service.

Event Details:

45th Annual Meeting of the
Chicago Jobs Council (CJC)
Friday, June 5, 2026
9:00 am to 12:00 noon
UIC Student Center West
(828 S. Wolcott)

Please share this tribute with others who knew Bob or were impacted by his leadership, and invite them to join us in recognizing a leader whose vision and commitment helped shape NLEN’s journey and mission.

Together, we carry forward the work Bob believed in by expanding employment opportunities, supporting returning citizens and families, building pathways to economic mobility, investing in North Lawndale’s future, and continuing to create a community that works for everyone.