MEET ADRIENNE
A Leader Who Connects People, Opportunity, and Action
Adrienne McFarland has spent her career working across business, government, philanthropy, education, and community institutions. She understands how decisions are made, how resources move, and how partnerships can be transformed into meaningful results.
Now, she is bringing that experience home to serve the 6th Ward.
My Story
My story has always been connected to opportunity.
Education opened doors for me. It introduced me to new possibilities, challenged me to think beyond what I could immediately see, and taught me that access to the right information, support, and relationships can change the direction of a person’s life.
Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of business, government, philanthropy, education, and community. My role has not always placed me in the day-to-day operations of one neighborhood. Instead, it has allowed me to see Chicago and community development from a broader perspective.I have been in rooms where partnerships were developed, funding decisions were discussed, programs were designed, and investments were directed. I have worked with businesses, financial institutions, corporations, public agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders.
That experience gave me a clearer understanding of how systems work.
I have seen neighborhoods benefit when institutions communicate, resources are coordinated, and leadership is prepared to move an idea from conversation to action.I have also seen strong communities and talented people left waiting, not because they lacked vision, ability, or determination, but because they were disconnected from the information, resources, relationships, and decision-making processes that could help them move forward.
Through my work in small-business and economic development, I have helped entrepreneurs strengthen their ideas, prepare for growth, pursue financing, understand government programs, and connect with banks, corporations, universities, technical-assistance organizations, and community partners.
I have seen firsthand how much talent exists across Chicago. I have also seen how much harder people must work when access is limited or systems are difficult to navigate.
Those experiences are why I am running.
I am not running because I believe one person can solve every challenge. I am running because I know how to bring people together, navigate complex systems, build partnerships, and move ideas toward action.
“I am running because the 6th Ward deserves a leader who understands how systems work and knows how to make them work for the people.”
I am ready to bring my experience, relationships, research, and commitment home to the 6th Ward.
Together, we can create a ward where opportunity is not determined by ZIP code, residents are connected to resources, businesses are positioned to grow, and families can see a future in the communities they already call home.
WHY THIS WORK IS PERSONAL
I Want Our Families to See a Future Here
I am a wife, a mother, and a proud resident of Chicago's 6th Ward, where my family has called home for the past 12 years. I understand that the decisions made about public safety, schools, city services, housing, transportation, neighborhood businesses, and community investment directly shape the quality of life for every family in our community.
I want our children to grow up in neighborhoods where they see opportunity, pride, and possibility every day—communities that inspire them to dream big and believe in their future.
Professionally, I serve as the Center Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. In this role, I help entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses by providing no-cost business advising, training, business planning support, access to capital resources, and connections to Chicago's broader small business ecosystem.
Beyond my professional role, I am committed to serving our community through civic and nonprofit leadership. I proudly serve as an Associate Board Member for Girls Inc. of Chicago, supporting programs that empower young women to be strong, smart, and bold.
I am a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a graduate of the Obama Leaders USA 2025–2026 program. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to servant leadership, economic opportunity, and building stronger communities through collaboration and action
Leadership in Action
Creating Opportunities for Small Businesses
My commitment to service is grounded in bringing people together, creating access to opportunity, and building partnerships that help communities thrive. These moments represent the work I have led throughout Chicago and the values I will bring to the 6th Ward.
Leading with Family and Legacy
I am a wife, mother, mentor, and community advocate who understands that every decision we make today shapes the opportunities available to the next generation. My commitment to the 6th Ward is rooted in family, service, and preserving the legacy of the neighborhoods we call home
Building Powerful Partnerships
I have brought together corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, community organizations, and business leaders to make resources more accessible. I believe real progress happens when we bring the right people to the table and turn relationships into meaningful opportunities for residents.
Join Us
Building a Stronger 6th Ward Together
This campaign is bringing together neighbors who believe in responsive leadership, stronger connections and greater opportunity throughout the 6th Ward