By empowering and mobilizing people at the grassroots level, HRC Chicago aims to create impactful change, providing advocacy for the Human Rights Campaign’s mission and work on the ground. HRC Chicago is a dedicated team of volunteers who use their experience and talents to develop a more affirming, inclusive, and equitable community.
Play the Video
Watch to learn more about this year's dinner theme "Woven in Color: Fabric of our Future". Join us on Saturday, October 24. Buy tickets here.
Clarissa Flores is a Chicago native, former Division I basketball player at Northwestern University, hospitality executive, and founder and CEO of Level Sporting Club, Chicago’s women’s-sports-focused destination in Wrigleyville. A Whitney Young alumna who also represented Puerto Rico in international basketball competition, Clarissa has spent more than two decades in Chicago hospitality and nightlife. Through Level Sporting Club, she has created a space centered on women’s sports, LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion, and community.
Hanako Greensmith is an actress, singer, musician, and writer best known for her role as paramedic Violet Mikami on NBC’s Chicago Fire. A graduate of Pace University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, Hanako has appeared across the One Chicago franchise as well as on FBI and Bull. Through her work on Chicago Fire, she has developed a strong connection to Chicago and has become a familiar face to audiences here and across the country.
HRC Chicago marches in the 2026 Chicago Pride Parade. Local dance group, CHI678 joins.
Let's Get Free
HRC Launches $15M “Let’s Get Free” Electoral Program to Power Pro‑Equality Wins This Midterm Cycle. Our goal is to flip the U.S. House, gain ground in the U.S. Senate, and expand the number of openly LGBTQ+ elected officials across the nation.
Equality In Action 2026
In March 2026, HRC Chicago volunteers attended the 2026 Equality In Action weekend in Washington, DC. It was a chance for our volunteers to meet with our elected officials and lobby for their support of pro-equality legislation. The weekend ended with a celebration hosted by Human Rights Campaign President, Kelly Robinson (photo above with the HRC Chicago steering committee.)
