Megan Cunningham
40 under 40 class of 2019
Chicago , IllinoisManaging Deputy Commissioner
Chicago Department of Public Health
"I want to be a voice for racial equity and social justice, and use my power to support the power within communities – so that all Chicago residents have access to opportunities, resources, and environments that maximize their health and well-being."
BOLD SOLUTION: Megan oversaw the evolution of Chicago’s Health in All Policies approach. A 2016 resolution called upon city agencies to consider the health implications of their policy and planning decisions. Since that time, she has cultivated relationships with other departments to help ensure that city initiatives and investments promote the health of residents and neighborhoods – by integrating health data into planning processes, strengthening environmental protections, facilitating walkability assessments, and expanding access to housing for vulnerable populations.