Carla Kupe, Chicago's new chief equity officer. (Courtesy of Chicago Mayor's Office)

Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday announced the appointment of Carla Kupe as Chicago’s new chief equity officer.

Kupe will lead the Office of Equity and Racial Justice, established under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. As chief equity officer, Kupe is charged with developing and implementing a framework for advancing equity across city departments.

“I am humbled and grateful to participate in further advancing Chicago as a role model in forming equitable cities,” Kupe said in a statement. “There is no better time in history than now to empower Chicagoans.”

Like Candace Moore, her predecessor in the role, Kupe earned her juris doctor degree from Loyola University Chicago.

Most recently, Kupe has been managing partner of CZL P.C., a law firm she co-founded in 2022. Her prior experience in public service includes a stint as the first director of diversity, equity, inclusion and compliance in Chicago’s Office of Inspector General. She also spent nine years as assistant corporation counsel in the city’s Law Department.

“Her history, and her invaluable experience in the fields of equity and diversity, proves that she understands what it takes to lead a city that provides for all of its people,” Johnson said in a statement. “It is my pleasure to welcome her to our team, and I look forward to working with her as we honor the many cultures that make Chicago great.”

The daughter of Congolese immigrants, Kupe grew up in Luxembourg and moved to the U.S. in 1997. She’s lived in Chicago for the past 20 years.

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]