José “Che-Che” Wilson

José “Che-Che” Wilson is an LGBTQ+ Civil Rights and Public Health leader, a Chicago-native, born and raised in West Town. A product of Chicago Public Schools, Che-Che has dedicated his life to public service.

He has received national recognition for his work in public health, including from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. From fighting for immigrant rights as a young child with his mother, to fighting to defend and increase protections for LGBTQ+ folks and the most vulnerable populations throughout Illinois. 

Che-Che currently serves as the community representative on the local school council at Rudy Lozano Bilingual elementary, as an Auxiliary Board member for Forward Momentum Chicago, and is a Padrino at ALMA. The Biden White House invited Che-Che to share his story as a community leader during a "Charla" with former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The Biden White House also invited Che-Che to the first-ever, national Latino LGBTQ+ Leaders Briefing at the White House.

Fun fact about Che-Che: He is professionally trained in traditional Mexican folklorico dance and danced for 15 years.