Director of Housing/Community Services

Eleana Molise (she/her) is leading housing services at the 46th Ward Office. She's lived in Uptown for over a year and loves riding her bike to the lake (when she doesn't have a flat tire!). Before joining the Ward Office, Eleana worked at ONE Northside, also in Uptown, organizing people living with mental illness to increase access to public mental healthcare. She believes that our community has all the expertise and experience to make the changes we need to live in a just, kind, and abundant community for all, and she's excited to leverage local government resources to make that happen! Outside of work, Eleana is a gardener, cat mom, and reality TV lover. 

Director of infrastructure/Zoning & Development 

Jesse Orr is the Director of Infrastructure and Development at the 46th Ward Office. He has lived in Uptown for four years and enjoys biking around the ward looking at anything under construction. Before joining the 46th Ward staff, Jesse worked at the Inclusive Economy Lab and International Innovation Corps, working to improve government programs and service delivery.  Jesse believes that local government has a crucial role to play in both improving housing affordability and availability as well as enhancing Chicago's sustainable and multi-model transportation options.

Outside of work, Jesse likes to gallivant around the city by bike and CTA, read both fiction and nonfiction, go the lakefront, and participate in different types of racing events.

Director of Community Engagement 

Tanya Smith serves as the Director of Community Engagement for the 46th Ward Office, where she works to strengthen connections between residents, local organizations, and city resources. A proud Uptown resident and alum of Uplift Community High School, Tanya has spent most of her life engaged in arts, community organizing, and advocacy within the neighborhood she now serves.

With a background in community organizing, youth development, and the arts, Tanya has spent over a decade fostering inclusive spaces and advocating for equitable access to opportunities. Prior to joining the ward office, she played a key role in Chicago’s creative and nonprofit sectors, coordinating cultural events, leading youth programs, and facilitating community-driven initiatives.

Tanya is passionate about uplifting Uptown and ensuring that residents have access to the resources and support they need.

Director of Public Safety

Bio coming soon!

Constituent Services Representative

Oluranti, who also goes by Olu is a first-generation immigrant with lots of hope for the future. They are a Truman College student excited to be joining the 46th Ward as part of the city’s summer internship program. They are an anime fan who can't get enough of the adventures and mesmerizing artistry. You'll often find them geeking out at conventions cosplaying as their favorite characters. In their downtime, they enjoy strolling by the lake, immersing themself in a good book, or indulging in the exhilarating gameplay of action-packed video games.

Constituent Services Representative

Bio coming soon!

46th Ward Intern

Bio coming soon!