Morgan Murphy is a trilingual communications professional, artist, and social impact advocate. She joined Metropolitan Planning Council in January 2021 to leverage her extensive experience in program management, event management, small business development, and public policy. She is motivated by a passion for bringing people together to foster connection, collaboration, and problem-solving to improve our communities and world. Since joining MPC, Morgan has managed over forty events, including panels interrogating water affordability in our region, how to build bike culture, and the use of an racial equity impact assessment (REIA) in equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD), and launches for the We Will Chicago (the city’s first city-wide plan in more than 50 years) and the region’s first climate action plan. Taking equity, accessibility, and clear communication seriously, Morgan has built out internal systems for the planning, preparation, and execution of MPC events and campaigns. Prior to joining MPC, Morgan facilitated connection and exchange between Chicago and other global cities as International Program Manager with Chicago Sister Cities International (an initiative of World Business Chicago). This role drew from her time living and working abroad in various capacities within the social impact and social inclusion fields. Morgan holds a B.A. in Comparative Cultures & Politics, a B.A. in International Relations, and a minor in Spanish from James Madison College of Michigan State University. Upon completing her undergraduate study, she received a Fulbright grant to Bulgaria to teach English and conduct research for her master’s study in public policy. Morgan completed her international Erasmus Mundus M.A. in Public Policy in 2018 in The Hague, The Netherlands, and Barcelona, Spain. Morgan is originally from Northern Michigan and made Chicago her home in 2019. She currently lives in Uptown. Outside the office, Morgan is a visual artist whose creative works are bold, whimsical, and inspiring. She is also an avid reader, soccer player, yogi, and bread baker. With appreciation for the education, extracurriculars, and female mentorship that provided opportunities to grow, explore, and become the strongest, smartest, and boldest version of herself, Morgan is inspired by the intentional programming and diverse impacts of Girls Inc. Chicago. She is excited and honored to be part of the organization as an Associate Board member.
