Lambda Legal is proud to announce that Erica Battaglia, Christopher Jensen, and Michael Mock will serve as Co-Chairs of the 2026 Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration, the organization’s premier Midwest fundraising event supporting its work to advance the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV.
The Bon Foster Celebration brings together leaders from across the legal, corporate, and civic communities to honor progress in the fight for equality while raising critical funds to sustain Lambda Legal’s impact litigation, public policy advocacy, and education efforts nationwide.
“Erica, Chris, and Michael each bring extraordinary leadership, passion, and commitment to Lambda Legal’s mission,” said Douglas Curtis, former Midwest Regional Director and current Chief Legal Officer of Lambda Legal. “Their combined experience across law, public service, and philanthropy makes them exceptional champions for this moment, as we continue to confront unprecedented challenges to LGBTQ+ equality.”
Erica Battaglia (she/her) is Vice President, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer for Abbott Laboratories. A former litigator and healthcare attorney, Battaglia has spent more than two decades supporting charitable organizations focused on individuals living with HIV and AIDS. In recent years, she has deepened her engagement with Lambda Legal, helping to advance its mission to protect and defend the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Battaglia and her family reside in Deerfield, Illinois.
Christopher Jensen (they/he) serves as Associate General Counsel for City Colleges of Chicago, the largest community college system in Illinois. Jensen is a member of the Board of Directors for LAGBAC, Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association, where they chair the Trans+ Committee and co-chair the Judicial Evaluation Committee. They also serve on the boards of Gerber/Hart LGBTQ+ Library & Archives and Genderfucked Productions, supporting queer history and trans and nonbinary artists across the Midwest.
Michael Mock (he/him) is a financial advisor with Westpoint Financial, specializing in comprehensive financial planning, wealth management, and charitable giving strategies. A dedicated advocate for philanthropy, Mock serves nationally with Lambda Legal as a member of the Legacy and Planned Giving Council, helping to advance long-term support for the organization’s mission.
The 2026 Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration will take place in Chicago on Friday, May 15 at the Art Institute of Chicago, bringing together hundreds of supporters to celebrate progress and recommit to the ongoing fight for equality.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, purchase tickets, or to learn how to get involved, please visit www.lambdalegal.org/bonfoster