YNPN CHICAGO EXECUTIVE BOARD
The YNPN Chicago Executive Board is an all-volunteer working and governing board consisting of young nonprofit professionals.
EXECUTIVE CHAIRS
DERRICK D. BRASWELL (HE/HIM)
CHAIR
Program Officer for School Support | Chicago Debates
Derrick D. Braswell (he/him) is elated to serve as the Vice Chair. He brings a range of skills, experiences, and expertise with him as a pan-African, southern, LGBTQIA+, logistics and operations professional. He is a Chicago transplant from Memphis, TN and he has been here since 2018. Derrick has a Bachelors in Philosophy and entered the workforce via Corporate America, UPS. Later pursuing his masters in Business Management and Leadership, he has been eager to achieve his long term goals of directing his own debate league and operating his own skating rink. His shift to the nonprofit sector happened during the pandemic in 2021, and he has been eager to apply his vast skills to further the improvement of his community while polishing his own leadership attributes.
Recently serving in the education management arena, he has also been pursing a full spectrum doula certification as well. New to the Nonprofit Sector, he is excited to soak up as much knowledge and experience as possible during his service here! If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time!
MAYA MEADE (SHE/HERS)
VICE CHAIR
Community Engagement Coordinator | Esperanza Community Services
Maya Meade (she/her) moved to Chicago in May of 2023 after graduating from Ohio University with a B.S. in journalism, a minor in political science, and certificates in political communication and women’s, gender & sexuality studies. She currently serves as a program manager on the global strategic initiatives team at World Business Chicago, the economic development agency for the City of Chicago. In this role, Maya supports global strategy and international relations for the city. She also helps maintain Chicago’s 28 sister city relationships through cultural programming, citizen diplomacy and mutually beneficial partnerships and exchange.
Before her current role, she served as the community engagement coordinator for Esperanza Community Services, a nonprofit in West Town which serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In that role, Maya was responsible for Esperanza’s social media content, newsletter, blog posts, volunteers, events and donor management.
She is a passionate and driven advocate who is excited to be involved with the nonprofit sector in Chicago. Maya also serves on the Membership and Governance Committee for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Associate Board. In her free time, she enjoys long walks in new neighborhoods, making collages out of magazines and reading books.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS CO-CHAIRS
SABRENA LOPEZ (SHE/HER)
VP of Operations & CEO/Founder | The Brainchild Collective & Spectrum Admin Services
Sabrena Lopez (she/her) holds a B.A. in Anthropology with a focus on Socio-Cultural Studies and Political Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and an M.B.A. from Northeastern Illinois University. As a first-generation college student, Sabrena was profoundly influenced by leadership programs she encountered during high school and college, which equipped her with key professional skills such as people management, event planning, and public speaking. More importantly, they helped her build confidence and find her voice.
Driven by these formative experiences, Sabrena has dedicated her career to working with nonprofits and organizations that support students and underrepresented groups. She is the founder of a consulting firm that offers operational and administrative support to small businesses and nonprofits. Additionally, Sabrena has launched a nonprofit in Chicago that focuses on addressing the personal and professional needs of mothers.
SHELEA PRIDE (SHE/HER)
Sr. Manager of Membership and Member Engagement | American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Shelea Pride (she/her) is a dynamic association management professional with over 15 years of experience, specializing in membership growth, retention, and customer service strategies. As the Senior Manager of Membership and Member Engagement, she brings creativity and strategic thinking to her role, driving initiatives that elevate member experiences and build long-lasting relationships.
Shelea holds a Master’s in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fisk University. She’s a 2018 ASAE NextGen scholar and has served on the ASAE NextGen Selection Committee. Currently, Shelea is diving into the world of project management, pursuing PMP certification to further fuel her passion for leading successful, innovative projects that make a lasting impact.
When she’s not collaborating on membership initiatives or fine-tuning her project management skills, you’ll find her enjoying family time, traveling to new places, and soaking up live music.
FINANCE CO-CHAIRS
ANGELA ROMERO (SHE/HERS)
Program Manager | JumpHire
Angela Romero (she/her) is currently a Program Coordinator for JumpHire, a workforce development program on the west side of Chicago. Angela has 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector and in this time, has directed programs of 500+ participants. Angela excels at planning and executing programming for large groups that allow folks to better their lives through a variety of avenues.
In addition, working in team-based environments for organizations that impact our community is truly her passion. Angela currently resides in the north side of Chicago and enjoys exploring all parts of the city!
GERALD POLANCO (HE/HIM)
Co-Executive Director & Director of Programs | Chicago Community Bond Fund
Gerald Polanco (he/him) is originally from The Bronx, but grew up in Grand Rapids, MI. He has had the joy of calling Chicago home for the past decade. Gerald a queer Latino advocate for and alongside low-income communities of color. His childhood experiences and his mother’s spirit of service inspired him to dedicate his professional life towards working for the betterment and empowerment of marginalized communities.
After graduating from Loyola University Chicago School of Law with a Juris Doctor, Gerald worked in various legal nonprofits representing, educating, and advocating for people. Currently, he is the Director of Programs and incoming Co-Executive Director at the Chicago Community Bond Fund (CCBF), where he manages the Revolving Fund team. They support individuals whose communities cannot afford to pay the bonds themselves and who have been impacted by structural violence.
Gerald is a member of the Advisory Council for the Office of New Americans, which advocates and advises the City on policies directed towards creating a more welcoming city for immigrants. He is also an attorney volunteer for the Hana Center’s Legal Clinic.
DEVELOPMENT CO-CHAIRS
RAYVEN JOHNSON (SHE/HERS)
Program Coordinator, Mentor Recruitment & Engagement | LINK Unlimited Scholars
Rayven Johnson (she/her) is a Program Coordinator at LINK Unlimited Scholars, a nonprofit organization supporting Black students in Chicago to, through, and beyond college. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, she is a proud Prairie View A&M University and Year Up alumna, passionate about closing the opportunity gap and empowering the next generation of leaders.
With over eight years of experience in business operations and project management, she has built and cultivated relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders across various industries. She has also led numerous projects and events, using both agile and waterfall methodologies, while coaching teams to achieve high-quality results and optimize performance. She is also committed to volunteerism and community engagement, serving in leadership roles at Friends of Codey’s and Junior Achievement of Georgia.
VICTOR RIBADENEYRA (HE/HIM)
Director of Community Engagement | Music Institute of Chicago
Victor Ribadeneyra (he/him) is a nonprofit projects and programs specialist with expertise in the education, arts, neurodiversity, and animal welfare sectors of nonprofit management. Born in Boston, raised in Houston, educated in Indiana, and currently living in Chicago, Victor has a passion for bringing diverse communities together for collaboration using shared experiences and empathy as key tools for success. Victor has driven successful change with organizations including the Music Institute of Chicago, Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, Ravinia Festival, School Town of Munster, LYNX Project, and Community Animal Rescue Effort, C.A.R.E. Projects and programs under Victor’s direction have received support from organizations including the RRF Foundation for Aging, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Julian Family Foundation, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Discover Financial Services, Walgreens, and others.
In his free time, Victor enjoys teaching music lessons to students at local schools, writing & performing music, volunteering with cats & dogs at a local animal shelter, cooking, baking, and reading sci-fi/fantasy novels. Victor graduated from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with a Bachelor of Music Education and minor in Jazz Studies degree.
COMMUNICATIONS CO-CHAIRS
KIMBERLY LOPEZ (SHE/HERS)
ELL Teacher | Christopher House Charter Elementary School
Kimberly Lopez (she/her) was born and raised in Chicago, she is an ELL Teacher at Christopher House, dedicated to supporting English language learners. She earned a bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Spanish from Hope College in Holland, MI, and a master's degree in the Arts of Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. As a first-generation college graduate, she is deeply committed to education and community service. She actively volunteers with organizations such as Mujeres Latinas en Acción and Gads Hill Center, and have completed fellowships with LCLAA, where she organized an event to raise awareness for Latina equal pay, and with CTU, focusing on revitalizing trade schools to offer diverse pathways to success. Her diverse background and experiences reflect a passion for fostering educational opportunities and advocating for equity.
Through both her professional and volunteer work, she aims to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves. She is excited to serve on the YNPN Board and keep expanding its mission.
LOVLIANA BAPTISTE (SHE/HERS)
Director of External Affairs | OneGoal
Lovliana Baptiste (she/her) is the Director of External Affairs at OneGoal, a nonprofit organization that is committed to leading the movement to transform postsecondary advising and support. As a first-generation Haitian American, Lovliana attributes her success to the support of those ahead of her and from being a part of (SEO) Sponsors for Educational Opportunity in New York where she grew up. Her time in this organization empowered her to achieve her own wildest postsecondary aspirations despite not having a blueprint for it. She received her Undergraduate degree in Childhood Education at Brooklyn College and her Master’s at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in Middle Grades Science. Her commitment to empowering low-income, low-SES students led her beyond the walls of the classroom, starting initiatives in the school to support student voice, hosting events to foster more community engagement, and eventually into the nonprofit sector.
Lovliana’s love for all things art, marketing, creativity, and branding is now being put to use in order to support high school students in their transition from high school to college and career. When she’s not project managing an event, creating an invite, or sending a newsletter on Pardot, you can catch her reading, exploring one of her newest hobbies, or walking the lakefront!
FABIOLA AVILA (SHE/HERS)
Community Manager | Simmons Center for Global Chicago
Fabiola Avila (she/her) is a first-generation graduate from Denison University where she studied History and Psychology. She was born and raised on the southwest side of Chicago, and is excited to be able to continue her passion for social impact in her home city.
For the past eight years she has worked and volunteered at different nonprofits in the city with a focus on community outreach/interaction. She now works at the Simmons Center for Global Chicago as Community Manager and is excited to join the YNPN community as a board member.
EMORY WILLIAMSON (HE/HIM)
Grants Manager | Adler University
Emory Williamson (he/him) is a grants manager at Adler Community Health Services, a non-profit clinical training center of Adler University. He works to support the program’s efforts of delivering comprehensive, trauma-informed mental health and substance use prevention and intervention services in primarily underserved, high-need neighborhoods in Chicago and Vancouver, Canada. He is a recent transplant to Chicago and is originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from the University of Louisville. Initially, he started his career in journalism, then served as an elementary school teacher with Teach For America in Mississippi and Tennessee, and has since spent nearly a decade in the nonprofit sector. He is passionate about community advocacy, social justice, and his cat, Floyd.
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE CO-CHAIRS
JAIME SHARP (SHE/THEY)
Program Manager | Grantmakers in the Arts
Jaime Sharp (she/they) is a Black queer cultural ambassador merging the intersections of art, equity, and philanthropy. She has been an administrator for several arts organizations, now focusing on anti-racist and accessible funding in their current role with Grantmakers in the Arts, the national association of arts funders.
An active member of the community, Jaime serves on associate boards and steering committees for Funders for LGBTQ Issues, Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy, OPERA America, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Chicago Philharmonic. They have participated in over a dozen professional development and fellowship programs nationwide. Jaime holds an MBA, MA in Arts Administration, and MM in Vocal Performance. Most importantly, she is a Lego enthusiast, diehard Roxanne Gay book club follower, and cat parent.
RACHEL WALERSTEIN (SHE/THEY)
Senior Learning & Talent Development Managers | AIDS Foundation Chicago
Rachel Walerstein (she/they) is a teacher, writer, and community builder from Central New York. They are passionate about empowering others to co-create the world in which they want to live and work. A teacher by training, Rachel received their Bachelor’s in Education from SUNY Oswego and their PhD in English from the University of Iowa before moving to Chicago. It was in their final teaching role at a for-profit high school here that Rachel realized their focus was no longer in the classroom, but on reimagining the infrastructure intended to support it. Now, they facilitate learning solutions that bring organizations together as a community to solve their most pressing problems and achieve their mission.
When not serving as the Senior Learning and Talent Development Manager for AIDS Foundation Chicago, Rachel enjoys perfecting their sourdough, checking out the local music scene, and spending time at home with their partner, dog, and cat.
PROGRAMMING CO-CHAIRS
VANESSA RUIZ (SHE/HER)
Fractional HR Manager | Atomus Partners
Vanessa Ruiz (she/her/ella) is a first-generation college graduate from UIC as well as a graduate of the Chicago Public School (CPS) system. She studied in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and received her Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone studies. Most of Vanessa's professional work experience has been in the educational/non-profit space; she taught English abroad in France, served with City Year Chicago, supported first-generation students at Bottom Line - Chicago, and ultimately became an Academic Advisor at North Central College. She is passionate about social justice, self-advocacy, learning & development, and creating equitable opportunities for folks from historically marginalized communities.
Her experience led Vanessa to shift into the HR space at Accelerate Change, a startup incubator for digital media ventures, where she led and supported the HR and people function of the organization. Currently Vanessa serves as a mentor for first-gen students at a local nonprofit, Chicago Scholars, and she’s a Fractional HR Manager for a consulting business, Atomus Partners. Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised on the Southwest Side of Chicago, Vanessa identifies as Latina and is a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants.
MORGAN PAUL (SHE/HER)
Employee Impact Council | Salesforce
Morgan Paul (she/her) is a product specialist with Salesforce, working in CRM Analytics to help customers improve their data visualizations and data collection. At Salesforce, she is the lead of the Illinois Employee Impact Council, where she plans volunteer events and organizes grants that facilitate stronger connections between her company and the Chicago community. She is originally from the Louisville, Kentucky, area and is a proud Indiana University Hoosier, where she studied Supply Chain Management with a focus on sustainable business. She is a volunteer with Chicago PAWS and is training for her third marathon to fundraise for the organization!
SIMONE MOORE (SHE/HERS)
National Community Risk Reduction Manager | American Red Cross
Simone Moore has garnered over 17 years of deep experience in community engagement, program management, and strategic planning. Currently holding the position of Community Reduction Manager at the American Red Cross National Team, she is dedicated to spearheading projects that create substantial impact.
Parallelly, her tireless efforts in fostering connections with governments and non-profit organizations have championed meaningful changes in various communities. Her role extends beyond civilian spheres, evident from her 20-year commitment to the United States Army Reserve, where she excels in medical logistics and team collaboration. Outside her professional sphere, Simone cherishes her role as a devoted wife and the mother of a spirited three-year-old. Simone has a Master's of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science. She steps into her new role at YNPN with a rich history of service and a passionate drive to continue making significant contributions.
KENDRA COWART (SHE/HERS)
Chief Strategy And Operations Officer | Lifescore Foundation
Kendra Cowart (she/her), a West Side Chicago native, graduated from the University of Missouri–Columbia in 2019 with a BA in Psychology, Spanish, and Black Studies. After working in high school and elementary education, she discovered her true passion for social impact. In January 2024, Kendra joined Lifescore Foundation, quickly advancing to the role of Chief Strategy and Operations Officer. Her focus is on empowering communities through SEL initiatives in areas like workforce and business development, youth empowerment, and financial literacy.
Both Kendra and Lifescore are committed to curating niche experiences that foster deep community connection, and she is eager to expand her work through YNPN.
MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIRS
LEKISHA GUNN (SHE/HER)
Impact Manager | Girls on the Run Chicago
Lekisha Gunn (she/her) is the current Impact Manager at Girls on the Run Chicago, where she focuses on community engagement, national coach training, and manages Chicago Public School sites primarily in the Southside and Westside Chicago. She was born in Bloomington, Illinois and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, where she began her career as an AmeriCorps volunteer. She graduated from The University of Alabama with a B.S. in Business Administration and a Master of Public Policy from Duke University.
She worked in the U.S. federal government at the Department of State as a member of the U.S. Foreign Service and also at the Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice, where she created the first ever Community Trust Committee.
Lekisha also has served on the boards of Borderless Magazine, an independent immigration outlet, and most recently, the Junior League of Chicago. She recently completed the 2023 YNPN Leadership Institute. She is very interested in programming, fundraising, and DEI initiatives. In her free time, enjoys walking with her dog, Pep, running races, and supporting local bookstores.
ALEXANDRA GREENWALD (SHE/HER)
Managing Director of Communications and Marketing | Chicago Scholars
Alex Greenwald (she/her) is the Director of Communications and Marketing at Chicago Scholars. She’s a proud first-generation college graduate and an alumna of Kenyon College and the University of Chicago Divinity School. She will take any opportunity to advocate for the value of liberal arts degrees (she really does use that religious studies BA every day). Before coming to Chicago Scholars, Alex worked for Gamaliel Network, the Fundamentals department at UChicago, and ABC7 Chicago. Her writing has appeared in Christian Century, National Catholic Reporter, several suburban newspapers, among other publications.
Alex lives in Hyde Park with her husband, Chris, and their cats, Critter and Goose. When she’s not working, Alex is usually working on a creative writing project, attempting to learn to quilt, or wandering around in the public library.
CREATING SPACE INITIATIVEÂ CO-CHAIRS
CLIFF URBAN (HE/HIM)
Legal Consultant | Urban Legal Foundation LCC
Cliff Urban (he/him) is a Chicago native with deep roots in the south suburbs. He graduated from Indiana University with a major in Criminal Justice, driven by a passion for helping people, especially our youth. Despite growing up without a father, he has become a man of substance, morals, and integrity. Currently, he works as a Youth Advocate and a legal consultant, dedicating his career to positively influencing young lives and giving back to his community. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and exploring new places.
SYMONE BRIDGES (SHE/HER)
Business Office Manager | Holy Angels Catholic School
Symone Bridges (she/her) is a South Side Native of Chicago. At such a young age she has already accomplished many achievements that range from Education, Business Administration & Management, Leadership Development, and Ministry. Symone has obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Management at Chicago State University, her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership & Administration with a focus in Higher Education from Chicago State University, and is currently a Ed.D student for Educational Leadership & Administration at Chicago State University.
Symone has received many trainings and certifications, which range from Human Resources, Project Management, Corporate Leadership & People Management, and Strategic Management. She is certified as a Business/Entrepreneurship Coach, Executive Coach, and Business Consultant.
Symone currently serves as Business Office Manager at a private catholic
school, and she also has entrepreneurial pursuits that range from coaching to
consulting. With over 11+ years of work experience in education, non-profit orgs., and
ministry, Symone aims to make an impact by drawing from her years of knowledge,
expertise, and skills and pouring into leaders in both ministry and the marketplace.