What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

My most memorable nonprofit experience was with AIRS in Baltimore when we would host Oscar Night. Lots of glitz, glam and fun times!

What causes are you most passionate about?

I’m most passionate about preserving the earth we call home, and eventually getting the human race to a new planet to call home.

If you really knew me you would know…

I am interested in the world around me to a point where I HAVE to know how things work AND I really want to live on another planet or at least be apart of the exploration team to get to another planet. Oh! And I LOVE ice hockey, favorite team: Washington Capitals.

Favorite pie?

So far, this Coconut Crust Pistachio pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Internship in Tunisia with AMIDEAST, an exceptional organization that focuses on education and development in North Africa and the Middle East.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Migrant and refugee rights, education, international development, advocating for international institutions.

If you really knew me you would know…

I show up at airports 3 hours early to walk around and watch planes.

Favorite pie?

Quiche (…then apple pie for dessert)

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

In college, I was able to volunteer extensively as a reading buddy at an elementary school and as an after-school worker in a public housing neighborhood.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Equality and Social Justice

If you really knew me you would know…

I love animals of all kinds (especially cats)

Favorite pie?

Pumpkin

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Volunteered in teaching young students financial, budgeting and entrepreneurial skills via Junior Achievement and inspire them to reach their potential

What causes are you most passionate about?

Animal Welfare, Health and Wellness, Environment

If you really knew me you would know…

I am fascinated by psychology, behavioral economics and how they shape the decisions we make on a daily basis

Favorite pie?

Meringue Pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience? 

Any time I’ve been able to work directly with youth – Seeing their breakthroughs is really rewarding.

What causes are you most passionate about? 

Youth advocacy, educational opportunity, and racial justice

If you really knew me you would know…

That I’m a complete nerd.

Favorite pie?

Blackberry.

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience? 

Volunteering with Lakeview Pantry and helping to sort and stock food from local donors. Being able to give back in my neighborhood was great.

What causes are you most passionate about? 

Human resources, animal welfare, and K-12 Education

If you really knew me you would know…

I love to listen and give advice.

Favorite pie?

Chicken Pot Pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

While living in Caracas, Venezuela I had the privilege and opportunity to design and build a website for a non-profit elementary school. This school was located in a lower class area in Venezuela. By building and designing a friendly and welcoming website, I hopefully gave them more opportunity to increase their admission rate of children, regardless of the location they are in.

What causes are you most passionate about? 

Anything related to the environment. Check this out about the effects of global warning in greenland: http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2017/11/world/greenland-global-warning/

If you really knew me you would know… 

I really like rubik’s cubes

Favorite pie?

Key-lime pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Working with marginalized, low-income youth of Madison, WI on the weekends to introduce them to university campus, while building confidence that attending college was within reach

What causes are you most passionate about?

Early childhood education, poverty, human rights, social justice, environment & sustainable energy, defending science

If you really knew me you would know…

I used to rap, still have notebooks full of rhymes, have performed in front of live audiences, and have professionally recorded over 10 tracks!

Favorite pie?

Key-lime. It’s just so damn refreshing!!

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Working with a local artist collective, striving for social change by fostering and cultivating projects that connect the community with musicians and artists. Art has no boundaries and should be accessible to everyone!

What causes are you most passionate about?

Intersectional Feminism / Black Lives Matter/ queer rights/ transformative justice/ abolishing capitalism/ education & art

If you really knew me you would know…

My favorite hobbies include: painting, rock n roll, laughing, and pizza.

Favorite pie?

PECAN!

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Working on a local fair housing campaign was a powerful experience of seeing people embrace their power and fight for the common good.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Social Justice causes that empower people to use their voice, making the world a better place.

If you really knew me you would know…

I take circus classes!

Favorite pie?

Blueberry

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Being on the board of two nonprofit organizations in Chicago: The Neofuturists and VGA Gallery.  I love supporting nonprofits with inspiring missions and people.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Arts, Education, Poverty Alleviation, Social Justice, Children

If you really knew me you would know…

I’ve had my artwork in two exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

Favorite pie?

Apple

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Volunteering my time with Feed my Starving Children made me realize my time spent packaging food was making a difference in someone’s life.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Social Justice, LGBTQ, Intersectional Feminism, Environmentalism, Science & Tech, Art

If you really knew me you would know…

I deejay and produce music in the Chicago club scene, mostly house, techno & footwork

Favorite pie?

Hibiscus Key Lime Pie (Spinning J)

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Working with the Boston Women’s Fund, an incredible organization that provides grant funding and support to women- and girls-led community-based organizations

What causes are you most passionate about?

Social and economic justice, intersectional feminism, equal access to high quality public education, voting rights

If you really knew me you would know…

That I prefer oatmeal raisin to chocolate chip cookies

Favorite pie?

Pecan, with pumpkin receiving an honorable mention

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

My mother and I helping out at an elderly home

What causes are you most passionate about?

Tech and the Arts

If you really knew me you would know…

I watch a lot of anime and horror movies.

Favorite pie?

Pecan pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

As a volunteer in Sichuan Earthquake.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Science & Technology

If you really knew me you would know…

For the Horde!

Favorite pie?

Shepherd’s pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Serving as a Volunteer Coordinator through AmeriCorps VISTA at a residential facility for homeless veterans on Chicago’s West Side. It was a challenging and enlightening experience.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Animal Welfare, Intersectional Feminism, Economic Inequality

If you really knew me you would know…

I’m addicted to personal finance blogs/podcasts  #budgetsaremyhappyplace

Favorite pie?

EVERYTHING CHOCOLATE

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Working with the Letters to Santa program for underserved kids in the Chicago Public School system, including shopping and wrapping parties with other Neon staff.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Animal rights/LGBTQ rights/womens’ rights/prison reform and social justice

If you really knew me you would know…

…that I can’t answer a “What’s your favorite [x]” question.

Favorite pie?

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Working with FARE – Food Allergy Research and Education. I am on the Chicago Community Engagement Council and love working with local business, community centers and schools spreading awareness.

What causes are you most passionate about?

I love working with kids! I believe every child should have access to great schools/teachers and be excited about learning new things.

If you really knew me you would know…

how much I love food!

Favorite pie?

Chocolate Cream Pie!

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Working in LGBT healthcare and helping to organize the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. Seeing everyone around me celebrating life and knowing I helped facilitate it was magical.

What causes are you most passionate about?

LGBT and women’s healthcare, racial justice, environmental justice and animal welfare.

If you really knew me you would know…

I love boxing and martial arts, and I have won several championships.

Favorite pie?

Anything lemon or chocolate

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

When I was Service and Philanthropy Director of my sorority in college, I raised a record breaking $47,000 for CASA of Cook County, a user of NeonCRM!

What causes are you most passionate about?

Environmental Preservation, Food Insecurity & Food Waste, Comprehensive Sex Education

If you really knew me you would know…

My father is the Steve Irwin of Florida.

Favorite pie?

Keylime

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Volunteering with Spudnik Press, a printmaking community focused on sharing facilities and services to the public. Their studio is always full of passionate people, eager to teach and provide a safe place for creative freedom.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Arts, Climate Change, Conservation, Reproductive Health, Immigrants & Refugees, Racial Justice

If you really knew me you would know…

The tattoo on my arm was drawn by an inspiring art professor who passed away my last year in college.

Favorite pie?

Chocolate cream pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Serving with the Texas Conservation Corps and being deployed to facilitate volunteer relief efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters.

What causes are you most passionate about?

De-incarceration, Access to Healthcare, Disaster Relief, Environmental Conservation

If you really knew me you would know…

That I can play the didgeridoo.

Also that this is my go-to interesting fact about myself I share when asked these sorts of questions.

Favorite pie?

Lou’s

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

I managed a research lab at a private nonprofit university, where I was able to contribute to the culmination of scientific knowledge through administering experiments, collecting data, and supporting scientists in their everyday work.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Voting rights and addressing income inequality

If you really knew me you would know…

tell me to get writing

Favorite pie?

Sweet potato

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Organizing the wild & well-attended end-of-semester potluck at a literacy center- imagine a family reunion with cuisine from five continents.

What causes are you most passionate about?

poverty eradication, LGBT equality, and racial justice

If you really knew me you would know…

The latest drama from my corner of the podcast world

Favorite pie?

Polka Dot Pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Helping to recycle and refurbish computers for low-income families.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Social justice, church/state separation, technological accessibility

If you really knew me you would know…

My cat (Mr. Meowgi) is 16 lbs and basically runs my life.

Favorite pie?

Pizza Pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Working with the Kidney Cancer Association where I discovered how amazing life can be when you make a living helping other people. This experience changed the course of my life.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Child welfare, education, animal welfare, equal rights, and environmental protection.

If you really knew me you would know…

I have a very friendly Yellow Sided Green Cheeked Conure (bird) named “Smudge”.

Favorite pie?

Chocolate Pecan w/ vanilla ice cream

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Currently I serve on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Repertory Ballet. Seeing our fundraising efforts transform into a piece of art, and watching that impact our audience is always rewarding.  

What causes are you most passionate about?

Human Rights, Environmental Rights, Arts & Humanities, Historic Preservation

If you really knew me you would know…

That I’m a Chicago history & architecture nerd

Favorite pie?

Apple or Pumpkin

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Serving on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas for about 2 years.  Such a rewarding experience!

What causes are you most passionate about?

I am drawn to anything that helps kids become the best version of themselves.

If you really knew me you would know…

Hawaii is my happy place!

Favorite pie?

Key Lime Pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Working with volunteer teams providing medical care to expecting mothers in the tent city of Léogâne, Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Tough to say – I’ve been involved with gun violence prevention, international development, and addiction recovery.

If you really knew me you would know…

I have an alter ego with a doppelganger in the Netherlands.

Favorite pie?

Chicago pizza? (new to town)

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Volunteering at Youth Outreach Services and helping organize their client files and getting to hear about some of the experiences from clients.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Human Rights, Environmental Protection, Mental Health Awareness

If you really knew me you would know…

I love martial arts movies and I’m a recovered sweets addict 🙂

Favorite pie?

Banana Creme

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Helping Join the Impact organize three full charter buses to transport activists to/from DC in 2009 for the National Equality March. The turnout was breathtaking.

What causes are you most passionate about?

LGBTQ rights & equality, education, & anything else that ruins Trump’s day.

If you really knew me you would know…

That no one is safe from my practical jokes and sarcasm! 😀 Learn more here.

Favorite pie?

“The pie is a lie.”

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

While working a local animal shelter gala I  ushered in the recent rescues for an awareness presentation only to have one of them  relieve himself. (on my shoe)

What causes are you most passionate about?

Human Rights/LGBTQ Issues/ Womans Issues

Animal Welfare

Environmental

Arts/ Performing Arts

If you really knew me you would know…

I take monopoly rules very serious.

Favorite pie?

Black Bottom or Chocolate Pecan or Pumpkin or Peanut Butter or Coconut Cream or Salted Caramel (How do I pick just one?)

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience? 

Helping to build infrastructure for an organization focused on community based scholarship  and learning in the social sciences and humanities.

What causes are you most passionate about? 

The dictatorship of the proletariat.

If you really knew me you would know… 

There is no “there” there.

Favorite pie? 

𝜋

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Registering voters in Cook County Jail and helping facilitate the first ever election day in the jail with Chicago Votes.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Environment, Intersectional Feminism, Civic Engagement

If you really knew me you would know…

I’m a triplet!

Favorite pie?

Does quiche count?

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Creating a “Sibling Profile” monthly newsletter for SuperSibs! featuring the sisters/brothers of pediatric cancer patients so they would know they are important people too.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Alzheimer’s care, Alzheimer’s family survivorship, Arts & Culture in Chicago, Small Biz Development

If you really knew me you would know…

I can “Name That Tune” in 2 seconds flat. My friends have a yearly competition.

Favorite pie?

Hands down – Strawberry Rhubarb.

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Wrapping donated presents at a women’s shelter during Christmas time when I was younger was humbling and eye-opening experience that fueled my desire to help others and be grateful.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Gender Equality, Animal Welfare, Ending Homelessness

If you really knew me you would know…

I have a questionable amount of knowledge on Reese’s peanut butter cups including a ranking of seasonal shapes and chocolate to peanut butter ratios.

Favorite pie?

Chocolate Silk Pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Serving on the board of a health & wellness nonprofit in Austin, TX. It was my first board service experience, and so inspiring to make an impact with individuals in need, and also create community-wide change.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Social justice and equality, health

If you really knew me you would know…

It stresses me out to talk about myself like this 🙂

Favorite pie?

Quiche, or my mom’s apple pie!

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

What causes are you most passionate about?

If you really knew me you would know…

Favorite pie?

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Playing the flute with Sharing Notes, an organization that brings music into Chicago hospitals, and introducing kids to the instrument by letting them hold the end of the flute and move the keys while I play. Seeing their faces light up when they realize that they’re the one in control of the music is the best moment, every time!

What causes are you most passionate about? 

Homelessness services and housing, arts education and access, adult literacy and ESL

If you really knew me you would know…

I raised rabbits growing up – I had 24 of them one year and took them to the National Rabbit Convention!

Favorite pie? 

apple + cranberry

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

I run a small craft company called Rhymes with Twee in my spare time and donate half of the purchase price of my Chari-Twee line to favorite charities. While selling my wares at a craft fair, two women from Girl Forward introduced themselves and said they knew me because of this. Warm fuzzies ensued.

What causes are you most passionate about? 

Civil rights and social justice, animal rights, saving the environment, intersectional feminism, LGBTQ+

If you really knew me you would know…

I love wordplay and puns.

Favorite pie? 

Any pie made by Pie, Pie My Darling!

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

My first job out of college was for a social service organization. It was inspiring to work alongside people who had disabilities

What causes are you most passionate about?

Human Rights, Social Justice, LGBTQQ.

If you really knew me you would know…

I like to treasure hunt in alleys.

Favorite pie?

I’d rather have ice cream.

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Teaching “Cup of Tea” classes at CASL in Chicago’s Chinatown. Most students are elderly but maintain an attitude of self-improvement.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Fine Arts Organizations, Literary Organizations, International Trade.

If you really knew me you would know…

I can sing most of Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life”

Favorite pie?

Pecan, light on brown sugar

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Watching my oldest daughter receive National Youth Philanthropist of the year award for NW Arkansas her freshman year of college.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Children, faith-based

If you really knew me you would know…

I think I’m as tall as everyone else

Favorite pie?

stovetop cobbler

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Working with a refugee family from Burma who recently relocated to Rogers Park in North Chicago and helping them adapt to their new life.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Animal Welfare, Environment, Human Rights

If you really knew me you would know…

I have over 1,000 pictures of my cats on my phone.

Favorite pie?

Good Cherry Pie.

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

I was running a mentor program at a tech high school and we have a board game/olympic style event with the students.  It was amazing to see the kind of deep connections we were forming with each other.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Working with young people to help them make their dreams happen.

If you really knew me you would know…

I am constantly on the lookout for an opportunity to be silly.

Favorite pie?

Pecan all the way!

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

I had a blast on the team at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago planning and executing the David Bowie Is show!

What causes are you most passionate about?

Arts Advocacy, Social Justice – particularly Feminism, Education

If you really knew me you would know…
I enjoy the finer things in life – especially when it comes to food, interior design and traveling.

Favorite pie?

Impossible question, but I’ll go with Key Lime!

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Helping with the rebranding of a nonprofit

What causes are you most passionate about?

Equal Rights, Education in poor communities

If you really knew me you would know…

I produced a song for one of kanye wests artist for the  madden 2019 soundtrack

Favorite pie?

Pumpkin Pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

I helped organize a food drive dedicated to collecting non-perishable food items from college students moving out of student housing. We collected 35+ bins of food!

What causes are you most passionate about?

Media literacy, women’s equality (in the US and beyond) and prison reform.

If you really knew me you would know…
I have a go-to karaoke song for every mood.

Favorite pie?

Key Lime!

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Implementing a custom database for a local nonprofit. This involved interviewing the employees and creating something unique for their organization that made everyone’s job easier.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Community organizations, civil liberties and mental health.

If you really knew me you would know…

I love learning about all the different organizations I get to work with and understanding how they make an impact.

Favorite pie?

Bumbleberry

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

In college I participated in an alternative spring break trip with Habitat for Humanity building  and repairing homes in Jupiter, Florida.

What causes are you most passionate about? 

Public education and voting rights in America, environment world-wide (especially the ocean!)

If you really knew me you would know… 

I’m always down for a good laugh

Favorite pie?

Anything with berries

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

In college I helped plan service learning trips to New Orleans, LA and Biloxi, MS years after Hurricane Katrina.  Even 4-5 years after the storm it was eye-opening to see the work nonprofits were still doing to rebuild.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Advocacy and Human Rights/LGBTQ Issues

Animal Welfare

Environmental

If you really knew me you would know…

I am a huge sports fan… GO BLUE!

Favorite pie?

Apple Pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Teaching an English Lit class the day after the 2016 election.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Education; Economic Justice; Sustainability; Immigration Reform.

If you really knew me you would know…

I have a lifelong love of hip-hop and comic books.

Favorite pie?

Pecan for life.

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Standing and dancing for 36 hours at Indiana University’s Dance Marathon to raise funds and awareness for Riley Hospital for Children in Indy and honor the brave Riley kids. The whole campus truly came together–our legs hurt but our hearts were full!

What causes are you most passionate about?

Accessible & affordable healthcare; feminism; arts & culture

If you really knew me you would know…

Dresses seem to make up 90% of my wardrobe.

Favorite pie?

Warm apple pie with ice cream

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Revitalizing a school during the summer and being able to return and see all the children enjoying the updates when the new year started.

What causes are you most passionate about? 

Education, Environment, and Animal Welfare  

If you really knew me you would know… 

I was not named, Thaddeus, after nor am I currently a Gladiator.

Favorite pie? 

Disliked it until recently….Pumpkin

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Organizing a last minute rescue of 24 cats and working until midnight checking-in, treating, and naming them. Best names: Crispy Wonton and Moshpit

What causes are you most passionate about?

Animal welfare, social justice, veganism, environmental protection + preservation, sustainable living, prison reform, arts advocacy

If you really knew me you would know…

I still think about that time I got to feed a giraffe

Favorite pie?

All the pie.

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

I put myself through the same experience as the day laborers I was writing grants to support, heading off at 4am to southside Chicago to try to get work. Opened my eyes to the systemic need for change in our society.

What causes are you most passionate about?

Creating meaningful and systemic changes in our communities to address racism, classism, sexism, and other forms of oppression.

If you really knew me you would know…

I can pair any meal with the perfect craft beer. Then turn it into a fundraiser.

Favorite pie?

Pumpkin pie

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience? 

Fundraising on behalf of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation while training and participating in the 2017 Illinois Marathon.

What causes are you most passionate about? 

Cancer research, mental illness & disability, Special Olympics, education

If you really knew me you would know… 

I’ve probably watched The Office series all the way through more times than anyone else you know.

Favorite pie? 

Apple topped with vanilla ice cream

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience?

Managing a statewide volunteer program called RiverWatch and wading through a lot of streams to collect water quality data

What causes are you most passionate about?

children, environment

Favorite pie?

pumpkin

What is your most memorable nonprofit experience? 

When you work with kids and teens long enough, you inevitably run into one of them randomly on the street who is all of a sudden an fully-functioning, awesome adult! It’s such a great feeling.

What causes are you most passionate about? 

Youth Development and Criminal Justice Reform

If you really knew me you would know…

…that I’m pretty much always ready for a nap.

Favorite pie? 

Sweet Potato FTW!