YNPN CHICAGO EXECUTIVE BOARD
The YNPN Chicago Executive Board is an all-volunteer working and governing board consisting of young nonprofit professionals.
EXECUTIVE CHAIR
MAYA MEADE (SHE/HER)
Program Manager | World Business Chicago
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.
VICE CHAIR
LARA DIAZ (SHE/HER)
Associate, Corporate & Foundation Relations Grants Management | The Barack Obama Foundation
Lara Diaz (she/her), a Southeast Side of Chicago native, is a nonprofit professional passionate about social justice and racial equity. She currently serves as an Associate, Corporate & Foundation Relations Grants Management at The Barack Obama Foundation, working closely with The Foundation’s institutional partners.
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Prior to this role, Lara served as a Development Coordinator at WTTW|WFMT and interned at Lyric Opera of Chicago (Planned Giving and Principal Gifts) and After School Matters (Corporate Engagement). Lara is proficient in leading communication strategies and copyediting, having held roles in leadership, student engagement, and peer tutoring at DePaul University’s Writing Center for nearly four years, as well as with experience attained through her B.A. in Journalism and M.A. in Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse, with a focus on Professional and Digital Writing.
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Lara is also involved with DePaul University’s College of Communication Young Professionals Advisory Board as Vice Chair of the Morning Missive, the College of Communication’s key outreach tool to connect students with relevant advice from working professionals.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
VANESSA RUIZ (SHE/HER)
Operations Manager | The Families & Workers Fund
Vanessa Ruiz (she/her) 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.
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Her experience led Vanessa to shift into the HR/Operations space at Accelerate Change, a startup incubator for digital media ventures, where she led and supported the HR and people function of the organization before shifting to Fractional HR Manager role for a consulting business, Atomus Partners. Vanessa currently serves as the Operations Manager at The Families & Workers Fund, a national philanthropic collaborative, where she oversees core systems for the overall organizational operations with a focus on grantee relationships and coordination; budgets, contracts and payment administration; and project and event management. 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.
FINANCE
NATALIE CHEVALIER (SHE/HER)
Finance Manager | Latinos for Education
Natalie Chevalier (she/her) is originally from North Carolina, and moved to Chicago in Fall 2023. A lifelong social sciences nerd, she was introduced to the nonprofit sector in college via the medical anthropology and aid work of Dr. Paul Farmer, which culminated in earning an MPA focusing in Nonprofit Administration from Western Carolina University in 2016. Natalie has worked with organizations advancing a variety of missions such as racial healing, green collar job training, international education, community volunteerism, and healing through the arts. Across these causes, she developed a passion for strengthening operations, finance/dev ops, and HR/people ops to support organizational growth and success.
Natalie is a voracious reader, perpetual crafter, and proud animal mom.
EVAN LEMKER (HE/HIM)
Business Development Analyst | Principal Financial Group
Evan is originally from Des Moines, Iowa and a graduate of the University of Iowa. He currently serves as a Business Development Analyst at Principal Financial Group, which provides employee benefits and investment management services to nonprofits and corporations. He works closely with client-facing teams to help nonprofits manage their defined benefit pension plans and foundation and endowment investments. Evan enjoys the opportunity to support organizations behind the scenes so that they can stay focused on pursuing their mission, and he's excited to bring that perspective to YNPN Chicago and get more involved with the local nonprofit community.
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Since moving to Chicago, Evan has loved exploring the city, and frequently visits the Riverfront Trail and Lincoln Park. He lives in the city with his fiancée, and the two of them spend many weekends discovering new restaurants and coffee shops around town.
ANGELA ROMERA (SHE/HER)
Program Coordinator | 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.
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!
DEVELOPMENT
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MONIQUE LODGE (SHE/HER)
Director | Program Impact
Monique Lodge (she/her) is a seasoned leader in youth development, nonprofit strategy, and educational equity. She has always believed in the power of opportunity—especially when it’s extended to those who need it most.
Monique currently serves as Director of Program Impact at North Chicago Community Partners and leverages resources from within and around the neighborhood to support the success of students and their families. Monique’s work is hands-on, heart-led, and deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe.
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Recently relocated to Illinois with her husband Alex, Monique is eager to explore all that Chicago has to offer. Currently, Monique volunteers with United Way and is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
GRACE HARTWIG (SHE/HER)
Volunteer | CASA for Kids Inc.
Grace Hartwig (she/her) just moved to Chicago in June of 2025 after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with her Masters of Public Administration. Grace is originally from Washington state and got her bachelor of science in Criminology with a minor in sociology.
While she is still working on finding work in the nonprofit space, Grace has been volunteering for CASA for Kids Inc. for the last three years. During her time volunteering she has worked to redesign the organizations development marketing, tabled for events to spread awareness, and assisted with their annual gala. Grace is passionate about giving back to those in her community and making a positive impact.
Grace is excited to explore all aspects of the city and get integrated into the nonprofit community! In her spare time she loves photography, crafting, and baking.
COMMUNICATIONS
FABIOLA AVILA (SHE/HER)
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.
KIMBERLY LOPEZ (SHE/HER)
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.
MEMBERSHIP
ALLISON QUISENBERRY (SHE/HER)
Manager of Annual Giving | Communities In Schools of Chicago
Allison Quisenberry (she/her), a Texas native and Chicagoland transplant, is a young nonprofit professional whose work is predominantly in development. She currently serves as the Manager of Annual Giving for Communities In Schools of Chicago, whose mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
With a passion for education and continuous learning, Allison obtained her Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from the University of North Texas (Go Mean Green). She holds certificates in Human Resources and Fundraising from the Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM) Dallas, as well as a Volunteer and Community Resources Certificate from UNT. She currently serves on the advisory council for the UNT Nonprofit Leadership Studies degree program and she hopes to serve in a variety of volunteer roles in the Chicago area. Her dream is to one day return to school for a PhD and become a nonprofit/community space executive director.
In her freetime, Allison loves exploring the city and shopping at local businesses. She is the proud aunt to Charlee, Chandler, and Claire, and considers herself a serious cat mom to Oatmeal and Raisin.
MACHEAUX RAMSON (SHE/HER)
Individual Giving Coordinator | The Night Ministry
MaCheaux Ransom (she/her) is a dedicated software engineer turned community-centered nonprofit professional whose work focuses on the elimination of housing insecurity and poverty for vulnerable individuals. She currently serves as the Individual Giving Coordinator for The Night Ministry, an organization whose mission is to provide human connection, housing support, and free healthcare to Chicagoans who need it.
She is originally from Upstate New York and moved to Chicago in 2015 to attend the University of Chicago. There, she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in both Philosophy and Astrophysics.
With an analytical and data driven background, MaCheaux is keen to utilize her diverse skillset to support her community and bolster YNPN Chicago's mission.
PROGRAMMING
ABBY GREANEY (SHE/HER)
Social Services Program Manager | Common Pantry
Abby Greaney (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker and the Social Services Program Manager at Common Pantry. She has over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector in Chicago, where she has focused on issues involving food insecurity, mental health care, housing, and poverty alleviation. Abby holds degrees from Valparaiso University and the University of Chicago and is a two time AmeriCorps Alum.
She enjoys giving back to the community through her involvement in Chicago Foundation for Women’s Young Women’s Giving Council and as a member of Community Counseling Centers of Chicago’s Associate Board.
In her free time, you can find Abby working on learning Spanish, reading historical fiction, listening to music in all forms, and enjoying the wonderful food that Chicago has to offer.
NIA OKE-FAMAKINDE (SHE/HER)
Programs and Outreach Coordinator | South Asia Institute
Nia Oke-Famakinde (she/her) is a nonprofit professional with experience supporting arts, culture, and community initiatives. Born in Illinois and raised in the South suburbs, Nia is passionate about contributing to Chicago’s diverse nonprofit sector.
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She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art Management, with a concentration in Visual Arts, from Columbia College Chicago. Since then, she has supported local organizations such as the Polish Museum of America, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the South Asia Institute, gaining experience in museum operations and community engagement.
Outside of her professional work, Nia enjoys reading and exploring Chicago’s art scene. She is excited to contribute to and strengthen Chicago’s nonprofit community through her work with YNPN.
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
JAIME SHARP (SHE/THEY)
Senior Program Manager | Grantmakers in the Arts
Jaime Sharp (she/any) is a Black, queer cultural ambassador who works at the intersection of art, equity, and philanthropy, advancing just wealth redistribution and cultivating intergenerational connections to drive systemic change. She held an international career as a performing artist before transitioning to arts administration, now focusing on organizing institutional donors and strengthening philanthropic support for the cultural sector with Grantmakers in the Arts. She is passionate about fostering systemic change and intergenerational connections to empower communities through the arts.
An active member of the community, Jaime serves on associate boards and steering committees for Funders for LGBTQ Issues, Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. She has also participated in over a dozen professional development and leadership programs nationwide, including the Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy (UPenn) and Arts and Cultural Organization Management (A.R.T. at Harvard). Jaime holds an MBA, MA in Arts Administration, and MM in Vocal Performance. Based in Chicago by way of the South, Jaime shares her vibrant life with two cats, better known as "the girls." A self-proclaimed Lego enthusiast, certified SCUBA diver, foodie, and lover of all things creative, Jaime infuses her work with the same curiosity and joy that define her personal passions.
Visual Description: Jaime is a light-skinned Black woman in her 20s with brown eyes and shoulder-length and dark curly hair. She has freckles on her nose and a gold nose ring and septum ring.
KETAURAH JAMES (SHE/HER)
Program Manager | Chicago Botanic Garden
Ketaurah James (she/her) is a Chicago nonprofit leader with more than eight years of experience leading community-centered programs focused on food access, health, and equity. She currently serves as a Program Manager at Chicago Botanic Garden, where she leads a produce prescription program (VeggieRx) connecting families with fresh produce, nutrition education, and community resources.
Born and raised in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood, Ketaurah is deeply committed to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people to thrive. She is passionate about program development, partnership building, and creating meaningful pathways for emerging nonprofit professionals.
As a graduate of YNPN Chicago’s Leadership Institute, she is excited to give back to the program that supported her own professional growth. In her role with YNPN Chicago, Ketaurah hopes to help create an inclusive and supportive space where nonprofit professionals can build skills, relationships, and confidence to lead.