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)
CHAIR
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.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
VANESSA RUIZ (SHE/HER)
Fractional HR Manager | Atomus Partners
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.
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.
FINANCE
ANGELA ROMERO (SHE/HER)
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!
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.
DEVELOPMENT
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MONIQUE LODGE (SHE/HER)
Caregiver
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.
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With over a decade of experience, she has transformed scholarship and precollege programming at the Wisconsin School of Business, expanding access and impact for underrepresented students. As Community Outreach Director at Wisconsin Youth Company, she secured vital funding, launched a food pantry, organized community events that fed hundreds of families. Her 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.
EMORY WILLIAMSON (HE/HIM)
Senior Coordinator- Philanthropy | City of Hope
Emory Williamson (he/him) is a senior coordinator of philanthropy at City of Hope, a nonprofit hospital with more than 15,000 employees throughout Arizona, California, Georgia, and Illinois. He works to support the fundraising efforts for the philanthropic team specifically in Chicago and Atlanta in order to find cures for cancer and other diseases. 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 spends his free time reading, visiting museums, doing improv, and hanging out with his cat, Floyd.
COMMUNICATIONS
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.
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.
Lara is involved in various Boards and Committees across Chicago, including: DePaul University’s College of Communication Young Professionals Advisory Board, and Chicago Latines in Philanthropy’s Fundraising and Membership Committee.
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.
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
JAIME SHARP (SHE/THEY)
Senior Program Manager | Grantmakers in the Arts
Jaime Sharp (she/they) is a cultural ambassador merging the intersections of art, equity, and philanthropy. She held an international career as a performing artist before transitioning to arts administration, now focusing on anti-racist and accessible funding in their current role with Grantmakers in the Arts, the national association of arts funders. She is passionate about fostering systemic change and intergenerational connections to empower communities through arts and culture.
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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, Chicago Foundation for Women, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. 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. 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 their personal passions.
JANEA' RILEY (SHE/HER)
Director of Pre-Apprenticeship Programs | Revolution Workshop
Janea’ is a dedicated community development professional with a Master’s degree in Psychology, and a concentration in Community Development. Her academic journey deepened her understanding of the systemic challenges faced by minority communities and equipped her with the tools to support meaningful, community-led change.
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She is currently the Director of Pre-Apprenticeship Programs at Revolution Workshop, where for the past three years she has been able to help minorities in the West and Southside communities. Her work has centered on uplifting marginalized voices and creating spaces where underrepresented communities can thrive. Whether it’s through facilitating workshops, mentoring youth, or helping develop community-led initiatives, she’s passionate about equity, empowerment, and building strong, resilient networks of support.
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Janea’ believes that real change happens when communities are heard, valued, and given the tools to lead their own development—and she’s proud to be part of that work every day.
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.
VICTOR RIBADENEYRA (HE/HIM)
PMP and CAPM Instructor | PPM University
Victor Ribadeneyra, PMP, CSM (he/him) is a nonprofit projects and programs specialist with 10 years of experience in education and arts nonprofit management. Victor currently works as a PMP and CAPM Instructor at PPM University, where he leads Project Management Institute certification classes for professionals pursuing Project Management Professional, PMP and Certified Associate in Project Management, CAPM certifications. Victor has led successful programs and projects with organizations including the Music Institute of Chicago, Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, Ravinia Festival, 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.
Victor also has a side career as a professional jazz and classical trombonist, performing with groups in Chicagoland including the Chicago Brass Band. Victor leads studios of trombone and euphonium students at Evanston Township High School and New Trier High School.
Victor graduated from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with a Bachelor of Music Education and minor in Jazz Studies.
MEMBERSHIP
SKYE KINLAW (SHE/HER)
Content Management Specialist and Communications Writer | ArtEZ University of the Arts
Skye Kinlaw (she/her) joined YNPN as Membership Lead in 2025. After almost 8 years living abroad, she is happy to call Chicago home as of 2025. Skye is passionate about sustainability education and implementation in all its forms as well as cultivating nonprofit and community partnerships. A former professional violinist, she pivoted to communications in 2022, started a writing business and has held roles in project leadership, student engagement and educational coordination. She is a keen believer in the transformative power of small, consistent progress and bringing people together.
Skye holds a Bachelor of Music and Performer Diploma in Violin from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, as well as a Master of Music and Certificate of Curatorial Practices from ArtEZ University of the Arts in the Netherlands.
SHELEA PRIDE (SHE/HER)
Associate Director for Client Success | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners
Shelea Pride (she/her) is a dynamic association professional with over 15 years of experience, specializing in client success, membership growth, retention, and customer service strategies. She brings creativity and strategic thinking to her work, driving initiatives that enhance experiences and foster long-lasting relationships.
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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 expanding her expertise in project management, pursuing PMP certification to further fuel her passion for leading successful, innovative projects that make a lasting impact.
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When she’s not collaborating on client success initiatives or fine-tuning her project management skills, you’ll find her enjoying family time, traveling to new places, and soaking up live music.