2024 CELEBRATION AWARD FINALISTS
In May, individuals and organizations were nominated for consideration by peers, colleagues, or self-nomination through an online application process. A special Awards Committee of the YNPN Chicago Executive Board blind-reviewed applications and selected the finalists below based on a scoring rubric measuring accomplishments, collaboration, community impact, uniqueness of contributions, and other qualities.
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Below are the nominees for the categories: Supervisor of the Year, Associate Board of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, and Nonprofit of the Year. Cast your votes from now until Wednesday, June 5.
SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR
A good supervisor is crucial to supporting young nonprofit professionals in navigating career challenges and inspiring and sustaining dedication to the sector. YNPN Chicago’s Supervisor of the Year Award recognizes someone who provides exemplary mentorship to emerging nonprofit leaders in Chicago through active personal and professional development. We seek to recognize an individual who exceeds the expectations of their professional and/or volunteer role(s) in the sector.
Kailey Mullins
Program Director, Thresholds
​"Kailey has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a deep commitment to both her team and the organization's mission. Kailey goes above and beyond in supporting her staff's professional growth and development. She actively seeks out opportunities for training, mentorship, and skill-building to ensure that her team members thrive in their roles and contribute meaningfully to the organization. Kailey has shepherded many of her employees toward promotions/upward mobility/leadership opportunities within the organization. As a seasoned clinical social worker, Kailey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her clinical skills are not only evident in her direct work with clients but also in her ability to guide and mentor her team in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. Kailey is a champion of evidence-based practices and is dedicated to ensuring that her team stays updated with the best practices in the field. She not only teaches these practices but also empowers her staff to implement them effectively, resulting in improved outcomes for clients. One of Kailey's greatest strengths is her ability to build strong rapport and trust with clients. Her genuine empathy, active listening skills, and client-centered approach create a supportive and therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, understood, and valued. Kailey goes the extra mile to foster a positive and supportive work environment for her team. She values open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect, creating a culture where team members feel empowered, motivated, and appreciated.”
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ASSOCIATE BOARD OF THE YEAR
Associate Boards (a.k.a. Junior Boards, Auxiliary Boards) are an essential link between the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, broadening support for nonprofit organizations, and developing a leadership pipeline for nonprofit governing boards. YNPN Chicago’s Associate Board of the Year Award will recognize an outstanding non-governing board that serves as an asset to the nonprofit community by allowing individuals from across professional sectors to unite in support of a nonprofit organization and the nonprofit community. This award will honor an Associate Board demonstrating innovation and maximizing collaboration to achieve measurable annual goals.
Hope Chicago’s Young Professionals Board
“The inaugural board raised over $182k in 2023 and collectively volunteered 230+ hours with the organization. There was 80% attendance at quarterly meetings and more than 90% of the board volunteered for Hope Chicago' largest and longest event , Goal Getters Conference for scholars.”
YOUNG NONPROFIT PROFESSIONAL
OF THE YEAR
YNPN Chicago’s annual Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award recognizes a young professional who has made an outstanding contribution to the Chicago nonprofit sector through exemplary leadership at their organization and/or through volunteer involvement in the Chicago community. We seek to recognize an individual who exceeds the expectations of their professional and/or volunteer role(s) in the sector.
KayLynn Harris
Manager of Community Impact, United Way Metro Chicago
“Kaylynn Harris is a proud South Chicago native. For the last 5 years, she has immersed herself in supporting local Chicago communities through professional, philanthropic, and civic engagement. As co-chair of the Young Women’s Giving Council of CFW, she has led fundraising events that have increased the council's ability to grant funds to local Women-led nonprofits in the Chicago community. Serving as an executive council member of Young Leaders United, KayLynn has been a fierce advocate for bringing more young Chicago professionals into the philanthropic space to help build a more equitable Chicago region. In her early career, at Feeding America, KayLynn chaired the Black Employees of Feeding America Employee Resource group and helped inform racial equity initiatives at one of the largest nonprofits in the U.S. In her current role as Manager of Community Impact at United Way Metro Chicago, she works diligently to lead programs providing support to local Grassroot BIPOC-led nonprofits with budgets under $1 million operating on Chicago’s South, West and South Suburban communities (United Neighborhoods Equity Fund). Kaylynn also administers a federal grant program providing critical funding to direct service nonprofits operating emergency food and shelter programs across Chicago, Suburban Cook County, and DuPage County (Emergency Food and Shelter Program).
While most people find working with government funding tedious and intimidating, KayLynn loves being able to assist organizations that are doing meaningful and much-needed work navigate bureaucratic hurdles with ease. When she is not working or volunteering, you can find Kaylynn studying as she is a Master’s of Public Administration candidate at UIC. Kaylynn never shies away from an opportunity to make a process easier, more inclusive, and collaborative. From advocating for lower barrier grant reporting and funding opportunities for community-based organizations, to encouraging any and everybody she comes across to volunteer or join a board that sparks their personal passion, or rolling up her sleeves and lending a helping hand whenever anyone asks. She leads best not by being in front or behind folks but right by their side. To KayLynn, her work and board commitments are more than just a job. As a young Black woman, first-gen graduate from the South Chicago community her success is a statistical anomaly. KayLynn has dedicated herself to ensuring stories like hers are not a result of luck that are few and far between. It is an honor for her to serve in these capacities as they help make ALL CHICAGO COMMUNITIES places where people can thrive.”
NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Chicago is home to hundreds of nonprofit organizations. The diversity of their missions and programs allows them to address some of society’s greatest needs. They serve as leaders in the community, and, with few resources, work to make the world a better place. This award will honor a nonprofit organization that exemplifies leadership in the sector and provides support for the young professionals it employs.
The Alliance 98
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“For the last 6 years The Alliance 98 or TA98 has invested in the development of young adults ages 16-24 in Chicago's West Sider focused within the South Lawndale and Little Village communities. TA98 has served over 500 youth providing them with digital media training giving young adults a career pathway. TA98 has also provided professional clothing to their youth to support them in pursuing job interviews and engaging in professional development opportunities. They recently expanded to a new open studio space where young adults have a safe space to explore creative arts, receive culturally relevant education and workshops, and form relationships with their community. Their Suit Up For A Cause program provides young adults with career coaching, resume support, and networking with Chicago-based employers.TA98's Moment Media Project gives youth an opportunity to participate in a paid 6-week summer internship centered on content creation.
TA98 is dedicated to providing young adults on Chicago's westside a safe space to express themselves creatively, gain essential business and entrepreneurial skills, as well as access education and professional development resources to provide an opportunity towards a stable future. TA98 achieves its mission of tackling the unemployment rates for young adults 16-24 by providing meaningful career opportunities with a dedicated staff of 12, majority of whom are local Chicago young professionals with ties to Chicago's west and south side communities.”