Mission Matters

Rebecca Malotke-Meslin is the Owner and Coach at Pleasantly Aggressive, an organization offering leadership consulting for women in schools and nonprofits by fostering inclusivity. As a leader in independent schools, Rebecca saw smart, capable women doubting themselves, getting frustrated, and burning out before reaching their personal and professional goals. She identified rampant imposter syndro...

Bob Kopach is the Founder and Executive Director of The Eco-Friendly Mobile Farm Stand Project, a nonprofit on a mission to set up and provide gas-free and emissions-free transportation to organizations that reach out to underserved communities. Bob has dedicated his career to making a positive impact for over thirty years. As a senior executive for various global companies, he spearheaded innovat...

Dylan Ladd is a school leader, music educator and the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts. With experience in teaching grades 6-12 and leading an arts magnet program in an urban school district, he has developed skills in educational leadership and arts curriculum and instruction. Dylan is currently pioneering a new independent arts school for grades 6-12 in...

Janell Robinson is the Executive Director at Hope's Front Door, a mission-focused organization providing resources like food, medication, and educational programs in DuPage County. With over 18 years of experience in human services and management in the nonprofit space, her expertise lies in fundraising and advocating for civic engagement. Through volunteer work and community outreach on boards li...

Joel Friend is the Director of Corporate Giving and Sponsorships at Paramount Theatre in Aurora. Passionate about fostering relationships between the business and arts communities, his commitment to philanthropy supports the Paramount Theatre, RiverEdge Park, the Copley Theater, and the newly opening Stolp Island Theater. Joel's background in performing arts management is rooted in his lifelong in...

Andrea Ingram is the President and CEO of DuPage Children's Museum, where she has led transformational change culminating in evidence-based impact. As a visionary, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven leader, she champions diversity, equity, and collaboration. Andrea is also an experienced lawyer, public policy advocate, social service agency executive, and cultural institution thought leader.  In...

Nicki Anderson is an entrepreneur, author, and the former Founder and Director of Benedictine University's undergraduate women's leadership program. With over 25 years of business experience, she is a seasoned strategist and visionary leader focused on driving results through innovative approaches and dynamic leadership. Nicki has mentored and coached students, business leaders, and organizations...

Chase Harmer is the Founder of Wishes Inc, a platform designed to make charitable giving instant, tax-deductible, and transparent. As an accomplished entrepreneur, he built and sold a $40 million business at the age of 32. A veteran in the payments industry, Chase has a track record of scaling startups and creating innovative technological solutions. In this episode… American grocery store chains...

Shelley Taylor is the Executive Director of the Center for Educational Change (CEC), which works with school districts across the US to implement measurable social change. In her role, she manages programs, partnerships, and content for teacher evaluations, mentoring, and leadership and inclusion practices. As a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), instructional coach, union president, and dis...

Dorri McWhorter is the President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, an organization that is inspiring change with the power of play. Dorri is known for her innovative leadership and commitment to social impact. With a background in both corporate and social change sectors, she brings a unique blend of experience to her role. Recognized as a 2019 inductee into the Chicago Innovation Hall...

Clara Lucia Jaramillo-Carrier, Brand Strategist at Paul Gregory Media, is an expert in transformational leadership and coaching with more than 40,000 hours of studying and training to her credit. She helps people, businesses, and organizations find success by activating their purpose. Over the past decade, she has used relentless mental fitness and emotional intelligence to help Fortune 500 compan...

Tara Beth Leach is the Senior Pastor at Good Shepherd Church in Naperville and dedicated to spreading the message of love and grace. With a rich background in ministry, she's served in various leadership roles, including Youth Minister at Good Shepherd Church and Pastor of Servant Ministry & Missional Life at Christ Church of Oak Brook. Previously, Tara Beth served as the Senior Pastor at First Ch...

Marcela Sweeney is the Executive Director of Educare West DuPage, a leading early-learning institution in West Chicago. Joining Educare in May 2012, she swiftly rose from Master Teacher to School Director, eventually assuming her current role in May 2020. In her capacity, Marcela oversees the education of 182 children aged five and below and supports 10 pregnant women and their families across two...

Megan Pennington is the Advocate Supervisor at CASA of River Valley, a nonprofit volunteer organization advocating for the best interests of children involved in abuse and neglect cases within the Will and Grundy County court system. With a deep commitment to protecting vulnerable children, Megan has been an integral part of the CASA team for six years, having initially volunteered for a year befo...

Amy Van Polen is the CEO of Bridge Communities, a nonprofit organization helping homeless families. She oversees an eight-person executive leadership team that consists of fund development, community engagement, finance, program, and evaluation directors. Leveraging 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and management, Amy spearheads the NPO's fund development and engagement team in raisi...

Nancy Wiersum is the Executive Vice President of Advancement for Loaves & Fishes Community Services, an anti-poverty, hunger relief agency providing food and leadership to the Naperville and DuPage areas. With a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, she has held executive positions at renowned organizations such as the Robert Crown Center for Health Education and 360 Youth Services. Nancy...

Mike Briggs is the President and CEO of Little Friends, a nonprofit agency supporting the needs of individuals and families dealing with developmental disabilities and autism. With over 35 years of experience leading private and nonprofit organizations as President, CEO, and COO, Mike has a proven track record of success. His expertise spans various sectors, including manufacturing, where he overs...

Bob and Judy Jung are the Founders and Co-owners of Jung Family Painting, a family-operated painting and decorating business offering paint products, doors, fences, crews, and more. Specializing in interior and exterior painting for residential and commercial properties, they extend their expertise to staining decks, doors, fences, and more. Commemorating two decades of service, Jung Family Painti...

Ashley Abraham is the Executive Director at Ride Assist Naperville, which provides seniors with affordable and dependable transportation to and from medical appointments. She joined RAN in 2021 and leverages her extensive background in working with nonprofit organizations. Over the past decade, Ashley has accumulated experience collaborating with small and nonprofit businesses. Beyond her professi...

Geri Kerger is the Executive Director of NAMI DuPage, a national organization providing support, advocacy, and education for people with mental illness and their families. As a dedicated nonprofit executive, she brings a wealth of experience in program management and administration to her role. Geri excels in resource development for nonprofits, employing strategic and innovative methods to commun...

Michael Sitrick is the President and CEO of the DuPage Foundation, a charitable organization established to improve the quality of health, education, and human services in DuPage County. In his roles, Michael spearheads efforts to expand the organization's capacity and influence. Additionally, he helps shape the foundation's strategic vision by forging community partnerships and assisting individu...

Mark Buschbacher is the President and CEO of Serenity House Counseling Services, a substance abuse and community-centric support system helping addicts develop innovative processes to approach life to gain freedom for a fresh start. At Serenity House, Mark leverages his background in operational efficiency, talent acquisition, and performance management to achieve the organization's goals and obje...

Joan Wincentsen is the Executive Director of the American Hearing Research Foundation, a 67-year-old nonprofit funding hearing loss, balance disorders, and cause prevention research. Joan possesses over 20 years of nonprofit experience, including association management, where she's honed her skills in fundraising, budget management, program development, and marketing. Before joining AHRF, Joan was...

Rick Lochner is the President and CEO of RPC Leadership Associates, a leadership and business consultancy that helps develop entrepreneurs, executives, nonprofit board members, and professionals. He honed his skills while serving 11 years in the military, leading soldiers in challenging environments worldwide. Upon leaving the Army, Rick spent the next 18 years in corporate leadership, ranging fro...

Suzanne Kinsey is the Executive Director of Fox Valley Community Services, an organization assisting seniors with homemaker services, adult day care, transportation, home delivery meals, and more. She brings 30 years of healthcare experience to FVCS, including leadership roles in various nonprofit organizations, such as Regional Vice President at Help at Home and Assisted Living Director at The Ho...