The Hope Chicago Team

Chief Executive Officer

Prior to Hope: Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Public Schools

Education: EdD & MEd, University of Illinois Chicago, MEd & BA, Chicago State University, CPS Alumn

How did Dr. Jackson pay for her higher education?

When I started in higher ed, Pell and MAP grants were enough to cover in-state tuition. I also received an Illinois Minority Teachers Scholarship, which helped with living expenses. If I had to do it all over again today, those same supports wouldn’t even cover half the annual costs of higher education in 2022.

Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Prior to Hope: Chief Talent Officer, Chicago Public Schools

Education: MA, Brown University, BA, University of Rochester

What drove Matt to work at Hope Chicago?

It's impossible to overstate the importance of education in my own life. Working every day to provide real opportunities to succeed for thousands of Chicago's students and families is the highest calling I can imagine.

Chief Program Officer

Prior to Hope: Senior Project Manager, K-12 Scholarships, Chicago Public Schools

Education: MA, Concordia University Chicago, BA, Howard University, CPS Alumn

What was Michele’s first declared major in college?

Marketing.

Chief Impact Officer

Prior to Hope: Principal, C Squared Management and Consulting, Director of Special Projects, City of Chicago Office of the Mayor

Education: MPA, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, BS, University of Tennessee, Executive Leadership Fellow, Northwestern University-Kellogg School of Management,

What was Cameron’s first declared major in college?

Sports Management

Chief Development Officer

Prior to Hope: Chicago Botanic Garden, WBEZ, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Education: BA, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

How did I pay for college:

Loans, parents, jobs including waitressing, bartending, babysitting, health club front desk associate, golf course beverage cart driver, and office receptionist.

Student Success Coach

Prior to Hope: Schuler Scholar Program, Educational Counselor Manager

Education: BA, DePauw University

What drove Norbert to work at Hope Chicago?

I saw first-hand the impact college admittance can have on the trajectory of a family, between myself and my two younger brothers. I dedicated my career to correcting the power imbalances we see today by giving students and families the knowledge they need to navigate an unfair educational system and achieve their goals.

Senior Director of Development

Prior to HC: Chief Development Officer for Marillac St. Vincent Family Services

Education: MNA., University of San Francisco, B.A. University of Southern California

What’s a fun fact about Veronica?

I love yoga and traveling. It's my goal to do as many yoga retreats in various locations around the world.

Data Support Specialist

Prior to Hope: Salesforce Administrator, Gads Hill Center

Education:  BA, DePaul University

What was Kic’s first declared major in college?

Information Systems.

Data Systems Director

Prior to Hope: Director of Insights & Analytics, Teach Upbeat

Education: BA, Flagler College; MEd, Vanderbilt University; PhD, University of Florida

What was Megan’s first declared major in college?

Psychology (Pre-Med)

Student Success Coach

Prior to Hope: College Counselor, Urban Prep Academies

Education: BS, Northwestern University

How did Tasia pay for Higher Education?

I received a full-ride (need + merit-based) scholarship [no loans!]

Program Manager

Prior to Hope: Outreach Transition Coordinator, City Colleges of Chicago

Education: MA, Northeastern Illinois University, BA, University of Illinois Chicago

How did Maritza pay for Higher Education?

Loans! I also had 2-3 different jobs at any given point to help offset costs as well.

Senior Program Manager

Prior to Hope: Teacher, Flossmoor School District

Education: MA, New York University, BA, University of Illinois Chicago, CPS Alumn

What drove Joeysha to work for Hope Chicago?

My professional experience has taught me that to positively affect college persistence both money and wraparound support are required. At Hope Chicago, we are diligently ensuring our Scholars have this layered support—it’s a professional dream come true!

Program Manager

Prior to Hope Chicago: Hope Chicago Scholars Coordinator at Loyola University Chicago

Education: MA, Loyola University Chicago, BA Whitworth University

How did Luis pay for his higher education?
I received multiple scholarships for a full-ride which provided me with a laptop, book stipend, and a campus contact - all benefits we offer our Hope Scholars!

Student Success Coach

Prior to Hope: Program Manager, EmployIndy

Education: BA, Denison University

What was Belen’s first declared major in college?

Anthropology/ Sociology

Development Director

Prior to Hope: Director of Development, Urban Initiatives

Education: Fundraising for Good Certification, Loyola University Chicago, BA, Michigan State University

How did Lauren pay for college?

It was a combination of my parents, scholarships, and student loans.

Outreach and Engagement Manager

Prior to Hope: Diverse Learning Educator, Chicago Public Schools 

Education: MAT, Relay Graduate School of Education; BA, Spelman College 

What drove Brandis to work at Hope Chicago?

I am deeply committed to being a champion for students of color as a result of my educational journey. Hope Chicago is opening the door for students and families to receive equitable access to postsecondary pathways.

Parent Program Manager

Prior to Hope: Senior Program Manager at One Million Degrees,

Education: BA, Northern Illinois University, MA, Governors State University (in progress).

What drove Stepfanie to work at Hope:

I strongly believe that one way to stop generational curses is for families to obtain higher education. Hope (Chicago) allows me to help advocate for supporting students AND their parents.

Director of Program Strategy

Prior to Hope: Professor, National Louis University

Education: MPA and BA from The George Washington University. 

What drove Paul to work at Hope Chicago?

Ever since I saw the difference that supports made for my friend circle getting through college to succeed, I’ve been passionate about all students having community to help them get to graduation.

Development Manager

Prior to Hope: Development Coordinator, Women Employed

Education: MA, Northwestern University, BS, University of California Berkeley

What drove Jorian to work at Hope Chicago?

Hope perfectly combines my obsession with the education system and its socioeconomic impacts with my love for, and background in, advocacy and policy.

Student Success Coach

Prior to Hope: Community Outreach, ISAC

Education: BS, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

What was Maria’s first declared major in college?

Psychology

Development Associate

Prior to Hope: General Manager at American Blues Theater

Education: BFA, Hart School at the Univesity of Hartford

How did Samantha pay for her higher education? A combination of scholarships, student loans, and parental support.

Finance & Operations Manager

Prior to Hope: Advancement and Foundation Manager, City College of Chicago

Education: MBA, Barry University, BS, Clemson University

How did Chris pay for his higher education?

Student loans.

Parent Success Coach

Prior to Hope: Success Program Coordinator, Bottom Line Chicago

Education: MSEd, University of Dayton, BA, University of Dayton

What was Caleb’s first declared major in college?

Computer Information Systems.

Director of Institutional Giving

Prior to Hope: Senior Manager of Development, Illinois Network of Charter Schools

Education: BA, DePaul University

What was Elizabeth’s first declared major in college?

Business.

Communications Director

Prior to Hope: Director of Digital Communications, Chicago Public Schools

Education: BA (x2), San Francisco State University

What was Collin’s first declared major in college?

Radio and Television.

Program Manager

Prior to Hope: Equity Program Manager, at The Partnership for College Completion (PCC)

Education: MSEd, University of Pennsylvania, BA, DePaul University

What was Mercedes' first declared major in college?

Psychology

Director of Administrative Services

Prior to Hope: Director of Special Projects, Chicago Public Schools

Education: DePaul University

What drove Nicole to work at Hope Chicago?

I love to serve! And what an AMAZING way to serve students and families.

Program Manager

Prior to Hope: Program Director, Communities in Schools of Tennessee

Education: BA, Psychology, Spelmen College, M.Ed. Community Development and Action, Vanderbilt University

How did Tremonisha pay for college?

Loans, grants, scholarships, and research assistantships.