Launch Your Nonprofit Leadership Journey
What is the Associate Board?
The Associate Board is Literacy Chicago’s dynamic young professionals group dedicated to advancing adult education through grassroots fundraising, volunteer engagement, and community outreach .
It’s an opportunity to develop nonprofit leadership skills, build your professional network, and create meaningful change in Chicago -all while learning from experienced board members and nonprofit professionals.
Who We're Looking For
- Early-to-mid career professionals passionate about education equity and community impact
- Motivated self-starters who can take initiative on projects and follow through independently
- Team players comfortable collaborating in a fast-paced, volunteer-driven environment
- Skilled professionals with backgrounds in marketing, fundraising, event planning, communications, or nonprofit management (preferred but not required)
- Committed volunteers able to dedicate 5-8 hours monthly to board activities
Your Role as an Associate Board Member
Associate Board members are active contributors who: - Plan and Execute Fundraising Events: Lead small-to-medium scale fundraisers, from happy hours and galas to creative peer-to-peer campaigns - Support Volunteer Programs: Help recruit, coordinate, and engage volunteers for tutoring programs and organizational events - Amplify Our Mission: Leverage social media and personal networks to raise awareness about adult literacy in Chicago - Contribute to Strategy: Participate in planning meetings and bring fresh perspectives to program development - Build Professional Skills: Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, event management, and fundraising
Time Commitment
We're actively seeking candidates with expertise in:
- Meetings: Twice monthly on Wednesday evenings (in-person or hybrid)
- Events: Participate in or lead 2-4 fundraising events annually
- Volunteer Activities: Support organizational volunteer initiatives as available
- Minimum Term: Six month commitment with option to renew
Why Join the Associate Board?
- Gain valuable nonprofit governance and fundraising experience that enhances your resume and leadership capabilities
- Directly support programs that help Chicago adults achieve literacy, earn GEDs, and access career opportunities
- Connect with like-minded young professionals, nonprofit leaders, and community partners across Chicago
Put your professional expertise to work on real projects with measurable outcomes
Meet The Courageous Team That Makes It All Happen
Ann Keeton
Chair/Membership Chair As a journalist, Ann covered everything from fashion and retailing at Women's Wear Daily to the airline and aerospace industry at the Wall Street Journal. She continues to write, and tutors adult learners in ESL and literacy.
Venessa Velazquez
Member Venessa has lived in Chicago for the past four years and enjoys being part of the community through acts of service. She is a member of Activate Chi and a volunteer for Tutoring Chicago. She has a background in event/conference planning and enjoys advocating for others.
Reggie Owens
Member Reginald Owens II is the CO-Founder for Light Bright Publication LLC. Although his background was in IT, he discovered he had a passion for writing and entrepreneurship after the pandemic. He recently published his first book , The Lover Quarrel. Inspired by literary giants such as Walter Mosley and R.L. Stein, he primarily writes short-form stories exploring personal relationships. He hopes to use his experience in literature to help aspiring authors nurture their undiscovered talent in writing.
Dan Winter
Finance Chair Dan is a Chicago native who joined Literacy Chicago's Associate Board in February 2024. Dan works as an office leasing broker for CBRE and brings more than seven years of ESL and citizenship education experience to this team. He has a passion for helping others navigate the naturalization process and prepare for obtaining their citizenship. 
Cory Bee
Sponsorship Chair Cory has been with the associate board since December 2024. Originally from the Joliet, Illinois area, Cory moved to Chicago after graduating from the University of Illinois. He holds a Master’s degree in finance and has a background in investment banking. He enjoys running, the Chicago Bears (sadly), Star Wars, and a dry glass of red wine.