The Basics

Who we serve:  We will serve students in the second through fifth grades in the Bronzeville community of Chicago.  We plan to extend our program to those students in the sixth through tenth grades by our third year of operation, and to students in the eleventh and twelfth grades by our fourth year of operation.

What we do:  We will take our participants on a variety of local, educational excursions to broaden the worlds in which they live and to expand their minds.  As we extend our program to older students, we plan, to widen the spectrum for those older participants to excursions on the regional and national scales, and eventually, to excursions of international scope.

Where we serve:  Our program will serve students in the Bronzeville community of Chicago.  Our goal is eventually to extend our program to other underserved neighborhoods and communities in Chicago, e.g., Englewood, Gresham, and Garfield Park.

Why we serve:  Inequality permeates the neighborhoods and communities of Chicago.  Among the areas in which inequality is most apparent is the educational system.  These disparities go far beyond the school structure and affect multiple aspects of students’ lives.  At-risk youth from underserved communities often lack many of the opportunities that stimulate intellectual curiosity and help children to develop into self-aware, globally conscious members of society.  Among such opportunities is traveling, which we believe creates incredible educational experiences.  We want to take our participants outside of their communities, out into the world, and introduce them to new experiences, perspectives, and ideas to enable them to unlock their full potential. 

When we serve:  While we initially wanted to pilot our program in the spring of 2020, the pandemic, of course, greatly hindered our ability to do so. Once we feel that it we can implement the program safely with mitigated risk to our participants and staff, we will set a new start date. Upon implementation of the program, we will meet after school, Mondays through Fridays from mid-January through the mid-June, and two Saturdays per month.  The after-school programming will be primarily comprise homework assistance and educational lessons focused around the excursions and service days, which will occur on the Saturdays. 

How we serve:  We are 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.  As such, we apply for both government and private grants, host fundraisers, and seek in-kind donations, corporate donations, and individual donations to fund our program adequately.  Once we feel that we can safely implement the initial programming, we will be seeking an enthusiastic, creative elementary school teacher.  We will eventually enlist several dedicated volunteers to join our team in our commitment to our mission.  

Board of Directors

Stephanie Phillips - Secretary

We are thrilled to welcome our newest member of our Board, Stephanie Phillips.  Stephanie brings both demonstrated extensive nonprofit experience and business acumen.

As the founder and CEO of SuitYurSelf Career Center, Stephanie knows well the ins and outs of starting and operating a small non-profit organization.  SuitYurSelf provided classes in computer skills and first hand instruction on resume writing and successful interviewing.  SuitYurSelf also offered a “closet” of business attire where women could select the professional clothing necessary to give them the confidence to move ahead.  During her time at SuitYurSelf, Stephanie coached and mentored hundreds of women on their journeys to self-betterment. 

Stephanie’s own career trajectory highlights her diverse expertise and experience in all aspects of accounting and spend management. She has led global teams and held director level positions at such distinguished firms as Hyatt, Orbitz Worldwide, and Fox Interactive Media.

Most recently Stephanie left her position as Global Director of Accounts Payable and Travel & Expense at Gallagher to join Zappos as Senior Accounting Manager Accounts Payable, Corp Accounting.

Furthermore, Stephanie understands how travel experiences can facilitate learning and transform perspectives. In her own words “[Travel] takes you out of your comfort zone and opens your mind on how people do things differently and live. It's a learning experience whether you travel domestically or internationally.”

Lisa Hansen - Vice Chairperson/Treasurer

Lisa has spent half of her career in the finance sector, at Standard and Poor's, and half of her career in the non-profit sector, currently at ActionAid UK as a Supporter Data Analyst, and previously in donor research at Make-A-Wish Foundation, all of which have given her a unique combination of knowledge that makes her ideal to serve as Treasurer.

Along with her diversified experience, Lisa has a passion for travel which began as a child as she traveled with her family on road trips, and which continued throughout her teenage years, as her participation in sports took her to competitions across the U.S.  After college, she began to travel internationally, and eventually moved abroad to London, UK, a decision that was made, in part, because of its easier access to travel across Europe.  Lisa recognizes the potential that travel has to increase one's understanding of people's differences and expose one to new ideas.  In her own words, "Traveling opens your mind to the how and why people 'tick'; it provides one insight into why people do things the way they do and how ways of life have transformed over time."

Peter McFadden - Chairperson

Peter's passion for travel was sparked at a young age by his aunt, who often took him with her traveling.  This passion led to his career in the travel industry of more than 25 years.  Having held leadership positions at American Express, Carlson Companies, Orbitz Worldwide, and currently at Expedia, he has amassed a wealth of knowledge of the business, and has built up a considerable network, all of which will prove significantly beneficial in his dual role as Vice Chairperson/Secretary.  

Peter knows, first-hand, the ways in which traveling can expand one's mind and broaden one's perspective.  In his own words, "For those of us who felt out of place as kids, traveling is a potent elixir to build confidence and a network of people with different backgrounds.  Traveling abroad has given me a multicultural point of view that has enriched me both personally and professionally."