Agenda
For livestream issues,
text Tracy at 312.218.3126
For Donation or
Voting issues, please text Colleen 773.339.4410 or Tracy 312.218.3126
Thank you to our video production partner,
True Star Media
6:00 pm
Welcome – Evelyn Fitzgerald, Executive Director, SVP Chicago
6:05 pm
Opening Remarks – DeAnna McLeary Sherman and Michelle "Chellee" Rashad, Emcees & Chief Energy Officer, Calvin King
6:10 pm
Pitches
7:10 pm
Audience Vote
SVP Video
7:15 pm
Awards Presentation - Michele Rogers, Clinical Asst. Professor, Executive Education, Northwestern | Kellogg School
7:30 pm
Closing remarks / Adjourn
7:35 pm
Group photo of pitchers
Pitches in order of appearance
Scott Tillman, Executive Director & Founder
Coached by Kate Coleman, Aaron Dannenbring & Luther Siebert
Blue Pacheco-Cornejo, CEO, President & Founder
Coached by Michael Crowley, Monali Shah & Tushar Shah
Charisma Cannon, Founder & Executive Director
Coached by Jill Chokshi, Barbi Green & Tom Johnson
La’Keisha Gray-Sewell, Executive Director
Coached by Paula Fitzgerald, Shawn Sorsby & Melissa Widen
James “Jay” Fields, Founder/Executive Director
Coached by Steve Herrmann, Lou Longo & Karrie Miner
Omouzuwa Seymour-EL, Executive Director
Coached by Ian Burke, Stephen Hempel & Kathy Laux
Tanesha Peeples, Founder & CEO
Coached by Erik Harmon, Lisa Jones & Quintin Kevin
Noah Pickens, Executive Director
Coached by Phil Jackson, Nancy Marquez & Bill O’Neill
Autry Phillips, Executive Director
Coached by Jamyle Cannon, Jerry Dillenburg & Oi Eng-Crandus
SVP Chicago
Social Venture Partners
Let’s go!
Help us keep moving forward.
Visit SVP Chicago to learn more about becoming an SVP Partner or contact Executive Director Evelyn Fitzgerald to learn how SVP Chicago can help activate your company’s social impact strategy.
SVP Chicago Board of Directors
Nancy Goldstein, Chair
Evelyn Fitzgerald, Executive Director
Alejandra Esqueda Belmonte
Jerry Dillenburg
Oi Eng-Crandus
Yolanda Fields
Paula Fitzgerald
Melissa Hamilton
Stephen Hempel
Tricia Hough
Debbie Nutley
Garrett Sheridan
John Yerger
SVP Chicago is a community of philanthropists, nonprofit leaders and corporate partners working together to build confidence, community and connections. Beyond providing ongoing, pro bono organization-building support, unrestricted grants and educational and networking opportunities, we’re cultivating a vibrant community that is filling in the gaps often left by traditional philanthropy.
And when we leverage our collective resources, we heighten the impact nonprofit organizations have on tackling poverty-driven issues in disinvested neighborhoods on the South and West sides of Chicago.
We’re fueled by strategic philanthropy. And we’re paving the way for social impact.
We meet our partners — all our partners — where they are.
We take our lead from community-based nonprofit partners.
In fact, our entire approach to philanthropy is acknowledging we aren’t the neighborhood expert — but we know who is. By talking less — and listening more — we get boots on the ground intel about what is needed in the communities, what is needed within the organizations and how we can intentionally support our leaders to do more — and serve more — for a greater, sustained impact.
We help corporations walk the walk.
Core values and social impact are just words on paper if corporations aren’t delivering opportunities for employees to act. SVP Chicago bridges the gap between words and actions, with intention.
-
Watch
Open the event reminder that tracy@svpchicago.org emailed to you within the past 24 hours. You also will be able to donate and cast your vote with this same link!
Donate
The platform allows you to donate to some — or all — organizations if that is your preference. You also can donate different amounts to different organizations and choose to make multiple transactions. The platform will save your credit card information if you choose to do so.This year, we’re offering an option to pledge a contribution through a Donor Advised Fund or Family Foundation.
In person:
To use a credit or debit card, scan the Donate Via Debit or Credit QR code on the handout or in the online program.
To pledge via Donor Advised Fund or Family Foundation, scan the Donate Via Alternative Method QR code on the handout or in the online program.
Virtual:
Scan the Donate Via Debit or Credit QR code on the handout or in the online program.
Scan the Donate Via Alternative Method QR code To pledge via Donor Advised Fund or Family Foundation, on the handout or in the online program.
Vote
Voting for your favorite pitch will open for a five-minute window following the pitches. Our emcees will let you know when you can cast your vote.In person:
Scan the Vote QR code on the handout or click the Vote button in the online program.
Virtual:
Scan the Vote QR code on the screen or click the Vote button in the online program.
-
Fast Pitch is a free, two-month communication mentoring program for innovative nonprofit leaders who are effecting social change in Chicago.
Where they started:
In February 2026, we partnered 10 nonprofit leaders from Chicago’s South and West sides — the pitchers — with SVP Chicago partners and civic-minded community volunteers — the coaches. Over the past two months, pitchers leveraged feedback from their coaches and other pitchers to refine compelling, 3-minute pitches about the organizations they lead, the issues they're tackling, and how our support can have a profound impact on the people and communities they serve.
Where they’re going:
Fast Pitch is a catalyst for building confidence, community and connections that lasts long after tonight’s rental equipment is being loaded back onto trucks and parking lots are emptying. SVP Chicago remains available — whenever we’re needed — to our nonprofit partners after the pitches have been delivered. Whether they’re seeking pro bono capacity building support, educational and networking opportunities, or just need a sounding board, SVP Chicago supports the work that heightens the impact of our nonprofit partners.
While our pitchers have come a long way since delivering their first practice pitches, we are eager to see their growth and the impact Fast Pitch has on raising awareness of – and opening doors for – their organizations. -
Aaron Dannenbring
Oi Eng-Crandus
Ev Fitzgerald
Breanne Littleton
Debbie Nutley
Terra Winston
As of 4/13/26