• “As a founder, there can be a lot of shame when you don't know how to do something, I did not feel that after having met Debbie. I knew she cared."

    —Eva Maria Lewis, Founder & Executive Director, Free Root Operation (FRO)

  • “Paula wasn’t just superficial involvement. She provided practical, meaningful support. She acts as a true thought partner and strategist. I can call her about any challenge, and she helps me figure things out. Having her in my corner gave me confidence and made me feel like I wasn’t working alone.”

    —Mike Bass, Founder & Executive Director, Intergenerational Computer Education (IgCE)

  • “Lawrence’s mentorship, guidance, and vision fundamentally changed not only our programming, but also how we viewed our role in engineering education across Chicago. Today, Project SYNCERE is recognized as the leading engineering-focused educational nonprofit in the city. The program he helped inspire has achieved a 100% high school graduation rate, with every student going on to college to pursue a STEM degree. Remarkably, 87% of those students have chosen to major in engineering. Lawrence’s impact on Project SYNCERE has been transformative, and the success of our students stands as a lasting testament to his influence.”

    —Jason Coleman, Project SYNCERE and SVP Chicago Partner ED

  • “My SVP partner team was a sounding board and held my hand through a very challenging time for my organization,” Chellee says. “Having that support made me face the challenges so much differently. I became bolder, more confident, and prepared for the leap that Imagine Englewood if took.”

    — Michelle “Chellee” Rashad, Executive Director, Imagine Englewood if (IEi)

Community Partner Impact Stories

  • Eva Maria Lewis

    Discover how Free Root Operation Founder Eva Maria Lewis transformed rapid organizational growth into sustainable leadership by partnering with SVP Chicago. Learn how hands-on governance support and genuine thought partnership helped build an active, engaged working board and a clear path for scaling impact.

    Read More

  • Michelle Chellee Rashad

    Michelle Chellee Rashad, executive director of our community partner Imagine Englewood if/We Grow Chicago discusses her experiences working with SVP Chicago partners Monali Shah, Bill O’Neill, and Shanda McFadden to help grow
    Imagine Englewood if. 

    Read More

  • Jason Coleman

    Jason Coleman, founder and executive director of our community partner Project SYNCERE, joined us as a SVP partner. Hear what Jason has to say about the work we do.

    Read More

Learn More:

How We Do It
Our Community Partners
Return to Top