Sealed with a Gift: How One Family is Turning a Holiday Tradition into Lasting Impact

Becky Davis joined the We Raise Foundation staff in 2003 and currently serves as the Programs Coordinator. She graduated with a double major in marketing and management from University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Ill. Prior to joining We Raise, she worked at a market research company. Away from her computer, you’ll find her laughing with her two daughters, watching old movies with her husband, Aaron, or just generally being arts-and-craftsy with anything from floral design to sewing. Becky loves to hear the stories and see the happy faces of the men, women, and children who benefit from our grantee programs and loves having a part in bringing support to those who are God’s hands and feet in their communities.

Matt Croll shares Director of Finance duties at We Raise Foundation and oversees the accounting and finance functions. He has served in various accounting roles across multiple industries throughout his career, including more than eight years in nonprofit financial management. Matt graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill., with a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., with a master’s degree in business administration. He is registered Certified Public Accountant. When Matt is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Sandi, and two daughters, and competing in Masters Track and Field events. Matt derives inspiration from the positive impact that the We Raise Grantees have on individuals in their communities every day.

Prior to Pratt Richards Group, Jenny led consulting engagements for several social sector firms, including TCC Group, Civic Consulting Alliance, and B2P Commerce. Her early career was dedicated to international and community development, and in this capacity she traveled to a number of Latin American countries. Jenny taught English in Ecuador with WorldTeach, and was program officer at an initiative at Harvard University focused on peace-building and internal justice reform. She was also program director of a college and career readiness program at a youth-serving nonprofit organization in San Francisco, Calif.

Jenny holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., and a master’s of public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge, Mass. She is currently an advisory board member of the James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, and was formerly on the board of Camp Manito-wish YMCA.

Sol Flores was recently added to the Illinois Governor’s administration as Deputy Governor. Sol is the founding Executive Director of La Casa Norte, a non-profit organization established in 2002 that has served more than 30,000 youth and families confronting homelessness. Sol built La Casa Norte from two employees with a $200,000 annual budget to an 80-employee, multi-million-dollar organization that delivers inspiration, hope and critical services to the lives of homeless families, single parents, victims of domestic violence and abandoned youth. She has served on numerous working groups and commissions as a tireless advocate. Sol currently serves on the board of directors at the Latino Policy Forum, The Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund, Community Renewal Society, Hispanic Housing Development Corporation and Kuumba Lynx. Sol was raised by a single mother who came to Chicago from Puerto Rico and has been recognized as a national Champion of Change for her work by the Obama White House.

Esther Franco-Payne is the Executive Director of Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA), Chicago, Ill. CGLA mitigates the criminal records barrier by employing an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together teams of lawyers and social workers to comprehensively support client goals. A long-time advocate, Esther continues to educate the community about issues related to exposure to trauma, violence prevention, and criminal justice reform. She has a master’s degree from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, is a 2015 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow, named one of the Top Black Women of Impact in Chicago, and a recipient of the Jane Addams Social Justice Ally Award.

Linal Harris is a certified ontological life coach, media personality, global entrepreneur and former Fortune 500 Chief Diversity Officer. He has created an inspirational platform that reaches over 40,000 people around the globe, visited and worked in over 40 countries and 260 cities worldwide, making him one of the most highly sought after speakers and coaches in Chicago, Ill. Linal is the recipient of various awards and honors such as the Chicago Defender’s Men of Excellence Award, Chicago Urban Roundtable’s 40 Game Changers Under 40 Award, and was a 2015 inductee into Triton College’s (River Grove, Ill.) Hall of Fame. Linal has started a number of successful businesses, two of which have experienced global success. As founder and managing partner of Insights 4 Life Coaching, LLC, he’s built a global coaching practice that supports a variety of high-profile clients ranging from corporate executives and accomplished entrepreneurs to professional athletes and celebrities. Linal is also the founder and CEO of Inspirational Perspective Publishing, LLC, which is home to the award-winning blog and radio show (WVON 1690 AM), “Inspirational Perspective.” Through these mediums, he challenges his global audience to Murder Mediocrity™ and live their best life possible. Passionate about philanthropy, he spreads his inspirational work in the Chicago community by sharing his resources and volunteering his time with inner-city high schools and youth groups, often hosting discussions with students on how to live a life of excellence.

Deborah has more than 20 years of experience as a community development practitioner. She is currently a Senior Program Officer at the Polk Bros. Foundation, Chicago, Ill., where she is a program area leader for workforce development, affordable housing, community economic development, and safe communities.

Prior to joining the foundation, Deborah held several positions at Shorebank Corporation, Chicago, including senior consultant for Shorebank Advisory Services where she crafted housing, labor force, and commercial development strategies for a variety of community development entities around the country. She has also worked as an economic development planner at the University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Urban Economic Development and as director of an employment initiative for low-income women.

Deborah has a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and master’s degree in economics from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio. She was awarded an Association of Black Foundation Executives fellowship. Deborah has served on a number of non-profit boards. She currently serves as secretary of the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund and is on the leadership committee of the Preservation Compact and the Chicagoland Workforce Funders Alliance.

Susie Pratt’s formal evaluation career began as the Coordinator of Evaluation for the Religion Division of Lilly Endowment, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., where she designed an evaluation coaching program to build the capacity of grantee organizations. She has served as a program officer at the Field Foundation of Illinois, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a research assistant for the Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago, and a program associate for The Alford Group, Inc., a fundraising consulting firm in Chicago.

Susie holds a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University, Hamilton, N.Y., with honors in English Literature and an atrium magister (master of arts) from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration. She is currently on the board of Glencoe Union Church and the Franklin Square Foundation, as well as a volunteer in Evanston’s Books and Breakfast program.

Erin is the Executive Director for the MIGMIR fund, which stands for Much is Given Much is Required. MIGMIR is a donor advised fund that financially supports Christ-centered ministries that serve the spiritual and physical needs of individuals in under-resourced communities in Chicago and internationally. In addition to her role as Executive Director, Erin is also a Senior Analyst for the His Fund, a global fund that seeks to invest in Kingdom-minded, socially-responsible for-profit businesses. Whether granting to ministries or investing for purpose, Erin is committed to stewarding the capital and talents entrusted to her.

Erin serves on a handful of boards and is able to engage meaningfully with their local ministry and investment partners located in Chicago. She is grateful for a career that allows her to see God at work in powerful ways on a daily basis.

Clare has served as the Executive Director of the Christopher Family Foundation, Hindsale, Ill., since September 2018. Rooted in a Christian perspective, the foundation uses its grantmaking to foster creativity and innovation and to build capacity and collaboration in the Foundation’s areas of funding priority: Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship, Individual and Family Health and Wellbeing, and Community and Fellowship. Prior to that she was the Program Director for the Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Foundation, where she initiated a robust statewide grants program to engage Illinois consumers in the transformation to a digital electric grid. Clare was the Founder and Executive Director of Faith in Place, a statewide organization created to diversify and expand the environmental advocacy community. She has also served as an organizer for Faith in Place at the Center for Neighborhood Technology. Prior to that, she worked as a transactional attorney, specializing in corporate and tax law.

Clare received a Doctor of Law from the University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign, Ill., a Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School, Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois, Champaign. She is also ordained as a Unitarian Universalist minister.

Reesheda hails from the Austin Community and has lived throughout the Chicagoland area her entire life. She is the founding CEO of L!VE 2.0, LLC (livexclamation.com), and the CEO of RGW Consulting, LLC, a boutique consulting firm that designs equity-based solutions toward the multiplication of holistic asset-based community development through coaching, training, consulting, and facilitation practices (rgwashington.com). A trained educator and administrator, and a licensed minister and coach, Reesheda focuses her efforts on initiatives that touch on subjects of equity, appropriation, contemplative mindfulness, peace-making, and reconciliatory practices. She speaks at conferences throughout the country on these topics, and is a bit of a world traveler, having studied the lives of people and the context of communities in the Congo, South Africa, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Canada, Israel, Palestine, and, of course, the United States. Co-author of Soul Force: Seven Pivots toward Courage, Community, and Change, Reesheda co-penned this book as a guide to transformational living.

Prior to joining the MacArthur Foundation, Tawa served as the Director of Education Policy and Partnerships in the Office of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Tawa also served as the inaugural Interim Director for Thrive Chicago, a multi-sector collective that aims to align efforts with improved outcomes for all Chicagoans, from cradle-to-career. Previously, Tawa served as Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at the City Colleges of Chicago where she established partnerships and programs to help support Reinvention, the District’s bold reform strategy designed to increase the number of graduates earning credentials of economic value and successfully transitioning to four year colleges and successful careers. Tawa served as Assistant to Mayor Richard M. Daley for Education and executed the Mayor’s overall education vision for the City of Chicago. Prior to that, Tawa worked at the Chicago Public Schools in varying capacities including, as Senior Manager for the Chicago Public Schools Community Schools Initiative and as a project manager in the CPS Office of Planning and Development.

Tawa holds an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration and a B.A. in English from Spelman College. She also received the University of Chicago’s Solomon O. Lichter Prize and the Mary H. Bachmeyer Award for outstanding academic achievement and leadership.

A native Chicagoan, Tawa’s dedication to community service, particularly in the fields of health care, education and youth services, has led to a diverse set of personal and professional experiences. Over the course of her career, Tawa has engaged in activities ranging from case management services for the mentally ill to the creation of a publication on HIV/AIDS among youth in sub-Saharan Africa. She also spent two and a half years with AmeriCorps, first as a VISTA member and later in placement and recruitment of new candidates for the Corporation for National and Community Service. Tawa currently serves on the Board of Directors for Chicago Women in Philanthropy, the Augustana-Henze Endowment Fund and the Iona Calhoun School of Ballet. She is also a member of the Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Lake Shore Chapter of the Links, Incorporated and a former officer in the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, organizations dedicated to community service.

Since August 2015, Paul Miles has served as the president and CEO of We Raise Foundation, Itasca, Ill. Prior to that, he served as vice president for development at Make-A-Wish America in Phoenix, Ariz. In this position, Paul was responsible for all individual and foundation giving, direct mail, digital, annual giving and grants, and planned giving. In addition, he served as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the Grants Committee.

Prior to his tenure with Make-A-Wish America, Paul spent 22 years with a leading international consulting firm that works with nonprofit organizations on a wide-range of development needs. As campaign director, he helped his clients raise over $1 billion, culminating in a $593 million campaign for Habitat for Humanity International, where he also served as interim senior vice president of development.

Paul graduated from Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill., where he later served on the Foundation Board of Directors and the President’s Advisory Council. His board service also includes Lutheran World Relief, Baltimore, Md.; Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Clubs of Sumter County, and various congregational boards. He has been a frequent speaker and trainer in the field of resource development.

Since 2014, Joanne Otte has served as the Director of Programs at We Raise Foundation, providing oversight, strategic direction, and development for its grant programs and related resources. Prior to joining We Raise, she spent 12 years providing leadership in a variety of roles with Lutheran Volunteer Corps, including Admissions and Alumni Relations Director and National Program Director. Joanne also worked at Chicago Uptown Ministry and Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota’s Safe House, both of which provided support to people struggling with homelessness and poverty.

She has a bachelor’s degree in social work and religion from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, and a master’s degree in religion from Luther Seminary, Saint Paul, Minn. Joanne is a Deacon with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is called to Word and Service Ministry through her position with We Raise. In 2011, she was honored with a Seeds of Hope Emerging Leader Award from We Raise.

Joanne also enjoys supporting others in their vocational discernment to become pastors or deacons in the church and serves on the Metro Chicago Synod (ELCA) Candidacy Committee and the Ministry in Context Committee at her church, Irving Park Lutheran, which supports seminarians placed at the congregation.

Jonathan is a lifelong resident of Chicago, Ill, and currently serves as Senior Pastor at Canaan Community Church in the West Englewood neighborhood and as an educator on many different levels. As a firm believer in investing in your local community, Jonathan has a deep desire to impress this virtue on the students and young people in his congregation, classroom and community. His ministry focuses on youth development, holistic health, college scholarships, art and music training as well as restorative justice practices and care for the incarcerated and their families.

Pastah J, as he is affectionately called, is a sought after speaker, writer, artist, and community activist. He has contributed to numerous blogs, articles, and books and recently released the book Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods.

Tanya Thomas serves as Director of Operations for We Raise Foundation. She grew up in various (warm!) places (East Africa, California, and Hawaii), but her entire professional career has been based in the Chicagoland area. Tanya has been with We Raise since January 2016 and prior to that, she worked for World Relief and Oasis International in various leadership roles. She is also a licensed professional counselor and has worked part-time at Outreach Community Counseling Center since 2015. Tanya graduated from Wheaton College, Wheaton, Ill., and has two master’s degrees from the Wheaton College Graduate School in Intercultural Studies and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and is certified through the National Board of Certified Counselors. In her spare time, Tanya enjoys singing, hiking with friends (even better if while part of a road trip), watching Golden State Warriors’ games, and following travel vloggers. She is a member of Wellspring Alliance Church in Wheaton. Tanya loves the types of organizations and programs We Raise funds and learning about the amazing work they’re doing. She is proud to work for an organization that helps build capacity and support for programs that are addressing critical issues of our day. She also loves working with the We Raise team—a great group!

Abigail Miller joined We Raise Foundation in 2013 and serves as Manager of Digital Strategy, facilitating digital outreach and online brand strategy. She also provides crowdfunding coaching to We Raise grantees and has had the honor of working with dozens of leaders on crowdfunding projects that in total have raised over $800,000 for their programs. Prior to coming to We Raise, Abigail helped launch and later managed a social mission bike shop. She also has professional experience in public relations, fundraising, and nonprofit management. Abigail graduated from Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill., and also completed the Community Leadership Program at Dominican University, River Forest, Ill. Along with her husband, Matt, and their daughter, Abigail enjoys exploring neighborhoods – whether it’s somewhere local or a whole new city. They are passionate about living in the city and love their historic neighborhood in St. Louis, which includes the ongoing renovation of their 120-year-old house. When she’s not wielding power tools, Abigail can typically be found biking around town or riding the zoo train. As a self-proclaimed “idea person,” Abigail enjoys the inspiring people and ideas she comes into contact with through We Raise. She is proud to work for and support an organization that is investing in talented leaders and the innovative, generous, strategic ways they are serving our cities.

Heather Klein Olson, MBA, CFRE, is Vice President for Advancement at We Raise Foundation, and oversees all aspects of the fundraising program, including major, planned, annual, and digital fundraising. Prior to joining We Raise in 2016, she spent six years at Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind., in Advancement and Integrated Marketing and Communications. Heather has over 15 years of experience in fundraising, brand management, communications, and project management for arts, social services, higher education, and faith-based organizations. She earned her CFRE in 2014, is a graduate of Butler University, Indianapolis, Ind., and holds advanced degrees in communication and business from Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., and Valparaiso University. Heather has been a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 2006, and is a regular contributing writer to Advancing Philanthropy, AFP’s flagship membership magazine. She also has extensive volunteer leadership experience with Rotary International, having been honored with “Rotarian of the Year” and serving as president of the club in the community where she lives with her husband, Greg, and two sons, Cameron and Evan. Her family attends Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. Heather is a certified SCUBA diver and rock climber, an avid runner, 80’s movie buff, party planner, and writer of children’s stories. She loves meeting with loyal We Raise supporters and helping them connect their short- and long-term philanthropic intentions to the needs of We Raise grantee partners and those they serve.

Since 2014, Joanne Otte has served as the Director of Programs at We Raise Foundation, providing oversight, strategic direction, and development for its grant programs and related resources. Prior to joining We Raise, she spent 12 years providing leadership in a variety of roles with Lutheran Volunteer Corps, including Admissions & Alumni Relations Director and National Program Director. Joanne also worked at Chicago Uptown Ministry and Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota’s Safe House, both of which provided support to people struggling with homelessness and poverty. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work and religion from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, and a master’s degree in religion from Luther Seminary, Saint Paul, Minn. Joanne is a Deacon with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is called to Word and Service Ministry through her position with We Raise. In 2011, she was honored with a Seeds of Hope Emerging Leader Award from We Raise. Away from the office, Joanne enjoys spending time with her husband, Jason, and their daughter, Alma. They live in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood and love experiencing all the diversity and fun of living in the city, including exploring new restaurants, going to museums, parks, and marches. Joanne also enjoys supporting others in their vocational discernment to become pastors or deacons in the church and serves on the Metro Chicago Synod (ELCA) Candidacy Committee and the Ministry in Context Committee at her church, Irving Park Lutheran, which supports seminarians placed at the congregation. She is inspired by We Raise’s commitment to true partnership with its grantees who are working in difficult circumstances, but are also committed to changing the narrative about what it means to live in poverty and highlighting the strength, gifts, and wisdom of their community members who are working for change.

Gail Maher joined the We Raise Foundation team in 2000 and has worked in the communications, development, and program departments during her nearly 20 years with the organization. Currently, she serves as Ministry Programs Assistant, managing and organizing the grants database and procedures to ensure smooth communication with grantee partners. Previously, Gail was secretary to the senior pastor at a large Lutheran church for six years. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, Gary, and their three children, and keeping up with their eight grandchildren … as best they can! Gail enjoys working with the organizations We Raise funds and seeing how they are impacting their communities. She finds it so motivating to hear the stories of people whose lives have been improved due to the great work of our grant recipients … and the generous hearts of our donors!

Ronda Bischoff shares Director of Finance duties at We Raise Foundation and oversees the accounting and finance functions. She has served in various accounting roles throughout her career and has had the opportunity to work with companies of varying sizes within a variety of industries, including nonprofit organizations. Ronda graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill., with a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., with a master’s degree in business administration. A licensed Certified Public Accountant, outside of work Ronda enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling. She is inspired by the work of the We Raise grantees, especially the young emerging leaders that have chosen to devote their time and energy toward helping others.