Board

Tarrah Cooper-Wright, a Chicago native, is a partner at Rise Strategy Group, a public strategy firm. Previously, Tarrah was the Press Secretary for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel beginning during his 2010 mayoral campaign, where she helped to craft, manage and communicate his strategic vision and priorities for the city. Before returning to Chicago, Tarrah worked in the Obama Administration at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington D.C. Tarrah is a lifelong Bears fan and an avid theater­goer. Her favorite thing about the city is the charm, character, and compassion of Chicagoans, and she most enjoys tutoring children at Breakthrough.

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

I’m committed to Breakthrough because of their unwavering love, support, care, and compassion for the residents of East Garfield Park and all of Chicago. Breakthrough’s work is not only noble; it’s necessary. I marvel at how students at Breakthrough are excelling and what they will achieve in their lives, and I never fail to appreciate the difference that it makes for someone who has to constantly deal with the uncertainty of having a roof over their heads to at least have the certainty of a warm meal and safe shelter at Breakthrough. I began volunteering at Breakthrough hoping to help enrich the lives of others, however I’ve found my life enriched. Serving at Breakthrough has shaped my passion for public service, and for that I am committed for life.

Kwesi Smith is a Global Equity Research Analyst covering Healthcare stocks. He has invested in a variety of sectors including Healthcare, Technology, Media, Telecom, Defense, Industrials, Financials, and Consumer over his career. Kwesi also has experience as a fixed income research analyst providing credit analysis across a variety of fixed income asset classes including high yield, private placement, leveraged finance, and investment grade public corporates. He is a member of the CFA Institute. Education: B.S., University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce.

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

I am committed to Breakthrough due to the tremendous success the organization is having in transforming the lives of East Garfield Park residents. From my first interaction with Breakthrough, I immediately feel in love with the organization as the passion for the mission is visible in everything they do. I think all of us can reflect on the transformational effects that being in a caring, loving, and nurturing environment has had on us. I feel a personal responsibility to help Breakthrough be as successful as possible due to the fact that for many East Garfield Park residents, Breakthrough is the primary vehicle for achieving such an environment. Every time I volunteer with Breakthrough, I am reminded of the time, effort and love that was poured into my life by family, friends, teachers, and mentors and feel energized by the impact we are having. I am truly amazed and inspired by the work that happens every day at Breakthrough.

Diane Rodriguez Rand is a lifelong education advocate. She is a founding member of the Kenilworth Partnership, which opened Providence Englewood Charter School in 2005. Today the neighborhood school offers a high-quality public education to more than 500 students. She started her career as a communications professional representing Kraft Foods to external audiences through a variety of mergers and acquisitions, crisis situations, philanthropic contributions, and product introductions. After volunteering at Providence Englewood, she made a career change and pursued a Master’s in Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. Diane is married with three adult children. She is an enthusiastic college basketball fan, prodigious reader, and avid theatergoer.

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

I came to know Breakthrough through its youth programs. Breakthrough’s work with young people is challenging, inspirational ,and profound. Each day, the committed staff helps young people to make good choices that will influence the trajectory of their lives. The complexity of their challenges seems to be no match for the staff’s talent and commitment. In addition, Breakthrough’s reach into the community to provide wraparound services to people when, where, and how they need them can be a model for other communities. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support Breakthrough which has, for over 25 years, brought so much guidance, hope, and value to people in East Garfield Park.

Stuart J. Miller has over 30 years of experience with audit and business advisory in the public sector. Stuart specializes in not­for­profit organizations, including social service agencies, private foundations, associations, and higher education clients. In addition to his work with Breakthrough, Stuart serves as Chair of the not­for­profit revenue recognition task force for American Institute of Certified Public Account. He is also the secretary of the Poetry Foundation board of directors.

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

Breakthrough changes people from the inside out – not only for our guests but also our volunteers! The intersection of guests and volunteers creates changed lives for eternity.

Dr. Vinni Hall is the CEO of The Art of Learning, a collaborative resource consultant firm. Beginning her career as a Chicago Public School (CPS) teacher, Vinni has been dedicated to improving education in Illinois for over four decades. She has served on the State Board of Education since 2004, for which she received a Distinguished Service award in 2014. Previously, Vinni was a consultant for CPS and serves an adjunct education professor at University of Illinois at Chicago and Chicago State Universities. In addition to her work in education, Vinni has served on Breakthrough’s board since 2015 and enjoys traveling and teaching in her free time.

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

Breakthrough sees the strengths and the talents with the community it serves. Breakthrough celebrates and challenges the community to learn, relearn, shape and reshape its future. The Wrap­Around­Services that are available make a difference in the lives of this community – this model works – there are so many stories of children, people and families who are changed because of Breakthrough’s presence.

With more than 23 years in the Public Relations industry, Kathleen founded and has led one of the nation’s leading boutique PR and communications firms representing some of the country’s most recognizable brands. In 2014, PRSA Chicago recognized Kathleen as PR Professional of the Year, and in 2015 she was named one of the Top Women in PR nationwide by PR News. Her firm was recently recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine among 75 Top Company Cultures in the U.S. Beyond her passionate involvement with Breakthrough, Kathleen also serves on the Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet, co­chairs the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago’s Women’s Leadership Council and serves on their corporate cabinet and supports the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Married for 18 years to her husband Mike, Kathleen is the proud mom to five busy kids ages 16-­7.

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

We are changing lives in East Garfield Park. Honestly, we are all one challenging situation or circumstance away from being just like our Breakthough families. It is a joy to find ways to support such loving, wonderful people who need a hand­up – not a hand out, as Arloa always says.

J. Erik Fyrwald joined Syngenta in June 2016 as president and chief executive officer. Previously, Erik Fyrwald has served as CEO of Univar, a world leading distribution company. Before Univar, Erik was President of the cleaning and sanitation company Ecolab, and, prior to that, CEO of the water treatment company Nalco. Erik holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from University of Delaware. He also completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management program. Beyond his work at Breakthrough, Erik serves on the boards of Eli Lilly, Amsted Industries, the Field Museum, The Society of Chemical Industry, and the Chicago Public Education Fund.

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

The Team at Breakthrough is doing God’s work by helping the wonderful people of East Garfield Park to help themselves. They care about everyone and live what Christ meant when he told us to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Ashley Tate-Gilmore, CEO at Fortis Global, is an expert communications, community engagement, and logistics strategist.

Previously at Tate and Associates, started by her late mother Desiree Tate, Ashley worked with clients to harness the potential of social and electronic media for community engagement, reputation management, and crisis communications. Ashley shares her mother’s passion for helping corporations, government institutions, and non-profit organizations build authentic, inclusive relationships in the communities where they work.

Prior to joining Tate and Associates, Ashley served President Barack Obama as the Director of the White House Travel Office. In her position, Ashley was in charge of multiple crucial missions, such as coordinating budget for travel, meeting with foreign delegates ahead of pivotal international meetings, and ensuring necessary steps were taken to secure the safety and comfort of the President and the press that traveled with his entourage, to name a few. Ashley has been notable for her organization, diligence, and get-it-done attitude throughout from the beginning of her career, inside and outside of the White House.

Ashley has partnered with community outreach consulting firm Values Partnerships to handle event design and logistics for a series of screenings for remarkable new documentaries, including STEP. Last July, they introduced a large Chicago STEP screening at the Museum of Science and Industry to CPS students, and students from both the Common Ground Foundation and SocialWorks. Ashley is also Founder and Managing Partner of Fortis Global LLC, a travel logistics management firm. Ashley continues to work with the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama as well as the Obama Foundation.

Ashley Tate-Gilmore was born and raised in Chicago where she attended Whitney M. Young High School, and then went on to study psychology at Howard University in Washington, DC.

Rob Campbell serves as the Lead Pastor of Willow Chicago, the Chicago campus of Willow Creek Community Church. Prior to working at Willow Chicago, Rob was an Executive Vice President for a utility company. In that position, his responsibilities included Human Resources and other corporate functions. He also previously practiced labor and employment law with the Chicago firm Schiff Hardin. Rob has been married to his wife, Tammy, for 37 years. They live in the South Loop and enjoy spending time with their three adult children, two daughters-in-law, and three granddogs.

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

I love the incarnational witness of Breakthrough. They live in the community they are serving – hearing the stories, learning the needs, celebrating the wins, grieving the losses, and loving their neighbors. They are following in the footsteps of Jesus and living out his words. Tammy and I have been blessed to support and serve Breakthrough. Breakthrough has changed, challenged, and inspired us.

Michelle is an Attorney at American Express Company supporting the Online Fraud, Data Management and Global Privacy Business Units. Prior to joining the American Express General Counsel’s Organization (“GCO”), Michelle served as Director of Legal Affairs for the Famous Dave’s restaurant  chain as the Director of Legal Affairs.  Michelle has also served as Commercial Contracts Counsel at National Express Corp., as General Counsel at Heartland Food Corp. a Burger King Franchisee and as Business & Development Counsel at McDonald’s Corp.  Michelle has  earned  international law certificates from the University of Toronto and Oxford University.  Michelle was a member of the Finance Board at St. Ann’s Catholic Church from 2010 thru 2014 and is currently serves as a mentor for high school students focused on pursuing a legal career at the Legal Prep Charter Academy in Chicago.

Keith Freeman is a native Chicagoan, born and raised on the Southside (Grand Crossing, Englewood & Brainerd). Mr. Freeman is a graduate of Chicago Vocational High School which is where he received an athletic scholarship to Jackson State University (JSU) in Jackson, Mississippi. He majored in Industrial Technology during his undergrad. After completing his education at JSU he moved to Atlanta, GA. This is where he landed his first major job opportunity with Kraft Foods & GE Capital as a Warehouse Manager for over seven years. He currently works for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) as a Community Organizer. In his role as an organizer, Mr. Freeman’s responsibility is to assist the homeless, formerly homeless, low income individuals with advocacy, leadership development, and policy work in the Greater Chicago land communities.

Jenny Haas is the Chief Financial Officer at Tampico Beverages, a Chicago-based consumer goods company. She oversees their financial, accounting, strategy, and technology functions. Previously, Jenny held financial management roles at Kraft Foods. Jenny received her BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois and her MBA from Kellogg Northwestern. Jenny is a long time Chicago resident and enjoys the diversity and all the city has to offer – architecture, neighborhood events, and activities along the lakefront. Jenny is a member of Breakthrough’s founding church, First Evangelical Free Church, and has watched Breakthrough grow from the beginning.

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

I have been a fan and friend of Breakthrough from its very early days. What has impressed me most about Breakthrough is the dignity they offer to all of their guests. Because of the compassion and excellence of the staff, there is a noticeable difference in the impact of the services offered. This sense of care and community extends to the volunteers and donors as well. Being a part of the Breakthrough family has formed my passion for social justice issues and taught me much about God’s care for the marginalized in our society.

DeJuan Lever is currently Regional Sales and Marketing Manager at Diesel Radiator. During DeJuan’s 18-year career, he has generated multi-million dollar plus savings for Fortune 500 companies and secured multi-million dollar sales contracts among industrial manufacturing companies. He is the father to three children – London, Lane and Lawson – ages 5 months to 8 years old, and a proud husband to Dr. Karen Fields-Lever – a premier Dentist servicing Chicagoland. His family are proud residents of the city of Chicago, living in the Portage Park neighborhood and members of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church on the south side of Chicago. Although DeJuan considers himself a Chicagoan, he and his wife maintain their homegrown allegiance to the state of Michigan as avid Detroit Lions and Detroit Pistons fans. He earned a BA in Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University and an Executive MBA at Purdue University.

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

My commitment to Breakthrough began after meeting the organization’s founder, Arloa Sutter. Her background and story for Breakthrough has benefited tens of thousands of people throughout Chicago. Breakthrough mimics the volunteerism I wanted to replicate during my early childhood back in Flint, Michigan. I want to ensure my children have this very same experience. Breakthrough’s mission, values, and key concepts are tenets all organizations should emulate.

Derreck has over 25 years of leadership, management, delivery ,and sales experience, and he has over 19 years of experience focused in professional services and consultative selling. Upon graduating from Drexel University in 1993 with degrees in Finance and Economics, Derreck has worked for JPMorgan Chase, Siemens, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and IBM. He has held various national and regional leadership roles since joining Deloitte in 2007. Today, Derreck is the National Sales Director for the ServiceNow offering and provides oversight for five additional market offerings managing sales teams that deliver more than $250 million annually. Derreck is a Corporate Citizen of the Year nominee for the Executives’ Club of Chicago. Outside of work, Derreck enjoys spending time with his wife Melanie and their kids, Amber, Zachary, Camryn, and Brandon. Making a difference in the lives of others and a relentless focus on diversity and inclusion are what fuels his passion. Oh! Derreck is also an avid Philadelphia sports team fan – Go Eagles!

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

Simply put, Breakthrough makes a difference! The intersection of the Breakthrough families, guests, staff, and volunteers to build connections, develop skills, and open doors of opportunity is a model that works. As a person who understands and was a direct recipient of community service, I have an immense sense of responsibility to give back. Breakthrough is irresistible, and I am drawn by the faith, love, and passion to serve the people of East Garfield Park.

Arloa is the founder and visionary leader for Breakthrough. She began Breakthrough when she simply responded to a need and began serving hot coffee and lunch to the homeless. Arloa holds a Doctorate of Ministry degree from the Bakke Graduate University and an MA in Urban Mission from Lincoln Christian Seminary. She also authored The Invisible: How the Church Can Find and Serve the Least of These. Arloa’s favorite part of Breakthrough is the people. They are from such varied backgrounds and walks of life. Everyday she gets to see people come together, infused by the love of God, to overcome barriers and make life better for one another. In her free time, Arloa enjoys spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. She also likes hiking and and camping in the woods. She is a farmer at heart and enjoys gardening and woodworking.