Community Impact

The Trust is a dedicated team of individuals who strive to make good happen every day. We are honored, challenged and inspired by the daily opportunities to help make change in our communities. We look forward to connecting with you.

Mural in Auburn Gresham neighborhood.
Photo: A Rahmann Statik mural in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood.

Community Impact

  • Marisa Novara

    Vice President of Community Impact

    Marisa Novara is the vice president of Community Impact at The Chicago Community Trust. In this role, Marisa leads the team that oversees the development…

  • Larissa Mariano

    Executive Assistant for Community Impact

    Larissa Mariano is the executive assistant to the Vice President of Community Impact. In this role, she manages calendars, works to keep the team on…

Addressing Critical Needs

  • Sophia Bolton

    Impact Coordinator

    Sophia Bolton (she/her) is the impact coordinator for the Addressing Critical Needs strategy at The Chicago Community Trust. In this role, she supports Addressing Critical Need’s…

  • Jai Jones

    Project Specialist for the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities

    Jaquanda ‘Jai’ Jones is the project specialist for the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities. She oversees the strategy and dissemination of the $1.5M Chicago…

  • Joanne Otte

    Program Manager

    Joanne Otte is a program manager at The Chicago Community Trust. In this role, she manages the Promoting Wellbeing and Building Pathways to Stability portfolios…

Advocating for Policy Change

  • Ianna Kachoris

    Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy

    Ianna Kachoris is the senior director of policy and advocacy at The Chicago Community Trust. She leads government engagement and the Trust’s local, state and…

  • Jalen Preacely

    Impact Coordinator

    Jalen Preacely is the impact coordinator for the Advocating for Policy Change strategy at The Chicago Community Trust.  In this role, Jalen supports the policy…

  • Aimee Ramirez

    Manager of Policy & Advocacy

    Aimee Ramirez (she/her/ella) serves as manager of policy and advocacy, helping to develop and advance The Chicago Community Trust’s policy strategy. Prior to joining the…

Building Collective Power

  • Iona Calhoun-Battiste

    Senior Director of Community Impact

    Iona Calhoun-Battiste is the senior director of community impact for the Trust’s Building Collective Power strategy. Admired for her ability to cast vision, strategically plan,…

  • Marcus Samuel

    Impact Coordinator

    Marcus Samuel is the impact coordinator for the Building Collective Power strategy at The Chicago Community Trust. In this role, Marcus supports the team’s diverse…

  • Lauren M. Woods

    Program Manager

    Lauren M. Woods is a program manager for the Building Collective Power strategy at The Chicago Community Trust. In this role, she is responsible for…

Catalyzing Neighborhood Investment

  • Christen Wiggins

    Interim Senior Director of Community Impact

    Christen Wiggins is the interim senior director of community impact for the Trust’s Catalyzing Neighborhood Investment strategy. Prior to this role, she oversaw grant making…

  • Chris Eagan

    Program Manager

    Chris Eagan (he/his) is a program manager for the Catalyzing Neighborhood Investment strategy at The Chicago Community Trust. He oversees real estate development, development finance,…

  • Edwin Tobar

    Program Manager

Growing Household Wealth

  • Caleb Herod

    Program Manager

    Caleb Herod (he/his) is a program manager for the Growing Household Wealth strategy at The Chicago Community Trust. He manages efforts to support educational attainment,…

  • Shandra Richardson

    Program Director for Strategic Initiatives

    Shandra Richardson is the program director for strategic initiatives at The Chicago Community Trust. In this role, she is responsible for driving and building on…

  • Matthew Shomo

    Impact Coordinator

    Matt Shomo (he/him) is the impact coordinator for the Growing Household Wealth strategy at The Chicago Community Trust. He helps support Growing Household Wealth’s diverse…

  • Wesley Walker

    Senior Director of Community Impact

    Wesley Walker is the senior director of community impact for the Growing Household Wealth portfolio at The Chicago Community Trust. He joined the Trust from…