Emily B. (she/her)
Board Member, Board Development Committee Member
“The Youth Outlook staff and volunteers who care so deeply and are willing to give so much of themselves motivate me to do all I can to make sure Youth Outlook grows its capacity to serve the LGBTQ+ community.”
Emily uses her well-honed skills and experience and an M.S. in Public Service Management to support the strategic development and long-term viability of Youth Outlook. Her previous professional experience includes managing youth and young adult programs. Emily is devoted to helping young people reach their full potential by making our communities safer, stronger, and more welcoming places to live.
Emily S. (she/her)
Board Member, Board Development Committee Member
“Youth Outlook was my home away from home as a teen. I’m motivated to invest in an organization that invested in me and ensure more young people feel supported to fully become who they are.”
Committed to paying forward the support and empowerment she received from Youth Outlook as a teen, Emily has long been a part of Youth Outlook’s story. She now applies that experience, public administration, and fund development background to her position on the Youth Outlook Board. Emily’s day job is Director of Strategic Initiatives for a national nonprofit.
Jennifer (she/her)
Board Member, Training Committee Chair
“Youth Outlook has given me another outlet to open hearts and minds. I am inspired by the educators, businesses, and community groups who come to us seeking help and resources to become better allies to the LGBTQ+ community.”
Jennifer lends considerable expertise and passion to the Youth Outlook Board. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and proud owner of a mental-health private practice focused on the needs of the LGBTQIA community and those with intersectional identities. Jennifer has extensive training with World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) to provide affirming services to trans individuals and their families.
Ken (he/him)
Board Secretary
“The passion and dedication of the LGBTQ+ allies who are a part of Youth Outlook, the way they show up for friends and family, and support this community, is so rewarding and motivates me to do all I can to help Youth Outlook create more safe spaces for LGBTQ+ teens and their allies.”
Ken brings extensive legal, education, and social work expertise and experience to his responsibilities as Board Secretary, facilitating Youth Outlook’s effective management, compliance, and communication. He spent 29 years as an Illinois attorney and advocated for youth throughout his career in various social work and teaching positions.
Matt (he/him)
Board Member, Board Development Chair
“The bravery of the kids at Youth Outlook as they build on their understanding of self while finding support through a community of likeness motivates me to be a better leader in and for the community.”
Inspired by the bravery of the youth he encountered as a Youth Outlook Drop-In Center volunteer, Matt chose to expand his role, lending his considerable nonprofit talent and experience to his work as Board Development Chair. He has held leadership positions at various nonprofit organizations, including Foundation and Grants Relationship Manager and Director of Philanthropy.
Peg (she/her)
Board Member, Marketing Chair
“I find inspiration in the families who come to Youth Outlook to share their stories, support each other, and navigate the ups and downs together. If I can help connect more families and kids with the resources to be who they are or explore who they are, then I did my job.”
Peg has 25+ years of marketing experience and knowledge gained as founder and president of a local nonprofit organization. Bolstered by an M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications, her marketing and creative talent is essential to advancing Youth Outlook’s strategic communication and fundraising initiatives.
Stephanie (she/her)
Board Chair
“I do this work because it is so rewarding to see kids who often show up nervous and intimidated, after a short time, become leaders among their peers and in their communities, forging connections at a time when the world feels more fragmented than ever.”
A very active LGBTQ+ ally, Stephanie leverages her experience and expertise as a journalist, marketer, and business operations director to help Youth Outlook grow and expand its reach into businesses, organizations, schools, and communities that seek a better understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals and how to support them. She is also board president and founding member of a local pride group.
Marie (she/her)
Board Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair
“Youth Outlook’s mission inspires me. Youth Outlook is an accomplished provider of services for LGBTQ+ youth, and the team strives to do so much more to ensure the world those children grow into is a more welcoming, accepting place.”
A long-time contributor to Youth Outlook, Marie lends her considerable talent and more than two decades of conference and event, continuing education, and marketing management experience to the Youth Outlook Board. She enthusiastically and competently tackles multiple projects for Youth Outlook, including budget oversight, marketing and design, continuing education programs, and annual gala planning.
Jenaleigh (she/her)
Board Member, Client Services Chair
“As a young queer person, my friends and I would have benefitted greatly from safe spaces to be out and feel seen. I am deeply committed to the work of helping this next generation of leaders, creative thinkers, brave advocates, and others be unafraid to live their authentic lives.”
Jenaleigh contributes over a decade of nonprofit human services program experience. A former Youth Outlook intern, she is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW, provisional), a Master of Social Work (MSW), and a Master in Education (MS Ed). She is currently a director of housing services and a therapy provider, working primarily with LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.
Rebecca (she/her)
Chair, Personnel Committee
“I first joined Youth Outlook in 2015 and was so excited to jump in! As an educator, I am driven to make a difference in young people’s lives. I am proud to support Youth Outlook and the great things they are doing for LGBTQ+ youth.”
Rebecca is an accomplished leader who brings extensive skills in education, human resources, volunteer management, and nonprofit organizations to the Youth Outlook Board. She is a Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), a Certified Association Executive (CAE), and holds an MBA. She is an Assistant Professor at a local university and has focused her career on education and nonprofit work.
Cecilia (she/her)
Board Member
“Youth Outlook was there for me when I was a teen, offering me a supportive environment and community where I could engage socially and emotionally to learn more about myself and strengthen my sense of identity. I want to do everything I can to give that opportunity and experience to other kids.”
Cecilia’s involvement with Youth Outlook began as a teen and has had a passion for outreach ever since. She is a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) leader who contributes her proficiency in inclusion strategies, recruitment, and demographic representation to the Youth Outlook Board. She has devoted her career to nonprofit organizations in various leadership roles.