Youth Outlook is seeking new Board Members with finance or legal expertise to help guide it into its next era.
Every week, LGBTQ+ young people across Illinois walk into a Youth Outlook Drop-In Center and find a space where they are safe, supported, and celebrated. Behind that work is a Board of Directors that helps make sure those spaces stay strong, sustainable, and ready for whatever comes next.
Youth Outlook is now recruiting Board Members with professional or lived experience in finance or law. For people who want to put their skills to work for LGBTQ+ youth, this is a chance to shape the future of an organization that has shown up for young people for nearly three decades.
A Strong Foundation for What Comes Next
Youth Outlook has served LGBTQ+ youth in Illinois since 1998. It is the state’s first and longest-running nonprofit dedicated to this work. Today, Youth Outlook supports young people ages 5 to 24 across DuPage, Kane, Whiteside, LaSalle, DeKalb, Will, Peoria, and suburban Cook Counties, as well as virtually, through Drop-In Centers, caregiver support, health and wellness navigation, and community education.
That work has earned statewide recognition. Youth Outlook received the Illinois Department of Human Rights’ 2025 Illinois Human Rights Award. The organization has also earned Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency three years in a row, in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
This is also a milestone moment. Founding Executive Director Nancy Mullen will retire after more than 28 years of leadership, and Carolyn Wahlskog will step into the role of Executive Director on January 31, 2027. New Board Members will join at a time when their guidance can help carry Youth Outlook’s mission forward with continuity and strength.
“Youth Outlook is entering one of the most meaningful seasons in our history,” said Emily Simonson (she/they), Board Chair of Youth Outlook. “As we honor Nancy’s legacy and welcome Carolyn as our next Executive Director, we’re looking for board members who bring strong financial and legal thinking and a real commitment to LGBTQ+ young people. This is a hands-on board. The people who join us now will help build the foundation that keeps affirming spaces open for young people across Illinois for years to come.”
Where Your Expertise Makes a Difference
Board Members with financial expertise can help support:
- Financial health, budgeting, reporting, and stewardship
- Risk awareness and long-term sustainability
- Sound governance and strategic decision-making
Board Members with legal expertise can help support:
- Legal compliance and risk management
- Organizational safeguards, policies, and governance
- Informed decision-making as Youth Outlook grows
These skills protect the programs young people rely on. When the organization is financially sound and well governed, a young person can keep coming back to a Drop-In Center where 87% of participants return each week.
What Board Service Looks Like
Youth Outlook’s Board is a working board. Members can expect:
- A 2-year renewable term
- 10 to 20 hours per month
- Monthly board meetings
- Service on two committees
- Contributing a personally meaningful annual gift
- Support for fundraising and events
Prior Board Experience Is Helpful. It Isn’t Required.
You do not need to have served on a board before to be a strong candidate. Youth Outlook is looking for professional or lived experience in finance or law, and a genuine commitment to LGBTQ+ youth.
If you have been looking for a way to give back that uses what you know best, this may be the right fit.
Express Interest or Refer a Candidate
To express interest in joining the Board, or to refer someone who would be a strong candidate, email boardsearch@youth-outlook.org.
