Our Story
Chicago Youth Foundation is a women-led youth development initiative focused on breaking down the financial, cultural and logistical barriers to playing ice sports, offering thousands of children from Metro Chicago’s most diverse communities a chance to experience the thrill of participating in hockey and figure skating.
In the summer of 2011, longtime hockey player and humanitarian, Ray Lilja, decided to give back to the sport he loved by launching a free program that would provide all kids the opportunity to experience the thrill of participating in ice sports in a fun, safe, positive and inclusive environment regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic status.
It was a huge success, but Ray soon realized that in order to create a long-lasting impact, he needed to expand the scope of the investment;
- with families
- with schools
- with community leaders
- with local businesses
Today, Chicago Youth Foundation is a women-led community development organization engaging over 2000 kids and 400 families with the focus specifically on athletics, literacy, mentoring, education and neighborhood engagement. Grassroots and growing organically, we’re excited about the vision of Chicago Youth Foundation: a vision where our kids are cared for and known by name, our teens are graduating and ready for what’s next, our families are strong and deeply connected–all under the banner of collaboration and partnership.
Meet Our Women-driven Leadership Team
Bringing Access, Opportunity and Equity to ice sports for all Metro Chicago youth requires an incredible team. We’re grateful to have some of the most innovative and committed leaders guiding our organization.
Ami Parekh
Executive Director
Erin Proctor
Hockey Director
Darcy Rachel
Fund Development
Grant Writing
Athena Wenger
Skating Program Manager
Chelsea Ridley
Community Outreach
Katia Buzinova
Skating Program Director
Danielle Warren
Fund Development
Maura Diptula
Fund Development
Linda Khezami
Skating Program Director
Ann Marie Shipstad
Program Development
Bella Walsh
Communications
Bree McLuen
Fund Development
Caroline Hohner
Program Development
Amanda Urquhart
Program Development
Brianna Chang
Program Development
Ria Basu
Fund Development
Grant Writing
Michelle Bever
Program Development
Emma Bunda
Program Development
Robyn Tantleff
Program Development
Sara Tantleff
Program Development
Meet Our Advisory Board
We are so fortunate to have our incredible volunteer advisory board, providing new, exciting ideas that take our programs and activities to the next level.
Tim Weaver
Partnerships Chicago Wolves Hockey (AHL)
Jennifer Dooley
Inner-City Community Engagement
Sonia Ruparell MD
Sports Medicine Physician
Jay Preston Moore
Academic Enrichment
After School Matters
Brad Duff-Hudkins
Marketing Director
The Heritage Foundation
Alex Martinez
Development
Major Gifts & Grants
John Gannon
Finance
GeoWealth
Jordan Mann
Skating Director
Oakton Ice Arena
Filip Modracek
Web Dev & Digital Marketing
Radiant Digital Marketing
Carson Poole
Chicago Community Organizer
Casey Cheatham
Youth Intervention Specialist
Chicago Public Schools
William Harris
Data & Impact Management
Chicago Public Schools
Scott Cook
Hockey Coordinator
Meet Our Ambassadors
Chicago Youth Foundation Ambassadors are world changers and industry leaders, representing the fields of entertainment, sports, business and beyond. They demonstrate leadership in their professions and serve as positive role models through their work. Our distinguished Ambassadors play a critical role in raising awareness of the needs for Metro Chicago children, and have continued to use their talent and fame to fundraise, advocate, and educate on behalf of Chicago Youth Foundation.
Charles 'Scooter' Vaughan
Chicago Wolves Alumni (AHL)
Carmen DeFalco
Talk Show Host
NESPN Chicago
Scott Powers
Journalist
The Athletic
Ravi Baichwal
News Anchor
ABC7 Chicago
Greg Dutra
Meteorologist:
ABC7 Chicago
Evan F. Moore
Journalist, Co-Author:
Game Misconduct
Ray Lilja
Founder
Chicago Youth Foundation
Meet Our Mentors, Coaches, Volunteers Team
Youth thrive with the support from a caring mentor who notices them - and their potential. Chicago Youth Foundation helps kids grow into confident, capable adults. Currently, one in three young people will grow up without a mentor. Young people who meet regularly with a mentor are 40 percent more likely to graduate on time and 55 percent more likely to enroll in college.
