I get to shape our overall grantmaking strategy and oversee multiple programs that help strengthen our grantee organizations. I bring a racial equity lens to this work which, combined with our gender lens, helps increase CFW’s effectiveness. My longtime involvement with Re-evaluation Counseling, a peer counseling and social change organization, has given me tools around addressing inequity which I regularly utilize in my role at CFW. My years as Editor & Publisher of The Chicago Reporter gave me a good understanding of how these issues specifically affect Chicago, and introduced me to the network of activists and advocates working hard on these issues. Serving as Leadership Greater Chicago fellow, and Edgar Fellow and participating in the Chicago Network (of women executives) provides me with a network of professionals from multiple sectors who help me in thinking of ways to broaden CFW’s reach and impact.