Taking the Lead
Katrina
Katrina is a solutions-driven professional with over 8 years of experience in strategically integrating people, processes, and technologies to enhance productivity and operational excellence. Her robust career includes key roles across a Fortune 500 company, real estate, global alternative asset managers, and a leading financial research firm.
Committed to advocacy, Katrina serves as a Young Professionals Board Member for Between Friends, supporting initiatives like legal assistance and art therapy for families affected by domestic violence. She is also a member of The Lions Club and has served on UNICEF’s Congressional Action Board. Her volunteer history includes mentoring roles with organizations such as WITS and After School Matters.
Katrina is currently pursuing an ABA-approved Legal Studies program to enhance her expertise in advocacy for children and families. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from DePaul University and has completed entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership programs from Cornell University and the Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management.
Carson
Carson is a seasoned sales and marketing professional with a passion for healthcare technology. Carson has worked with three Fortune 500 companies and currently manages healthcare channel partners for a global company that specializes in enterprise asset intelligence solutions.
Carson is also a former DCFS licensed foster parent and Boys and Girls club volunteer of the year tutor and mentor. Her personal experience have contributed to her active involvement in advocating for much needed improvements in child welfare in the state of Illinois.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Marquette University, majoring in International Business and Marketing with a minor in French.
Jan
Jan is a strategic finance leader with a drive for process improvements utilizing system integrations/technology to deliver optimal organizational performance. She currently works as an Accounting Director for a global professional association serving in the digital trust sector. Her background includes roles with a highly prestigious accounting firm, publicly traded and privately held companies.
Jan earned an MBA with a concentration in Finance, and Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Accounting; she is also a CPA with the state of Illinois.
Through Jan’s personal experience with family court, she aims to be a voice for the voiceless in advocating for child welfare – ensuring that each child receives the protection, safety, care and treatment that they desperately need and deserve.
Rowena
Rowena brings over 20 years of experience as a network and technical engineer at leading telecommunications companies. In addition to a robust technical career, Rowena is a published author, releasing both fiction and nonfiction works under three different pen names.
Rowena holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Now serving on the board of Unity for Children, Rowena leverages a unique blend of analytical expertise and creative insight to advocate for the welfare of children in our community.
ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBER
The application for our 2026-2028 Associate Board is now open. The application closes Friday, Dec. 29, at 12 p.m. United States Central Time.
Illinois children needs you! The Unity for Children Associate Board is a committed group of emerging leaders and professionals who share a deep belief in our mission: ensuring that every child’s safety, healing, and empowerment are at the center of every system. Associate Board Members bring their skills, passion, and vision to strengthen the organization during its formative years and beyond.
The Associate Board serves in an advisory and ambassadorial capacity, helping drive the long-term sustainability, visibility, and impact of Unity for Children. Members support the organization through strategic guidance, fundraising efforts, community outreach, event leadership, and cross-sector advocacy. Their work plays a critical role in advancing the Center of Healing initiative and helping build a future where healing—not harm—is the norm for every child.
Join the team
At Unity for Children, we are united by one mission: to prioritize the safety, healing, and empowerment of every child. We are always looking for passionate, talented individuals—students, professionals, and volunteers alike—who want to make a real impact in the lives of children and families.
Whether you’re interested in marketing, fundraising, program support, or advocacy, joining our team gives you the opportunity to contribute your skills, learn from experts, and help shape innovative programs like the Healing First Initiative.
Why Join Us?
Make a meaningful difference in children’s lives
Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations and leadership
Build your professional network across child advocacy and social services
Work alongside a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and board members
Ready to make an impact?
Join our Movement! Be a changemaker!
Once a Child Council
or check our other volunteer opportunities
Be part of the solution
Join our Coalition
Contact us
If you have media requests, questions, or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out using the contact form.
For volunteer, leadership, and collaboration opportunities, please visit our Join the Movement page.