Introducing the Fall 2024 Peer Mentoring Class

By Noelle Moore, JD, CFRE, Vice President, Strategy and Implementation, The HAP Foundation

The Peer Mentoring Committee recently welcomed the Fall 2024 Class of 13 pairs of protégés and mentors who will connect over the next 12 months for partnership, conversation, career exploration, networking, and growth. Program participants represent a range of nonprofit sectors, including arts and culture, human services, education, healthcare, community development and consulting.

The class learned more about the program and how they were matched, as well as best practices for a successful peer mentoring relationship during a  virtual kick-off on Friday, November 1. Throughout their year-long commitment to the program, protégés will meet with their mentors at least monthly to discuss their goals and career-related questions, and attend optional programs that include discussion groups and networking opportunities.

The Fall 2024 protégés and mentors are:

• Michael Beenblossom, After School Matters, and Barbara Khalouf, Access Living
• Will Ellis, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Amy Funk, TWB Fundraising
• Tyler Hast, Elgin Master Chorale, and Kristin Raack, CFRE, GPC, AltruNext
• Riley Iaria, United Way of Metro Chicago, and Kristienne Hanna, MBA, WTTW
• Kyle Malone, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Nick Schafer, CFRE, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, a Restorative Justice Hub
• Benjamin Melsky, Dal Niente New Music, NFP, and Joseph Like, CFRE, Orchard Village
• Marsha Morman, Grant Writing Consultant, and Kimberly Vann, CFRE, Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Lauren Noble, Growth for Good, and Kirsten Boyce, Campbell & Company
• Mary Kate Paetow-Fanning, Communities in Schools of Chicago, and Anastasia Schriber, CFRE, University of Chicago
• Katina Pennington, Obama Foundation, and Bill Nalley, Court Theatre
• Blaise Stephens, Illinois Science & Technology Coalition/Education, and Logan Heggemann, University of Chicago
• Hayley Williams, Northwestern Settlement, and Jennifer Dettloff, CFRE, University of Chicago
• Alyssa York, Center for Disability & Elder Law, and Stacey O’Malley, Feeding America

Thank you to all participants, including the Peer Mentoring Committee members who reviewed applications, will support our protégé-mentor pairs over the next year, and will plan and facilitate additional program opportunities. We wish everyone a fantastic experience over the next year.

Applications for the Spring 2025 class will open this winter, with a deadline of Friday, February 21, 2025. For more information, please visit the Peer Mentoring webpage, or contact Christopher Chantson or Jennifer Dettloff, Committee Co-Chairs.

Thank You to our Sponsors