Young Professionals Council
Youth Professional Council (YPC), TCEP's new initiative, will provide a space for young professionals 21-30 to develop personal leadership skills while growing their professional networks as they support TCEP in fundraising and stakeholder engagement. Join us for an info session for more information and to learn how to join.
APPLICATION
EXTENDED​
Sunday
June 2nd, 2024
at
11:59pm
Interested in Applying?
Application Due
Friday May 24th by Midnight
​
Interviews
Saturday June 1st
​
Please submit application to ollintcep@tcepchicago.org with the subject heading as: "Your First, Last Name - YPC 2024" with your resume attached.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
2024-2025
Lilia Escobar
Capacity Building Program Manager
The Resurrection Project
Lilia Escobar is the Capacity Building Program Manager at The Resurrection Project where she has helped design and implement a first-of-its kind program called the Colibrà Fellowship for DOJ Accreditation. Previously, Lilia worked for 33rd Ward Alderperson Rossana Rodriguez's office handling communications, Ward infrastructure, City services, and various collaborative community initiatives. In all of her positions, she has utilized her knowledge of immigration law which comes from her two years providing support on legal cases for Detained immigrants and LGBT immigrants at the National Immigrant Immigrant Justice Center. Her background is in community organizing in the working class immigrant neighborhood of Albany Park, Chicago. Lilia holds BAs in Social Work, Sociology/Anthropology, and Race & Ethnic Studies from St. Olaf College.
Lizbeth Gutierrez
Case manager
The Salvation Army LaVillita Corps
Lizbeth is a case manager with The Salvation Army in La Villita. Her role involves supporting families in moments of crisis and facilitating their journey toward stability by establishing connections with community organizations. Previously, she worked as a Youth Care Worker at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, where she mentored and led groups focused on mental and emotional growth and developed intervention plans for youth and their families. Lizbeth holds a BA in Sociology/Anthropology with a concentration in Human Services from Monmouth College. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring new restaurants in Chicago, and going on bike rides.
Alejandra Reyes
Resource Coordinator
Enlance Chicago at McCormick Elementary
Alejandra Reyes is a Resource Coordinator with Enlace Chicago at McCormick Elementary since 2019. Alejandra’s role is to be the liaison between the school and Enlace in order to provide resources, programs and events that target the needs of the community school as a whole. All through collaborating with admin, managing the grant and building trusting relationships with the students & families. She was part of Ollin for years before transitioning to her role at Enlace. Alejandra is working towards obtaining her Bachelors in her desired career -education. She is passionate about working in her community. Her favorite color is pink, her dream dog is a golden retriever, sunny days are her favorite and taking walks is now her favorite hobby.
Herminia Sanchez- Gonzalez
Student Voice Support
CPS Department of Student Voice& Engagement
Herminia Sanchez-Gonzalez was born and raised in La Villita, Chicago. Herminia supports Student Voice through her work in The CPS Department of Student Voice & Engagement. As student voice support, she connects with students across Chicago and in partnership creates opportunities for other students districtwide. She received her Bachelors in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Herminia is also a proud Farragut Career Academy alum, the place where her passion for advocacy began. Herminia believes youth can create change in their communities and as adults we are responsible for creating spaces that nurture and strengthen their agency. Herminia also enjoys cooking a variety of foods, gardening and going on nature walks!
Isabel Martinez
Youth Program Coordinator
Telpochcalli Community Education Project
Isabel is a Youth Program Coordinator at Telpochcalli Community Education Project in Little Village. She is in her last year at The University of Illinois Chicago pursuing a BA in Business Management Administration with a minor in Real Estate. She is currently serving as an executive board member of the Real Estate Club and is a member of Association of Latino Professionals for America at UIC. She has been actively involved in her community from a young age, she worked hands-on with various initiatives, developing skills in leadership and community outreach. She is proud to serve as a coordinator, working to enhance opportunities for young people. Her experiences have fueled her passion for mentorship and community service. She is eager to connect with like-minded individuals and explore opportunities that will allow her to blend her academic knowledge. Some interesting facts about her are that she is a 1st Generation student, the oldest of 4 siblings, and has 2 baby turtles!
Isabel Martinez
Youth Program Coordinator
Telpochcalli Community Education Project
Isabel is a Youth Program Coordinator at Telpochcalli Community Education Project in Little Village. She is in her last year at The University of Illinois Chicago pursuing a BA in Business Management Administration with a minor in Real Estate. She is currently serving as an executive board member of the Real Estate Club and is a member of Association of Latino Professionals for America at UIC. She has been actively involved in her community from a young age, she worked hands-on with various initiatives, developing skills in leadership and community outreach. She is proud to serve as a coordinator, working to enhance opportunities for young people. Her experiences have fueled her passion for mentorship and community service. She is eager to connect with like-minded individuals and explore opportunities that will allow her to blend her academic knowledge. Some interesting facts about her are that she is a 1st Generation student, the oldest of 4 siblings, and has 2 baby turtles!
Isabel Martinez
Youth Program Coordinator
Telpochcalli Community Education Project
Isabel is a Youth Program Coordinator at Telpochcalli Community Education Project in Little Village. She is in her last year at The University of Illinois Chicago pursuing a BA in Business Management Administration with a minor in Real Estate. She is currently serving as an executive board member of the Real Estate Club and is a member of Association of Latino Professionals for America at UIC. She has been actively involved in her community from a young age, she worked hands-on with various initiatives, developing skills in leadership and community outreach. She is proud to serve as a coordinator, working to enhance opportunities for young people. Her experiences have fueled her passion for mentorship and community service. She is eager to connect with like-minded individuals and explore opportunities that will allow her to blend her academic knowledge. Some interesting facts about her are that she is a 1st Generation student, the oldest of 4 siblings, and has 2 baby turtles!
Daniela Hernandez
Domestic Violence Community Educator
Mujeres Latinas en Acción
With a profound commitment to community education and advocacy, Daniela Hernandez has dedicated her career to raising awareness about domestic violence. Daniela’s journey in advocacy began a few years ago, fueled by a passion for social justice and a desire to empower those affected by domestic violence. She has worked tirelessly to create educational programs and resources that inform and support survivors, as well as educate the public and key stakeholders about the complexities and impact of domestic violence. Daniela holds a BS in Learning Sciences and Ethnic Studies from Northwestern University. Daniela's approach is holistic and inclusive, recognizing the multifaceted nature of domestic violence and the importance of addressing it from multiple angles. She advocates for policy changes, promotes preventive measures, and supports initiatives that provide direct aid to victims."
Isabel Martinez
Youth Program Coordinator
Telpochcalli Community Education Project
Isabel is a Youth Program Coordinator at Telpochcalli Community Education Project in Little Village. She is in her last year at The University of Illinois Chicago pursuing a BA in Business Management Administration with a minor in Real Estate. She is currently serving as an executive board member of the Real Estate Club and is a member of Association of Latino Professionals for America at UIC. She has been actively involved in her community from a young age, she worked hands-on with various initiatives, developing skills in leadership and community outreach. She is proud to serve as a coordinator, working to enhance opportunities for young people. Her experiences have fueled her passion for mentorship and community service. She is eager to connect with like-minded individuals and explore opportunities that will allow her to blend her academic knowledge. Some interesting facts about her are that she is a 1st Generation student, the oldest of 4 siblings, and has 2 baby turtles!
Diana Amador
Community Concierge Manager
Runner Family YMCA
Diana Amador is a Community Concierge Manager at the Rauner Family YMCA in Chicago, where she fosters connections and supports community growth. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Communication and an Art minor, Diana is a proud Mexican American daughter who is passionate about empowering her community. She adores supporting families in the Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods, ensuring their safety and creating spaces for connection. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, jogging, and contributing to local arts initiatives. Diana also serves on the Board of the Young Professional Council at Telpochcalli Community Education Project, where she leads fundraising and community events to inspire positive change.
Isabel Martinez
Youth Program Coordinator
Telpochcalli Community Education Project
Isabel is a Youth Program Coordinator at Telpochcalli Community Education Project in Little Village. She is in her last year at The University of Illinois Chicago pursuing a BA in Business Management Administration with a minor in Real Estate. She is currently serving as an executive board member of the Real Estate Club and is a member of Association of Latino Professionals for America at UIC. She has been actively involved in her community from a young age, she worked hands-on with various initiatives, developing skills in leadership and community outreach. She is proud to serve as a coordinator, working to enhance opportunities for young people. Her experiences have fueled her passion for mentorship and community service. She is eager to connect with like-minded individuals and explore opportunities that will allow her to blend her academic knowledge. Some interesting facts about her are that she is a 1st Generation student, the oldest of 4 siblings, and has 2 baby turtles!
Pablo Rodriguez
Avanza Post Secondary Coach
Enlace Chicago
Pablo Rodriguez is a proud Queer Undocumented Mexican-American who was raised in Houston, Texas but is now proud to call Chicago home. Through his time in these two amazing cities he has become obsessed with urban planning, education, cultural immersion, and social justice. Pablo got a degree from Northwestern university where he studied Latina/o studies with a certificate in Energy and Sustainability. Pablo is constantly looking for new opportunities to learn and engage across the city, which influences him to become an active volunteer with organizations like Openlands, Little Village Environmental Coalition, and Plant Chicago. Pablo is currently working as a Post Secondary Coach with Enlace Chicago at two Little Village CPS schools. Pablo hopes to merge his love for education, urban planning, and green spaces by hoping to become a Arborist and Urban Planner to continue the work of advocating for green spaces especially in areas that need it the most like Black and Brown communities.