SooJi has been a nonprofit executive for 6 years. In her current position, she manages the day-to-day operations of an $800,000 statewide policy and advocacy organization focused on adolescent sexual health and comprehensive support for young parents. She leads a staff of 10 with a median age of 26. She is responsible for strengthening the agency's fiscal management to enhance accountability, monitoring, and transparency. Previously, as Executive Director of Korean American Community Services, SooJi was responsible for the day-to-day management of a $2 million comprehensive direct service agency and fiscal agent for two off-site senior housing centers with an annual budget of $1.7 million. She led a diverse staff of more than 40 employees. She implemented an organizational restructuring, strengthened financial stability, and enhanced grant compliance. SooJi was recently appointed a Commissioner of the Illinois Human Services Committee. She currently serves as Treasurer of Chicago Women in Philanthropy. She earned master's degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. She is a 2007 Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Delegate and a 2006 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow. She is a 2010 Chicago Foundation for Women Impact Award Honoree and a 2010 Chicago Community Trust Fellow.
Dhiren has been involved in financial management for 25 years. In his current position, he is a financial management consultant. Dhiren has been a Consultant, Board Member, and turnaround management expert. Previously, as CFO at Francis W Parker School, Dhiren suggested and closed on a 23.7 million tax exempt bond deal. He was responsible for Human Resources, Facilities Management, overseer of construction, and other operational issues of the school. Before that, he worked as CFO at Bethel New Life. Dhiren currently serves as interim treasurer for Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly. He earned Bachelors in Business from University of Bombay, and a Masters in Banking from Indian Institute of Bankers. He is a member of IL CPA Society.
Lea Ann has been involved in fundraising for 25 years. In her current position, she is responsible for identifying opportunities to work with small and medium-sized non-profits and their middle-income donors. She advises clients on the budget process by recommending a revenue mix, staffing to achieve the desired results and the expense items required to facilitate success in generating the selected revenue streams. Previously, as Executive Director, Waubonsee Community College Foundation at Waubonsee Community College, Lea Ann was responsible for coordinating the projects of the WCC Foundation including the budget process. Before that, she worked as Director of Development at Community Renewal Society where she was responsible for raising funds from individuals, corporations, foundations, churches and community groups to implement the mission of CRS. Lea Ann currently serves as Chairperson, Missions Committee for Yorkville Congregational Church, UCC. She earned Bachelor of Arts in Business from Fontbonne College and a Master of Science in Journalism from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She is a member of Kaneland WINS. She has worked as the chief grant writer on teams that have raised more than $45 million for nonprofit organizations across the sector: arts, education, environment, healthcare and social services.
The seminar will be taking place at the University Center Conference Center Chicago, which is located in the heart of Downtown Chicago, at State Street and Congress Parkway. Cabs are continually on call if you have to get back to the office quickly. Parking is nearby, abundant and inexpensive.
The full address is: University Center 525 South State Street Chicago, IL 60605
The December 13th Leadership Series Seminar will take place in the Private Dining Room.
For area map and directions, please visit: http://www.universitycenterconference.com/overviewnew/location
Public Transportation: The closest CTA stop is the Library/Van Buren Stop on the Orange and Brown Lines. University Center is one block South on State Street. The Red Line stop is at the corner of Harrison and State which is across the street from the building. Driving Directions: From the Southwest (I-55 Stevenson Expressway) Proceed east to the end of I-55 to North Lake Shore Drive. Continue north (towards downtown) on Lake Shore Drive to Balbo Street. Turn left on Balbo to State Street; turn right on State Street. Continue one block. University Center will be on your right between Harrison Street and Congress Parkway.
From the South (I-57 to I-94 Dan Ryan Expressway) Exit at Congress Parkway. Drive east towards downtown to State Street. Turn right on State Street. University Center will be on your left between Congress Parkway and Harrison Street.
From the North (I-90/94 Kennedy/Edens Expressway) Exit at Congress Parkway. Drive east towards downtown to State Street. Turn right on State Street. University Center will be on your left between Congress Parkway and Harrison Street.
From the West (I-290 Eisenhower Expressway) I-290 turns into Congress Parkway at it nears downtown. Continue driving east to State Street. Turn right on State Street. University Center will be on your left between Congress Parkway and Harrison Street.
Parking: University Center does not have dedicated parking. However, there are a number of parking garages and lots surrounding the building. Parking locations are shown on the Area Map: http://www.universitycenterconference.com/documents/map.pdf
Hotels: Most hotels near the venue are within the $135 - $250 per night range. The following hotels are within a one-mile radius of the venue: Holiday Inn Chicago-Mart Plaza BOOK NOW .2 miles from venue Residence Inn Downtown Chicago River North BOOK NOW .5 miles from venue SpringHill Suites Chicago Downtown BOOK NOW .5 miles from venue Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown BOOK NOW .5 miles from venue Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown BOOK NOW .6 miles from venue
Our unique one-on-one mentoring sessions offer you the opportunity to sit down with an experienced fundraising professional for 30 minutes to discuss any questions that are specific to your organization. Mentoring sessions cover the same topics as the seminars, and we will assign you a mentor based on his/her availability at your requested times.
Mentoring sessions are available for the cost of $0.00 per session. If you register for a full Summit pass, 0 mentoring sessions are included in the pass.
Below is a list of mentors who will be available at the Summit. Please note that you must register to attend at least one seminar in order to sign up for a mentor.
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$ 110.00
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
