Chair

Raven King, Esq.

As an in-house Legal Counsel with Revolut, a global financial super-app and financial technology company, headquartered in London, Raven King is responsible for commercial contract drafting and negotiating, data privacy, regulatory, and risk management matters. Prior to Revolut, Raven worked in the tech industry and entertainment and sports industries with Ultra Music Festival, the Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings.

Additionally, Raven is a philanthropist and entrepreneur as Co-Owner of Nati’s Pure, LLC, a natural skincare company, which sells soaps and whipped shea body butters. Raven King holds both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Law in Entertainment, Arts & Sports from the University of Miami School of Law and received her Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Sports and Tourism with a concentration in Sports Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois.

Raven King is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Personally, Raven King is a proud mother and a laid-back family- and friend-oriented person who enjoys genuine and authentic connections and loves to spend quality time with those that she loves, creating new memories. She is profoundly interested and engaged in spirituality, self-care, mental health, journaling, dancing, Pilates and cycling, and domestic violence support efforts.

Vice Chair

Brittany Croone

Brittany has always had a passion for working towards systems change while also providing direct support to those around her. Everywhere she goes, Brittany works to help cultivate inclusive cultures where all feel valued, supported, and appreciated. Although an Atlanta native, Brittany spent almost a decade working in the K-12 public education landscape in Chicago, as a high school special education teacher, new teacher coach, and charter school network administrator. She has since pivoted to the tech industry, working first in Learning and Development and now as a global diversity, equity, and inclusion strategist at Google. When not working, Brittany loves to draw, paint, read, garden, try new recipes and restaurants, and laugh endlessly with family and friends

Secretary

Keyana Marshall

Renowned for her creativity, productivity, and generosity, Keyana Marshall stands as a dedicated leader of color within the nonprofit sector. Serving as the CEO and Principal Consultant of MINNIE SOLUTIONS AND EVENTS, her consultancy agency empowers nonprofit organizations with human support, resources, and services, ensuring impactful and sustainable outcomes.
Keyana holds a B.A. in Communication with a specialization in PR and Advertising. With a rich background as an arts administrator and development professional, she brings unwavering passion and commitment to achieving top-tier results in her endeavors. Guided by values of inclusivity, creativity, curiosity, collaboration, and optimism, her 14 years of nonprofit leadership promise to fortify organizational structures and generate purposeful impact.

Throughout her impressive career, Keyana has collaborated with esteemed organizations such as the Joffrey Ballet, Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Tony Award-winning Goodman Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center, among others.

Keyana Marshall has achieved notable recognition and milestones throughout her career, underscoring her impactful contributions in the field. In 2020-2021, she distinguished herself as the Arts and Culture Leader of Color Fellow, a prestigious acknowledgment bestowed by Americans for the Arts. Subsequently, in 2023, Keyana demonstrated her leadership prowess by participating in the American Express Leadership Academy, a program facilitated by Common Purpose. Her commitment to advancing diversity and empowerment was further underscored by her participation in the 2023 Black Women in Nonprofit Leadership program, organized by Connections Multiplied, Too.

Her agency, MINNIE SOLUTIONS AND EVENTS, has played a pivotal role in offering consultation, event production, and exceptional fundraising support to notable entities like Dementia Care Warriors, BTAY Foundation, Michelle N. Gibson, and many others.

Keyana Marshall’s commitment to nonprofits extends beyond her professional achievements, embodying a personal mission to give back and uplift others and fueled by a deep-rooted passion for making a positive impact.Keyana Marshall exemplifies a leader who not only excels in her field but also embodies the true spirit of philanthropy, leaving an indelible mark on the nonprofit landscape.

Treasurer

Kerease Epps-James, Esq.

Kerease is a proud Chicago native who has a strong dedication to creating a world where all children are afforded access to an equitable education which she has used as her guiding principle for her career. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy and Loyola University Chicago School of Law where she served as a Child Law Fellow. She is currently an Assistant General Counsel for the Chicago Board of Education. She has experience working in Family and Education Law where she remains an advocate for families and children of color. Prior to her work as an attorney, Kerease worked as a Policy Fellow at the Illinois State Board of Education and taught fourth grade in Detroit, Michigan before returning to Chicago where she taught 12th Grade which has acted as a foundation for her life’ work thus far.

When not working to close the education gap and eradicate the school to prison pipeline, Kerease enjoys working in her community garden, bowling with her family, and reading novels with the “Black Girl Book Club”. Her most impressive work to date however is being the proud parent, alongside her spouse, of her daughter, Addison.

Board Member

Nick Conley

Nick Conley is a seasoned professional currently serving as the Experience and Design Manager at Ethos Event Collective. With a passion for creating impactful experiences, Nick brings a wealth of expertise in event management and design to the non-profit sector.

In addition to his role at Ethos Event Collective, Nick serves as the Fundraising Chair for the Iota Delta Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. His dedication to community upliftment is further demonstrated by his position as the Gala Chair for the Ideal Education Foundation. Under his leadership, the foundation achieved a remarkable milestone, setting a record for the highest funds raised in the gala’s 27-year history.

Adaptable and forward-thinking, Nick successfully navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Gala Chair, he orchestrated the seamless transition from an in-person event to a digital format, ensuring the foundation’s mission continued undeterred. Subsequently, he skillfully guided the return to an in-person format, showcasing his commitment to overcoming obstacles for the greater good.

With a background in catering and extensive non-profit experience, Nick Conley has a proven track record of making a positive impact. His involvement in the local community extends beyond professional duties, reflecting a genuine commitment to supporting the next generation. Nick’s long history of community support, combined with his professional acumen, positions him as a valuable asset to any non-profit board. His dedication to creating meaningful experiences and fostering positive change aligns seamlessly with the mission of The BTAY Foundation, seeking to make a lasting impact.

Board Member

Dr. Alyssa Hogan, AGPCNP

Alyssa is a Registered Nurse who understands the importance of providing health education and healthcare for all people, while maintaining a particular interest in providing primary care in people of color. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, where she was initiated into thee Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is currently completing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago, to become an Adult – Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She currently works in Dermatology at Northwestern Medicine and in the Pain Management/Special Procedures at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Alyssa is co-owner of Around We Go, LLC which is a Chicago based photobooth company that focuses on elevating your special day with a picture-perfect view all around.

Most importantly, Alyssa is a firm believer in putting family and friends first. She prioritizes and cherishes time spent with those she loves and cares for.

Board Member

Cindy Beasley

South-side Chicago native Cindy Beasley has spent nearly the past decade building her expertise in the media world through production work for companies such as Turner Classic Films, CNBC, and VH1. Cindy is a creative first, always pioneering art concepts through different mediums such as live experiences, podcasts, fashion exhibitions, and blogs to name a few. Shortly after completing her Masters of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises at Northwestern University, Cindy launched her Chicago-based production company, Morally Cinful Productions. The company’s motto is “production with a purpose”, as executed through producing witty podcasts, curating unforgettable live event experiences, and partnering with influential CEOs to take their brand operations to the next level. Cindy is deeply committed to  serving and inspiring others, and is greatly passionate about facilitating critical conversations in different environments.

Board Member

Hameed Bello

Hameed Bello, a seasoned IT professional that hails from Chicago, Illinois. He earned his Masters degree in Technology Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Born and partially raised in Chicago, Hameed’s childhood took an international twist as he spent part of it living in Lagos, Nigeria. This provided him with a diverse perspective that would later influence his personal & professional journey.

During his collegiate years, where he not only gained a strong academic foundation but also discovered a creative outlet of building websites. This led him to venture into part-time web development, eventually founding his own Web Services company, Webkube Studio. With a rich background in managing tech processes and solutions, Hameed has contributed his expertise to a number of major corporations before assuming the role of Chief Technology Officer at Eventnoire. Eventnoire is a prominent event discovery and registration platform that benefits from Hameed’s strategic tech leadership.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Hameed enjoys traveling and has a keen interest in sports, particularly Basketball and Soccer. Family holds a special place in his heart, and he dedicates his free time to learn about wealth building and creating lasting memories with loved ones. His commitment to technology, coupled with a zest for life, defines Hameed Bello’s dynamic and multifaceted journey.