About Us

Passion is Energy - YourPassion1st

Our Mission


Inspire under-resourced young adults to overcome adversity and empower them to leverage their passion through mentorships, collaborative events, festivals, and innovative workshops.

Our Vision


A world where our young adults feel empowered to follow their passion and cause a ripple effect, transforming families and communities while inspiring the next generation of youth.

Overview


YourPassion1st is a unique international non-profit organization 501(c)3 that empowers under-resourced young adults to find, define, and follow their passion into the workforce or entrepreneurship, becoming the world’s future innovators.

We look to transform communities by inspiring young adults to pursue their passion through:

  • Mentorships
  • Collaborative events & festivals
  • Innovative workshops
  • Coaching and mentoring programs
  • Project-based learning experiences

Numerous young adults around the world are suffering from depression and other mental health challenges as they strive to “fit the mold” society lays out for them. But what if that’s not the path everyone is meant to walk?

We are actively working on strategies to help young adults turn their passions into careers in Art, Music, Entertainment, Sports/Wellness, Culinary/Nutrition, and more. Our goal is to make neighborhoods safer while minimizing mental health challenges in young adults by providing them the tools and resources necessary to leverage the power of their passion toward earning a sustainable income.

Your support is crucial to our efforts to minimize firearm violence and improve the state of mind of our young adults and communities here in Chicago as well as in Brazil & South Africa. Not only will you be making the world a better place today, but the values, drive, and passion these young adults take into the real world will create a positive example and ripple effect for years to come.

Board of Directors

Chris Thomas - Your Passion1st Board of Directors

Chris Thomas – Executive Director, Founder

A former Marine (MP), with 15+ years of entrepreneurial and leadership experience and 10 years in HR and staffing, Chris has learned to create sustainable relationships within corporate environments by listening and understanding the true motives of the organization and its employees. He continues to cultivate and follow his true passion – empowering young adults as well as mentoring and coaching organizations on how to create more equitable hiring processes and strategies.

Chris is amazing at quickly connecting with people and getting to know what they are passionate about creating. His greatest aspirations in life are to provoke change in the world, help people live out their passion, and improve the way communities live and work.

Chris is the Founder and CEO of YourPassion1st, a mentoring program for young adults that focuses on inspiring young adults to find, define, and follow their passion into the workforce through mentoring, coaching, community engagement, workshops, events, and festivals. As founder of YP1 Consulting, Chris is a mentor, coach, and community connector for organizations and community members. He also is the creator/host of the Principles of Passion Podcast. Chris uses this platform to host guests that have overcome adversity while finding, defining, and following their passion into the workforce.

Dr. Orson Morrison

Dr. Orson Morrison – Board Member

Dr. Orson Morrison is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and the co-owner of LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services in Oak Park, Illinois. Dr. Morrison also serves as the Associate Director of Clinical Services for DePaul University Counseling & Psychological Services.

Dr. Morrison has spent his career working with children, adolescents, adults and families that are involved in the child welfare system and those impacted by poverty, social exclusion, violence, and multi-generational trauma. Dr. Morrison previously held positions as the Vice President of Clinical Services at Lawrence Hall Youth Services, Clinical Director of Hartgrove Hospital’s outpatient psychiatric clinic and Director of Psychology Training at Riveredge Hospital. In addition he has taught graduate level psychology courses as an adjunct professor.

Dr. Morrison’s professional interests and areas of expertise include leading behavioral health and social service programs, psychotherapy with under-served children, adolescents, and families, psychological assessment, contemplative practices, and multicultural, decolonial and social justice healing frameworks.

Dr. Morrison obtained a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a Masters in Counseling from Niagara University and a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Psychology from McMaster University.

Tere Wang

Tere Wang – Board Member (Treasurer)

Tere is an experienced financial industry expert turned entrepreneur and Financial Empowerment Coach, serving youth in the K-12 space, Financial Educators, and the broader education industry.  Her 20+ year banking career spanned various positions in the global trade and cash management areas, with past responsibilities in operations, product development, and sales. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and is happy to be back in the city she was born in – Chicago!  Tere is passionate about financially empowering youth and their communities and is excited about supporting Chris and YP1’s mission and vision!

Jonathan Ellwanger

Jonathan Ellwanger – Board Member (Chair)

Jonathan Ellwanger has over three decades of experience working in public education as a distinguished administrator and music educator. He has spent his entire career working to see all students enjoy success while feeling welcomed, included, and known. He had the privilege of serving the William Beye Elementary School community in Oak Park, IL for an incredible 33 years- fifteen as a teacher of general and instrumental music and 18 as principal. He founded the jazz band, and co-founded the Drama Club and Gospel Choir. He led school improvement teams composed of parents and teachers working collaboratively to long before they were expected or in vogue. His passion for servant leadership, diversity, and partnership has allowed him to make a difference for thousands- one student, one teacher, and one family at a a time. He has led workshops locally, regionally and nationally on a variety of educational topics and served for over a decade on the Research Practitioners’ Council of the Minority Student Achievement Network.

Jonathan has been recognized twice as part of the IL State Board of Education’s “Those Who Excel” awards, first as a teacher in 1997 and again as an administrator in 2019. Jonathan was also honored to receive the Staszak Outstanding Educator Award from the Oak Park Education Foundation in 2020. In addition to serving as Chairman of the YP1 Board of Directors, he also serves on the board of Joseph Academy, a therapeutic day school in Melrose Park, IL and is a big brother to a 9th grader with Big Brothers & Big Sisters of VT, where he now resides.

Kim Marzano - Board Member

Kim Marzano – Board Member (Secretary)

Kim has over 25 years of HR leadership within the clinical research and staffing industries. As a consultant and change agent to management on human resource-related issues, Kim develops integrated solutions by formulating partnerships across the HR function to deliver value-added service to executive leadership and employees.

Kim is passionate about philanthropy, serving as the Community Outreach Advocate for Advanced Group.

Kim joined YP1 to help her good friend and former AG Colleague, Chris Thomas, launch his dream of inspiring young adults. Kim and Chris worked together in providing opportunities to young adults in several non-profit organizations and events sponsored by Advanced Group. In 2019, she championed Chris as he launched his dream. Thus, YP1 was born. Kim continues to mentor young adults today. If you are interested in mentoring others, YP1 is always seeking additional mentors and volunteers.

William Wagner

William Wagner – Board Member

A Walter Payton College Prep, Moody Bible Institute, and Moody Theological Seminary grad, Will calls the Austin neighborhood his home. His range of experience – from child care worker, to campus police officer, to management at Enterprise – and love for Chicago inform his service to the West side. Will enthusiastically serves as the SLAM West Program Director because it gives him the opportunity to mentor youth in the city he grew up in.

Although he wishes there was less snow, he has a deep affection for Chicago, sharing: “Just about every good thing grabs me about our city, from the food, CTA, festivals, neighborhood cultures, and how all the streets are on a grid. Even some of the stuff I don’t like, I have immense nostalgia for.” In his free time, Will enjoys strength training, studying the Bible, teaching, sports, movies, and spending time with his family.

Sharif Walker

Sharif Walker – Board Member

Sharif Walker is a change agent who is passionate about serving disadvantaged youth and revitalizing communities. Challenges and changes in family dynamics during his early childhood and adolescent years inspired him to become a community advocate dedicated to providing supportive environments that enable underserved youth on Chicago’s South and West Sides to thrive. A certified youth development practitioner, Sharif’s 20+ year career in Chicago’s philanthropic sector includes stints at the Chicago Park District and managing multi-million-dollar budgets, strategic partnerships, and teams at the nationally recognized, out-of-school time organization, After School Matters®; providing programming to nearly 9,000 teenagers annually.

Sharif currently serves as President and CEO at Bethel New Life, Inc. where he has breathed life into the 40+ year old faith-based non-profit organization through a community centered vision to promote health and wellness for individuals and families of all ages through all stages of life on Chicago’s west side. Bethel is currently in the midst of a major capital fundraising effort to create the Mildred Wiley Wellness Hub. The project will redevelop Bethel’s 9-acre campus in the Austin community to increase the impact of the organization’s wellness programs and initiatives. Deeply committed to civic engagement, Sharif is the former board chair of Austin Coming Together and founded his own nonprofit organization, Pyramid Players Productions.

Since 2015, Sharif has volunteered as a Youth Advisor for Illinois State Representative LaShawn K. Ford (D- 8th District), facilitating events and advising the office on issues impacting youth. A well-respected community leader, Sharif has received multiple awards for his work including the Ember Award from the Black United Fund of Illinois and Planting Seeds of Change Award from Taproots, Inc, and most recently the 2024 Micah Award from the Lutheran Services in America for “outstanding leadership”.

Furthering his vison for stronger communities, Sharif created Ground Game Consulting, an entrepreneurial venture that provides strategic guidance to organizations and individuals seeking to change socioeconomic circumstances for youth and families in their local communities. Some of his clients include the Chicago Bulls, Austin Community Action Council, Austin Childcare Providers’ Network and the Austin Town Hall Park Advisory Council. Sharif earned a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University (Missouri) and a master’s in organizational leadership from Lewis University. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a committed father and husband; Sharif resides in Chicago’s Austin community with his wife, Natasha and daughter, Morgan.

ADVISORY BOARD

Julius Spates

Julius Spates – Advisory Board (Events, Engagement & Innovation)

Julius Spates, aka “the Mad Thinker,” has spent the past 15 years creating unforgettable experiences, touring, and producing global destination music events in the group travel and hospitality space. Since the age of 17, Julius has built a reputation for DJ entertainment and has united music communities that have earned him worldwide acceptance and respect. His experience through events has greatly benefited his understanding of human behavior and engagement. Although having an incredible taste in music and being a kind-hearted person, arguably, his greatest gift is his ability to comprehend a vision, establish a direction, and communicate its most impactful distinctions.

Nancy Shaw aka Nü Moon - Mentorship & Case Management

Nancy Shaw aka Nü Moon – Mentorship & Case Management

Nancy Shaw aka Nü Moon is a Therapeutic Art Coach, Mentor, and Community Health Worker with over 10 years of experience working closely with the public to foster individual growth and well-being. In addition to these roles, she is also a visual artist and musician, who uses her creative talents to inspire and uplift others.

Aaron Weekes - Board Member

Aaron Weekes – Advisory Board (Marketing)

Aaron is a marketing expert with years of experience performing every marketing function including copywriting, design, digital marketing, analytics and strategy. With this experience, he has helped manufacturing, aviation, medical and ecommerce clients solve their toughest marketing challenges.

As marketing continues to evolve, Aaron’s passion is to be at the forefront of new ideas and new technologies to help educate his clients and peers. He brings this passion to the YourPassion1st team to assist in marketing strategy and execution, and also to help make a positive impact in our communities.

Nelly Gamino - Board Member

Nelly Gamino – Advisory Board (Financials)

Nelly holds an accounting degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is the proud founder of NV Accounting Solutions, LLC. Before starting her own company, Nelly worked at Advanced Group as Director of Accounting Operations and at Chicago Tribune as Business Analyst.

Nelly has two boys, Nick (22) and Alex (20) who is visually impaired. Since the birth of her younger son, Nelly has volunteered many hours at two major organizations:  International Children’s Anophthalmia/Microphthalmia Network, where she served as VP and liaison for the Spanish community, and National Federation of the Blind where in 2015 she was presented with a Distinguished Service Award, for her work with parents of blind children and the Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning program.

In 2016, Nelly co-founded Vision Parents Empowered of Chicagoland, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making an impact in the lives of visually impaired children, by connecting and creating opportunities that will empower parents to advocate and educate organizations on accessibility needs.

Roberta Logwood

Roberta Logwood – Advisory Board (Chair of Program Development)

Roberta Logwood has 15+ years of experience as a mentor, youth organizer, and spoken word artist. Additionally, she’s very passionate about modeling, and ensuring young women see themselves as beautiful, both inside and out. She believes that part of succeeding is knowing who you are (your true identity), and this can be fostered by providing mentorship, and encouraging accountability. Roberta has led programs that include but not limited to: Spoken Word, Suicide Awareness, and Missing & Exploited Teens. In addition to her experience, she has 3 years of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) training, is CPR & AED Certifi Mental Health First Aid Certified, and has 10+ years of early childhood in-home education. Roberta envisions a world where everyone is able to fully express themselves with confidence, thereby alleviating some of the stressors that come with the trials and tribulations of life.

Kim Marzano - Board Member

Kim Marzano – Advisory Board (People & Culture Chair)

Kim has over 25 years of HR leadership within the clinical research and staffing industries. As a consultant and change agent to management on human resource-related issues, Kim develops integrated solutions by formulating partnerships across the HR function to deliver value-added service to executive leadership and employees.

Kim is passionate about philanthropy, serving as the Community Outreach Advocate for Advanced Group.

Kim joined YP1 to help her good friend and former AG Colleague, Chris Thomas, launch his dream of inspiring young adults. Kim and Chris worked together in providing opportunities to young adults in several non-profit organizations and events sponsored by Advanced Group. In 2019, she championed Chris as he launched his dream. Thus, YP1 was born. Kim continues to mentor young adults today. If you are interested in mentoring others, YP1 is always seeking additional mentors and volunteers.

Tere Wang

Tere Wang – Advisory Board (Chair of Project Management & Operations)

Tere is an experienced financial industry expert turned entrepreneur and Financial Empowerment Coach, serving youth in the K-12 space, Financial Educators, and the broader education industry.  Her 20+ year banking career spanned various positions in the global trade and cash management areas, with past responsibilities in operations, product development, and sales. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and is happy to be back in the city she was born in – Chicago!  Tere is passionate about financially empowering youth and their communities and is excited about supporting Chris and YP1’s mission and vision!

Janelle Martin – Advisory Board (Events Lead)

Janelle Martin – Advisory Board (Events Lead)

Janelle Martin is an Event Planner and Coordinator whose journey in Chicago began in the Fall of 2015 as a student coordinator for student leadership development at Loyola University Chicago. Since graduating from Loyola in 2019, Janelle has taken the opportunity to connect and engage with many different neighborhoods and organizations across the city, eventually landing her on the far west side in the neighborhood of Austin at Austin Coming Together. During her work there she began to connect her great passions for community work and event planning and when she departed ACT in the fall of 2023 her masters at the school at Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago, she took her passions with her and started her own event planning company, Comprehensive Coordinations, LLC.

It was while Janelle was working at Austin Coming Together that she first crossed paths with Chris and YourPassion1st. Once her business was started it only made sense to continue working with such an incredible organization. Since starting to work with YP1, Janelle has had the joy of supporting the organization with things such as: event production and coordination, youth volunteer management, promotion, and much more.

Dakota Gipson

Dakota Gipson – Community Engagement Specialist

Dakota Gipson (she/her or he/him) is a Chicago-native, born and raised in “L-Town” in the Austin community. She has a background in grassroots political and community interests, having helped lead field work and volunteer activities for a Chicago mayoral campaign in addition to a history of activism and social interest since high school. Hearing about the community engagement and partnership outreach position at YourPassion1st piqued his interest and has proven to be a fulfilling and enriching experience in several aspects, especially in being able to connect youth to resources in their areas of passion.

Dakota has a BA in Political Science (Northwestern U ’21) and plans to go back to school for a PhD in American Politics with substudies in constitutional law and political theory focusing on discrimination and law. In addition to his passion for queer rights and race studies as a Black, nonbinary person herself, she is a fiber and digital artist, an indie game developer, a writer, and an enjoyer of anime (it keeps his Japanese sharp!).

Jeff Cole

Jeff Cole – Chair of the Technology Steering Committee

Jeff Cole is the Chief Information Officer at Workforce Software, joining the team at the beginning of 2023. Prior to Workforce, he spent 5 years as the Chief Information Officer at OneSpan, leading the company through a digital transformation. Jeff has held numerous technology leadership positions throughout his career, helping companies use best-in-class cloud applications and data strategies to automate processes and gain insight. Before joining OneSpan, Jeff spent eight years at CareerBuilder.com as Senior Director of Information Management, and Director of Financial Systems, where he focused on financial applications and data. Prior to that, Jeff was responsible for managing financial systems for Discover Financial Services, Inc. Jeff received a BBA in Computer Information systems from Dominican University and an MBA in Technology Management and Innovation from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

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