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Leadership Team

Dr. Kimberly Washington is an Academic Support Advising Manager of one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States with over twelve years’ experience in Higher Education. In her current role, she manages four University campuses where she oversees Academic Operations. She received her Doctorate in Education with a concentration in Education Leadership and Bachelor’s in Political Science from DePaul University. She received her Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on Leadership Management from Keiser University. She is very passionate about educating others in business and education as she is also an Adjunct Professor at some of the local colleges in the Chicagoland area. Her motto is, “Everyday you have an opportunity to change a life and change your life.” She believes that with guidance, persistence and determination, anyone can achieve their goals. While teaching at the college level and working in administration, she realized that there is a lack of knowledge when thinking of, planning, and discussing finances in our black and brown communities. Many times, families will not have these “challenging” conversations due to privacy, barriers and not having the knowledge to fully discuss them. She is considered as the “Bottomless Resource” as her goal is to connect individuals, families and businesses with the resources that they need in order to achieve their goals.

Krystal Bush Headshot.jpg

Krystal Bush

Executive Director

Krystal Bush has been the principal of Larkin High School in Elgin School District U-46 since 2020. Prior to her current position, Mrs. Bush served as the Principal of DREAM Academy High School, a role she held since 2018. Mrs. Bush believes in building strong relationships with staff, students, and families in order to be able to understand their needs and work to support them toward success. In all of her roles, she worked to elevate student's voices, develop opportunities for collaboration among staff members to share best practices, and engage the parents and community to support continuous school improvement.

Dr. LaTonya Applewhite, born and raised in Mississippi, has dedicated over 22 years of her career to transforming educational landscapes and advocating for marginalized students. As a former high school English teacher and administrator, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that all students, regardless of background, receive the support they need to succeed. Currently serving as a district administrator for Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, Dr. Applewhite is known for her strong commitment to equity and access in education. Her work focuses on breaking down barriers for underrepresented students, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities necessary to achieve successful outcomes. Driven by her belief in the power of education as a tool for social justice, Dr. Applewhite remains a dedicated advocate for creating inclusive learning environments that empower all students to reach their full potential.

Patrice Tillman

Treasurer

Patrice Tillman is currently a Senior Finance Consultant. Patrice has 25 plus years of professional accounting and finance experience. Previously, Patrice served as Vice President of Finance at Preferred Meal Systems, Inc., a national provider of school meals in 27 states and headquartered in Berkeley, IL. Patrice is an accomplished senior finance professional with extensive experience in Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical, Engineering, Construction and Service Industries. Prior to joining Preferred Meals, Patrice worked in several companies as Controller for General Healthcare Division (a subsidiary of Baxter International), Consoer Townsend Engineering Firm (a subsidiary of AECOM Technology Corporation), Optimum Nutrition, Inc. NA (a subsidiary of Glanbia Performance Nutrition, Inc.) and Gill -Porter Athletic, Inc.

Ethan Zagore

Secretary

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