Meet our new Associate Board members
What or who inspired you to join the Associate Board and why?
“Contributing to an organization that has impacted countless lives for the better in my own backyard.”
– Radhika Raman, Culture Amp
“During graduate school, I was a Farber Fellow (intern) with REDF. I distinctly remember learning about Cara, its origins, and the impact it has had over the years. I was truly in awe of Cara Collective’s dedication to serving diverse, underserved communities in the Chicago area, as well as its success in partnering with employers and the community to deliver consistent results.”
– Emily Lapham, NORC at The University of Chicago
“I first learned about Cara at a company event a few months after moving to Chicago. I was inspired by Cara’s dedication to helping individuals rebuild their self-worth and acquire the skills needed to re-enter the workforce. Later, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Cara. My first experience working with Cara’s job seekers on mock interviews was truly inspiring. Sitting face-to-face with participants, hearing their stories, and feeling their determination made me realize that this was the organization I wanted to be a part of.”
– Perry Ramsey, ZS Associates
“I first heard of Cara Collective through a friend who is already a member of the Associate Board. Through him, I attended the Summer Social and was so impressed with the event. I was especially touched by the guest of honor, Vlad, who spoke of his experience being directly impacted by the organization and the future it has unlocked for him and his family.”
– Sarah Stabile, Molson Coors
What is one thing you hope to bring to the Cara community?
“I hope to bring curiosity, creativity, and energy to the work the Associate Board and the Cara community are doing this year. This mission is personally important to me, and I’m excited about the opportunity to help expand Cara’s impact in Chicago and beyond.
FFC and Cara have built a strong partnership, with many success stories. One area where I aim to strengthen this collaboration is by helping Cara participants network within FFC, exploring opportunities to advance their careers, like Pilates or personal training certifications, or connecting Cara job seekers with leadership opportunities within the organization.”
– Sydney Meyer, Fitness Formula Clubs
“Cara’s mission along with the energy and commitment of Cara’s job seekers, staff, and volunteers are what drew me to Cara Collective. I hope to lend my voice to the mission to cultivate an open, curious, and inclusive approach to our work together.”
– Michael Venegas, MacArthur Foundation
What are you excited about for your first year on the Associate Board?
I’m excited to learn from the members and participants of the Cara community, whose experiences will deepen my understanding of Cara and my place within it. Their commitment and resilience inspire me, and I’m eager to contribute to the support system that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. I look forward to collaborating with fellow Associate Board members, the Board of Directors, Executive Council, and alumni. I am excited to be working alongside like-minded individuals, strengthening Cara’s impact, and building meaningful connections while realizing our potential, collectively.
– Rachael Ryan, Stream Realty Partners
I’m eager to take active steps in contributing to the betterment of this city. I’m excited about making a difference, no matter how big or how small. Even if it’s just for one person, I’m excited about the opportunities we have to help Cara’s job seekers and our city flourish.
– Zena McCarthy, Draper and Kramer
How does Cara and its mission Motivate you?
“Cara helps keep me grounded. In my line of work, I can easily and frequently find myself feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. During those moments, I remind myself of who I am beyond my job. I remind myself that as an Associate Board member for Cara, I represent what Cara represents: the embodiment of compassion, service, patience, and selflessness. In essence, Cara motivates me to stay true to my values, even in challenging situations.”
– Kris Butler, Northwestern Medicine
“Cara and its mission inspire me to be the best version of myself, challenging me to channel that energy into making a positive impact in my communities. What stood out to me most about Cara is our focus on helping job seekers not just secure a job, but to maintain it; and especially how we don’t just support our participants while they’re on the job, but that we provide their employer’s support. That’s what sets Cara apart.”
– Calin Petro, Harbor
“Connecting talent with opportunities is what I do for a living. Joining an organization like Cara, which takes a holistic approach focused not just on placing people in jobs but also on healing and supporting individuals in all aspects of their lives, is incredibly motivating. Our job seekers and the staff at Cara have a spirit and energy that is both contagious and uplifting. Our mission to eradicate poverty by cultivating opportunities for historically underinvested communities inspires me to keep pushing forward, to expand this framework to other communities, and to proliferate employment opportunities in Chicago and beyond.”
– Natalie Peric, Truity Partners
“Cara’s dedication to empowering returning citizens through comprehensive support is truly inspiring. Seeing the transformative impact of our work, how job seekers who come to Cara rebuild their lives, drives my desire to make a difference. Cara Collective embodies the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance and offers a clear pathway for participants to escape their circumstances.”
– Josh Ransone, Bank of America
“In high school, I led tutoring and mentoring volunteers for elementary students. One day, a mentee of mine, Cameron, expressed a bleak outlook on the future, emphasizing the stark differences in our upbringings. What they said motivated me to improve the resources at that school. I wanted to show students a brighter future than the one Cameron imagined. Cameron’s words have stuck with me over the years, and now that I’m an adult, I am even better equipped to make a difference. Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore their passions and find their purpose. I love Cara’s mission because it empowers people to discover their purpose and build up their lives.”
– Sarah Mathew, Ares Management
Who or what gives you great joy? Why?
“What brings me joy is my community. My friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues support and encourage each other to become the best versions of ourselves. These are the people I can rely on; who can rely on me through life’s ups and downs. My community brings me unparalleled joy!”
– Mary Clancy-Shute, Campbell & Company
“My son gives me great joy. Watching him learn, grow, and explore his curiosity fills me with pride and gratitude. He is my biggest motivator, reminding me every day why it’s so important to persevere and pay it forward. As a single parent, I’ve experienced firsthand how important it is to have support during life’s challenges. That’s why I’m so grateful for the love and encouragement from my family, community, and the opportunities that have helped me keep moving forward, even in tough times.”
– Monique Shelton, NAMI Metro Suburban
“Music brings me immense joy. Some of my favorite memories are from live performances and moments when people come together through music. It’s a universal language that unites people and fosters vulnerability almost instantly. There’s a unique magic in the connection that music creates. At Cara, we start every day with Motivations, and I love how central music is to Cara’s identity.”
– Shay Bratt, EX3 Labs
Keep an eye out for our upcoming events, where you will meet our new members and the rest of the Cara Associate Board!
