ChiEAC TEAM

FOUNDER and EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I stopped teaching at a small Hispanic-Serving Institution in 2019 because needs of our students were being communicated to the administration and not being addressed. Seeing this as systemically problematic, I left.

ChiEAC was born during the pandemic with a substantial portion of my retirement money ($15k) and a $4,500 grant from the government in 2020 that I still have no idea where it came from.

Over the years, ChiEAC has grown from an organization focused on serving the needs of undocumented college students. We currently work with students at all levels of the academic spectrum K-Adult Education.

When Benjamin is not serving the needs of South Chicago students and families, he values spending time with friends and family, supporting local coffee shops, making soup, trying to learn how to dance, and training jiu jitsu.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Arely A. Anaya is a bilingual advocate for social, environmental, and economic equity, with a strong background in development, communications, and community engagement. She holds a BA in Global Studies and is pursuing a Master’s in Geography and Environmental Studies at Northeastern Illinois University. With extensive experience in program management and strategic outreach, Arely has led statewide advocacy efforts, built over 480 partnerships, and championed labor and environmental justice. A recent LEAFS Fellow and recipient of the 2024 Emerging Leader Award from Breaking It Down, she brings both grassroots and strategic expertise to her work. Her focus remains on equity, community empowerment, and systemic change.

DIRECTOR OF HEALTH ADVOCACY

Hey everyone…I am passionate about making a difference in underserved communities through mental health advocacy and education. As first-generation Latina graduate student, I know the challenges experienced by others in my culture. I work with ChiEAC to improve the health knowledge of the communities we serve.

As a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Athletic Counseling, I combine my background in psychology, counseling, and community outreach to create meaningful change.

I am also eagerly seeking research opportunities with scholars in areas related to Athletic Counseling…any leads…let me know!

Whether I’m mentoring students, supporting families, or empowering others through research and workshops, my goal is to bring culturally relevant care and inspiration to those who need it most.

ASSISTANT PROGRAM MANAGER

Sophia is a seventeen-year-old student at Oakton College currently pursuing a degree in business. She is committed to applying what she learns in the classroom to real-world settings. Known for her strong organizational skills and attention to detail, Sophia is also an Excel spreadsheet professional, skilled in creating data-driven reports, tracking budgets, and developing efficient systems for organizing information. Her growing expertise in business and data management positions her as a valuable contributor in both academic and professional environments.

LEGAL CLINIC COORDINATOR

Alexa is an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago, originally hailing from Georgia with roots in Honduras. With a deep passion for social justice, Alexa is dedicated to addressing systemic inequities and empowering underserved communities. As a Legal Services Advocate, she leverages her academic knowledge and lived experiences to provide compassionate support to individuals navigating legal challenges. Her work emphasizes accessibility, advocacy, and the protection of fundamental rights, aligning with her commitment to fostering equity and justice. Whether through her studies, advocacy, or community engagement, Alexa is driven to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond.

HEALTH EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Rian is a student at the University of Chicago, studying biology with a focus in neuroscience. She has worked on different health and science promotion programs throughout her educational career and is deeply interested in facilitating the accessibility of science and health education. Rian is from Houston, a city known for its large-scale health system, and she aspires to eventually work as a physician that plays a role in making the understanding of health, and the science behind it, an accessible component in underserved communities that are continually overlooked by such systems.

FAMILY EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Millie Bell, a first-year at University of Chicago pursuing degrees in biology and medicine, serves as a Community Mental Health Advocate at ChiEAC. An avid violinist since the age of three, Millie balances her love for music with her academic and extracurricular pursuits. In high school, she was a local journalist covering topics like extracurricular activities, academics, and how current events shape student experiences.

In her free time, Millie enjoys bullet journaling, listening to music, and spending time with friends. Whether exploring new coffee shops in Chicago or hunting for treasures in thrift stores, Millie’s curiosity and creativity shine through in all aspects of her life.

MENTAL WELLNESS COORDINATOR

Litzy Tafolla is a second-year student at the University of Chicago, majoring in Psychology with a pre-health emphasis. Passionate about the intersection of mental health, community engagement, and creative expression, Litzy serves as the Mental Wellness Coordinator for the Chicago Education Advocacy Cooperative (ChiEAC). In this role, she designs and facilitates programs aimed at promoting emotional wellness and resilience among diverse student communities.

Litzy actively integrates culturally responsive practices into mental health support, leveraging her background in psychology to create meaningful connections and foster environments where students feel seen, heard, and valued.

Her dedication and innovative approach significantly contribute to ChiEAC’s mission of supporting the holistic well-being and academic success of students across Chicago.

COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR

My name is Alondra. I’m 19 years old, Mexican, and the third of five siblings. My grandmother named me, though I’m not sure she remembers that now. I first met her when my family and I moved to the U.S. in 2014. Since then, a lot has changed. I’ve learned to play the violin, become fluent in English, made friends, finished high school, and now I’m starting college. Above all, I’m proud to be a daughter, sister, and aunt. Every day, I strive to be honest, kind, and fair—not just for others, but also for myself.