ChiEAC TEAM

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.

SENIOR DIRECTOR of DATA ANALYTICS

Jyothsna is the Senior Director of Data Analytics at the Chicago Education Advocacy Cooperative (ChiEAC), where she leads the organization’s data strategy across education access, mental wellness, and community advocacy initiatives. She specializes in translating complex data into clear, ethical, and actionable insights that directly reduce barriers for students and families.

Jyothsna holds a Master’s degree in Business Analytics from Arizona State University and brings deep expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and cloud-based analytics systems. Her work spans predictive modeling, sentiment analysis, fairness-aware analytics, and scalable ML pipelines deployed in production environments. She has led projects that delivered measurable impact, including operational cost reductions, improved equity outcomes, and data-driven decision support for nonprofit and institutional leaders.

At ChiEAC, Jyothsna oversees applied data science initiatives, mentors fellows and volunteers through the Data Science Alliance, and ensures that all analytics work adheres to strong standards of privacy, interpretability, and community trust. Her leadership bridges technical rigor with ChiEAC’s commitment to equity, care, and evidence-based advocacy.

SENIOR DIRECTOR of DATA PRODUCTS

Shivaang is the Senior Director of Data Products at the Chicago Education Advocacy Cooperative (ChiEAC). He leads the development of user-centered data products that transform complex datasets into practical tools for decision-making, program planning, and community impact.

With a Master’s degree in Computer Science (Data Analytics) from Boston University, Shivaang brings expertise in building analytics platforms, dashboards, and lightweight web applications that prioritize usability, clarity, and trust. His work spans data integration, visualization, and product iteration, ensuring ChiEAC’s data tools are accessible to both technical and non-technical users.

At ChiEAC, Shivaang partners closely with program teams and the Data Science Alliance to design, build, and maintain scalable data products that support education access, housing stability, and workforce mobility initiatives.

SENIOR DATA SYSTEMS ARCHITECT

Purwa serves as Senior Data Systems Architect, providing senior technical leadership over the design, governance, and deployment of production-grade data and artificial intelligence systems supporting mission-critical work.

In this role, she is accountable for architectural decisions across the full lifecycle of complex systems—spanning data ingestion, validation, modeling, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and user-facing analytical platforms. Her work emphasizes accuracy, traceability, and responsible deployment, particularly in high-stakes domains such as public services, education, health information, and government decision-making.

Purwa sets technical standards and direction for applied AI initiatives, ensuring systems are scalable, explainable, and operationally reliable. She leads advanced NLP, multimodal machine learning, and sentiment analysis efforts while enforcing rigorous data quality and governance practices.

In addition to hands-on architecture, she provides mentorship and technical oversight, translating complex systems into durable, real-world products with measurable impact.

BUSINESS ANALYTICS & STRATEGY MANAGER

I joined ChiEAC not just to take a job, but to help build something transformative. As a first-generation student from a small town in India, I’ve seen how education uplifts communities.

My journey — from earning a Master’s in Computer Science Engineering, leading technical teams for 5 years, working on client projects, to completing an MBA in Analytics, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship at Babson College — has been shaped by one belief: impactful business is about purpose, not profit alone. My role at ChiEAC is entrepreneurial in nature: analyzing data and problems, designing solutions, and redefining growth strategy.

I work closely with leadership to explore business models and roadmaps that expand our impact. I’m on a mission to apply my expertise in technology, project management, analytics, entrepreneurship, and human-centered leadership to solve real-world problems in education and employment — turning challenges into opportunities and growth. Opportunities for anyone should never be limited by circumstances.

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.