Big Shoulders Fund supports 72 schools serving 20,000 students across Chicago to ensure that children have the opportunity to attend a quality, values-based education of their choice.  I have been involved with Big Shoulders Fund as a donor and volunteer for over 10 years, and have observed first hand the impact it has had on students across the area.

Currently, I serve Big Shoulders Fund through several philanthropic and volunteer commitments.  I serve on the Board and Investment Committee, which oversees an endowment that pays for operating expenses.  Kevin and I are "partial patrons" of a school, which entails a meaningful financial contribution for the school to use for improvements and strategic needs.  I am also the Co-Chair of the Chairmen's Advisory Council, a "mid career" next generation board whose members all commit to financial and volunteer commitments to Big Shoulders Fund.  Finally, Kevin and I teach a monthly Stock Market Program at Our Lady of Guadalupe School (that's us with the students in my profile picture!).  In the past, I have also served as a school board member for St. Genevieve Catholic School.

You may have recently read about the “Digital Divide” as it relates to education. This has been a challenge that schools in under-resourced communities have faced for many years that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Big Shoulders Fund schools quickly adapted to a more digital learning environment last year, and they continue to face these challenges. The three key areas of need are: essential hardware/software, adequate high-speed internet service, and technology training/professional development.