Teen Philanthropy Initiative

Kerry Malm

Became TPI Mentor: August 2025

Years living in Naperville: 60 years

Kerry has been in education all her adult life, ranging from elementary school to college level. She has experience with grant writing, both federal and private foundations, and corporate giving programs. One of her volunteer experiences included site visits to organizations that requested funding. Her formal education was geared initially toward education, then management for her mid-to-late career. She has also volunteered for most of my adult life and continues to volunteer today. She’s a long-time Naperville resident and has seen many changes to the city. Her three children were born and raised here, as well as her seven grandchildren. She’s excited to share my experiences with students who show an interest in making our world a better place!

Tom Miers

Became TPI Mentor: August 2024

Years in Naperville/Bolingbrook Area: 50+ years

Tom recently retired as the first President of Naperville Bank and Trust after serving 13 years.

Miers presently serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and the Board of the Naperville YMCA, where he is a past Chairman. He is currently on the Kids Matter Advisory Board and the Naperville Police Foundation. Additionally, Tom is on the Board of Naperville Development Partnership and served briefly as an appointed Naperville City Councilman. He is a founding member of the Naperville Sunrise Rotary Club and a Trustee of North Central College. He is a past Chairman of the Board of the Naperville Chamber of Commerce. Stemming from Tom’s and his wife Pati’s passion for Colorado, he served on the Board of the YMCA of Rockies and continues to be involved.

Miers, a graduate of George Williams College, had a 28-year career with MidAmerica Bank (acquired by National City in 2007) in Clarendon Hills. In his Executive and Senior Management positions, he oversaw the operations of the bank’s 82 retail branches, creating significant growth and development of the retail side of the bank’s business. Tom grew up in Norwich, NY and has been a resident of Naperville where he has lived for over 50 years. Tom and his wife Pati, have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.

Mary Cowen

Became TPI Mentor: August 2025

Years living in Naperville: 41 years

Career Synopsis, Current Employer, Position: She retired from the payroll department at Lauzen Accounting after 13 years of service in 2024, although she continues to help with special projects. Before that, she worked part-time for a local bookshop and an association management company while raising her children.

Before she was hired by the City of Naperville, she was the Events and Marketing Manager for 360 Youth Services in Naperville for ten years. She has also spent several years in the corporate world as a Corporate Investigator working for companies in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.

Family: Her husband, Grant, is the market president for Naperville Bank and Trust Company. She has 2 children, both of whom attended Naperville North High School. Her son Brett lives in Naperville with his wife and daughter, and her daughter Paige lives in Minneapolis, MN. She also has a grand-dog and a grand-cat.

College – Degrees and Education: She graduated from DePauw University with a degree in economics. 

Charitable Boards and Volunteer Activities: She is involved with several local non-profits. These include KidsMatter, The Conservation Foundation, and the DuPage Foundation. 

One interesting fact: Reading is her passion, but she loves fantasy football and has run a team for the past 15 years.

Julie Schmidt

Became TPI Mentor: August 2025

Years living in Naperville/Bolingbrook Area: 2 years

Career Synopsis, Current Employer, Position: I am a signature event specialist passionate about creating meaningful impact. With over a decade of experience, I focus on designing and elevating mission-driven events. My experience spans a variety of sectors, including community engagement, higher education, and curating speakers in thought leadership and entertainment voices.

Currently, I serve as a Development Officer, Events and Partners, for Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. In this role, I coordinate events that help raise critical funding for individuals and families navigating the autism journey. In addition, I nurture relationships with organizations, universities, and volunteers to create opportunities for expanding awareness.

Mentoring the next generation is one of my passions. Previously, I co-led the Judson Roeser Scholars Program to inspire and equip future leaders during their college experience. I am thrilled to be involved with the Kids Matter Teen Philanthropy Initiative!

Family: My husband, Tim, is a general contractor for his own construction company. We have 4 adult children; 3 daughters and one son.

College/University, Academic degree(s), Major(s): Northwestern University; B.S. Major in Organizational Behavior with a Minor in Advertising

Charitable Boards and Volunteer Activities: 

• Schaumburg Business Association (2023) Board Member
• Immanuel Lutheran Church (2021 – 2024) Served as Secretary and Board Member.
• Founded the SMILE Ministry at Immanuel in 2020 that provides care packages to college students each semester.
• Board Member of the Fig Factor Foundation (June 2024 – current) whose mission is to equip future Latina leaders.
• Mentor for the Naperville Area Chamber Student Network (2025)
  

One interesting fact: I studied chocolate at the French Pastry School in Chicago.

Yashica Weeks

Became TPI Mentor: August 2023

Career Synopsis; Current employer: Currently the Director of Gift Planning for DuPage Foundation. As director of gift planning, Yashica works closely with individuals, families, businesses, and their advisors to help them plan and accomplish their unique charitable goals and learn about opportunities for making an impact locally.

Yashica has over ten years of experience in donor cultivation and planned giving in DuPage County, previously serving as major gifts manager for Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and assistant director of development for College of DuPage Foundation. Prior to moving to Naperville, Yashica worked as a performing arts fundraiser at Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall in Atlanta, GA.

She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®). As a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Chicago Chapter, Yashica serves as a course facilitator and mentor. Yashica is also an active member with the DuPage County Estate Planning Council (DCEPC), and a board member for the West Suburban Philanthropic Network (WSPN). She received a bachelor’s degree in public affairs and entrepreneurship from Columbia College of South Carolina and a master’s degree in higher education administration, with a concentration in institutional advancement, from Bay Path University.

Bill Hassett

https://www.linkedin.com/in/billhassett/

Became TPI Mentor: August 2024

Years living in Naperville Area: 33 years

Career Synopsis, Current Employer, Position: Currently consulting to nonprofits and also coaching executives and entrepreneurs, as well as assisting them in strategy, revenue growth, and hiring. Previously a partner in a national CPA firm with clients that were primarily commercial and affordable housing real estate organizations.

Spouse’s name and children’s names and ages: Wife Cindy and sons Kyle 33 and Colin 26; daughter-in-law Maddie

College/University, Academic degree(s), Major(s): Graduated from Loyola University Chicago with an Accounting major; CPA.

Charitable Boards and Volunteer Activities: Involved for more than 30 years in a variety of social service, faith community, community foundation, community service, nonprofit consulting, and veteran and senior organizations in the city and western suburbs. Have served in all board officer roles and chaired and served committees including executive, governance, strategic planning, ED search, finance, and development.

Kristen Refness

Became TPI Mentor: August 2024

Years in Naperville/Bolingbrook Area: 35 years

Career Synopsis; Current Employer: I am currently Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for Endeavor Health. I have almost 20 years of experience in healthcare finance working for Endeavor (previously Edward-Elmhurst Health) with seven of those years spent in treasury management and 13 years in hospital finance. My main areas of responsibility include budgeting, financial reporting, profitability analysis and financial analysis. I currently oversee a team of three analysts and support cardiology, behavioral health and radiology service lines within the full Endeavor health system as well as Edward Hospital inpatient nursing units.

Family: My husband, Scott, also works at Endeavor in Treasury Management. Our daughter, Olivia, is 12 years old and we have a dog named Willow.

College/University, Academic degree(s), Major(s):

• Naperville Central High School
• North Central College, BA in finance and economics
• Northern Illinois University, MBA in Finance

Charitable Boards and Volunteer Activities:

• KidsMatter (2015-2020): Served as Treasurer and Board President
• Loaves and Fishes (2021 – Current): Served as Treasurer in 2023 and became Board Chair in July 2024. I have also been a volunteer since 2021.

Fun Fact: Mrs. Sommerville was one of my teachers at Naperville Central High School more than 25 years ago!

Lynne Nolan

Became TPI Mentor: August 2024

Years living in Naperville: from 1976 – present

Career Synopsis; Current employer: I recently retired from District 203 where I served as the Dean of Student Activities at Naperville Central for 22.5 years. Prior to working in administration, I taught Science at Neuqua Valley for three years when the school first opened. Before that, I began my teaching career at Naperville Central in 1989 and taught Biology and Physics for 8 years. I advised the Senior Class Council, started the Step Team, and coached Ultimate Frisbee at NCHS. I started the Interact Service Clubs and coached Girl’s Soccer at both schools.

Family: My husband, Scott, is an entrepreneur. I have three adult children, who all went to NCHS and are currently scattered across the US.

College – Degrees and Education:

• University of Illinois – BA in Teaching of Biology/Minor in Physical Science.
• Postgraduate work in Cell Physiology at the University of Nice, France, as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar
• Master’s degree in Teaching, Aurora University
• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Aurora University

Charitable Boards and Volunteer Activities:

• Rotary Club of Naperville-Sunrise, member since 1997
• Co-coordinate Naper Lights displays, assist with St. Paddy’s Day 5K
• USA Ultimate, NGO, board member 1996-1998
• Illinois Youth Ultimate, board member/treasurer 2007-2019
• Illinois Ultimate, board member/treasurer 2017 – present

One interesting fact: I went to the Olympics in France! My sister lives in Paris, and I speak French. I’m an Olympifan – I can’t stop watching at home, so I just up and went!!

Dawn Portner

Became TPI Mentor: August 2023

Years living in Naperville: from 2004– 2012. Since 2012, I have lived in Plainfield, IL

Career Synopsis; Current employer: I am currently the City Clerk for the City of Naperville. I was sworn in on October 30, 2023. Before my current role, I was the City’s Special Events Coordinator. That role had two main responsibilities: Coordinating the Special Events Team, which is a multi-departmental (Community Services, Police, Fire, Public Works, Naper Settlement, Naperville Public Library, TED), and multi-jurisdictional (Edward Hospital, Naperville Park District, and the Downtown Naperville Alliance), where we were responsible for over sixty events a year. I was also the Staff Liaison for the SECA Commission. The SECA Commission allocates over two million dollars each year to help and support over fifty nonprofit organizations that have events and programs in Naperville. Before I was hired by the City of Naperville, I was the Events and Marketing Manager for 360 Youth Services in Naperville for ten years. I have also spent several years in the corporate world as a Corporate Investigator working for companies in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.

Family: I have two kids; my daughter Carolyn lives in California and is in the TV industry, and my son Nicholas is still at home with me in Plainfield and works at a local grocery store.

College – Degrees and Education:

• EventCertification from George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
• Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Lewis University, Romeoville, IL
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento

Charitable Boards and Volunteer Activities:

• Alive Center– Executive Board member since 2015
• Exchange Club of Naperville Board member since 2008
• Exchange Club of Wheaton– Board member since 2022
• Parent Mentor with Strong Families since 2014

One interesting fact: I have had three career changes since I graduated from college, and I have never once regretted the choices I have made!

Meg Dutkovich

Became TPI Mentor: August 2025

Years living in Naperville: 50+

Career Synopsis; Current employer: I’ve spent most of my career leading global teams and helping big organizations solve complex problems—but at the heart of it, I’m all about people. At HP, I managed a team that supported tens of thousands of users around the world, making sure their tools worked smoothly and their voices were heard. We dealt with everything from tech issues to process redesign, and even during tough transitions, we kept satisfaction high. Later at Microsoft, I led customer success teams focused on helping organizations adopt cloud technologies and unlock real business value. What I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about listening, building trust, and helping others succeed. Whether I’m working with executives or volunteering with teens, I show up with curiosity, empathy, and a drive to make things better together.

Family: My husband, Tony, is a retired Warrenville Police Officer. Our daughter, Emmy, is working at St. Patrick’s Residence and pursuing a nursing degree. My son Cole is a junior at Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) and is also a linebacker on their football team (go #25 & Redhawks!) Our family is rounded out with our dog Buddy – he’s a 7-year-old Lab/Golden mix.

College – Degrees and Education:

• Naperville Central High School
• Eastern Illinois University, BS in Consumer Affairs

Charitable Boards and Volunteer Activities:

• Inside Out Club of DuPage (2017-current): Classroom volunteer for the elementary program; Curriculum designer & Instructor for Business Designer for Good Middle school program
• Plainfield Food Bank (2017 – 2020): Volunteer

One interesting fact: I’ve lived in Naperville since first grade and at that time, the population was only about 15,000 people – the town fireworks used to be held at Naperville Central’s football stadium!!