DirectorS
Featured
Facilitators
Featured
Lynn Blaustein Weiss runs the overall operations for the WE Program, as well as developing and leading our programming work. For the past 25+ years, she has developed and led programs for youth and served on non-profit boards. Lynn previously owned a compliance company called “Access Source,” which provided disability related products and services to local governments, businesses and schools. Lynn also served as the admissions director at a private preK-8 elementary school, and developed and taught college-level courses on social responsibility of leadership at DePaul University. Lynn received a B.A. in psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a J.D. from Loyola University School of Law in Chicago.lweiss@evanstonwe.org
Our new Program and Alumni Coordinator is Courtney Reed Tanner. Her role at WE focuses on supporting our youth through participant-led initiatives, as well as creating a safe space for young adults to develop workplace skills for career success. Courtney has worked in youth services for 15+ years including at Chicago Voyagers, an outdoor adventure program for teens from diverse backgrounds, as the JAM! Coordinator for Howard Area Community Center supporting youth community leaders, and right here in Evanston in our Public Library’s teen department, “the LOFT.” She received a B.A. from Oral Roberts University with an emphasis on community development in diverse communities.creedtanner@evanstonwe.org
Maayan Abouzaglo is a 4th year at Northwestern University studying Social Policy and Legal Studies with a minor in Middle East and North African Studies. This summer, Maayan is interning for Senator Tammy Duckworth and hopes to attend law school after graduating. She joined the WE team in June of 2022, and says: “I am very excited to begin working with the Evanston WE teens. I look forward to learning about their interests and passions and helping them transition to life after high school.”
Nala Bishop is a 3rd year at Northwestern University studying Human Development with a minor in cognitive science and a certificate in Civic Engagement. She joined the Evanston WE team in September of 2021. Her interests lie in education and mental health, particularly that of marginalized youth. In addition to the WE Program, she is an intern at Lumiere Children's Therapy and Kids Klub Attendant at LA Fitness. She says: “I love that the Work Ethic Program highlights non-traditional paths of school. This is important because many people do not feel called to go to a four-year college. It is so gratifying being able to advise and help students achieve their goals in life.”
Grace Kotone Borgwardt is currently a senior nursing student, working on her BSN degree at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. She plans to work as a medical-surgical nurse after graduation. Grace has worked with the Evanston WE Program since November of 2020. Grace states: “Working for the Evanston WE Program has been very rewarding. All of the students are wonderful, and it has been great to see their progress. I look forward to helping them along their journey and seeing their growth - as they prepare for life after high school.”
Han Sol Lee is originally from the Seattle area, and his career interests lie in the nonprofit sector and human resources. He is a 4th year student at Northwestern University studying Learning & Organizational Change with a minor in business and a certificate in Civic Engagement. During his free time, Han enjoys playing basketball with friends or writing music. Han joined the WE Program in 2022 and says: “It has been a pleasure working with the WE students. It is so exciting to learn about their interests, skills, and goals, and to help them prepare for their post-high school opportunities.”
Sasha Rickard is a doctoral student at Boston College studying political theory. She graduated from MIT with a degree in Computer Science and History. After completing her degree she hopes to go into teaching, either at the college or high school level in American politics and classical political theory. She enjoys backpacking, playing and listening to folk and jazz music, and watching old movies. Sasha has worked with the Evanston WE Program since June of 2021. Sasha says: “It has been wonderful to get to know the Evanston WE students. They are all engaged and passionate about such a variety of things, and interested in figuring out what they want out of their lives. It is a pleasure to help them sort out what they are looking for and how to reach their goals.”
Hannah Seiler is a former WE Program participant, who completed a 2-year degree in Baking and Pastry at Dupage Community College. She is now a baker at Buck Russell’s Bakery and Sandwich Shop in Wilmette. We were so excited to welcome Hannah as the very first WE Alumni (class of 2018) to work on the WE Program Facilitator team. While in the WE Program, Hannah received a summer internship at Bennison’s Bakery, and then continued to work there for 5 years. Since 2017, Hannah has also presented for the WE Program at Career Exploration Day, WE Graduation and community events. Hannah says: “I’m very excited to be able to work directly with the WE teens and give back to the program.”
Arielle Weiss is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Gender and Women's Studies. She is currently a sexual violence prevention educator with her school's First Year Campus Acquaintance Rape Education Program and a Sexual Health Peers educator. She has worked with the Evanston WE Program since June of 2019. Arielle says: "I am glad to be a part of the Evanston WE team because I have the privilege of watching the growth of each participant as they experience the program."