leadership team
setting the direction for our work.
Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy’s leadership team participates in organizational and committee activities as leaders, decision-makers, strategic thinkers, and collaborators. Leadership team members volunteer their time and make a commitment to actively participating in meetings and events that advance the mission of the organization.
If you are interested in joining the leadership team, please contact us.
Iona Calhoun-Battiste, LPC
Senior Director, Building Collective Power, The Chicago Community Trust
Iona Calhoun-Battiste (she/her) joined the Chicago Community Trust in March 2023 as the Senior Director of Community Impact, leading the Building Collective Power strategy. Admired for her ability to cast vision, strategically plan, develop cross-functional teams, and fund innovative social impact solutions, Iona is a trusted leader with more than 21 years of nonprofit experience. Most recently, she served as senior director of programs for Thrive Chicago, managing Chicagoland Opportunity youth and the Obama Foundation, MBK strategies. Before that, she served as a community engagement manager for United Way Metro Chicago, directing community investments and developing collaborations through collective impact initiatives.
Iona has a master’s degree in developmental psychopathology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, human development from Howard University.
Iona is a proud Chicagoan and lives in the Chatham neighborhood with her daughter. Iona is also a professionally trained ballet dancer and instructor for over 35 years.
Ayom Siengo
Senior Director, Advancing Critical Needs, The Chicago Community Trust
Ayom is most passionate about contributing to the sustainability and creation of accessible, high-quality employment pathways to ensure economic opportunity and advancement for all households. Ayom holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Illinois State University and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Aubrya Perry
Program Officer, Joyce Foundation
As a Program Officer at the Joyce Foundation, Bree Perry manages the Lend-A-Hand Fund and Journalism program, both dedicated to supporting and uplifting marginalized communities across the Great Lakes region.
A Chicago native, she was influential in creating the groundbreaking Lend-A-Hand Fund, which awards $1,000,000 annually to Chiago community organizations hardest hit by COVID-19 and systemic racism. This marked the Foundation’s first direct service giving program.
Bree’s approach to philanthropy is deeply rooted in her years of service at faith-based institutions, where community building and genuinely supporting people shaped her understanding of leadership. In her journalism work, she champions news and information that centers marginalized communities often overlooked by mainstream media. Her servant leadership philosophy centers on making space for everyone’s unique brilliance to be expressed. She joined the Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy advisory board because she believes in providing the guidance and resources that were pivotal in her own journey. Aubrya holds a BA in Accounting from DeVry University.
