Our Staff

Kate Danielson (she/her)

Founder & Executive Director

MS Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University

BA Education and English, North Park University

Kate Danielson leads Foster Progress with a focus on expanding educational opportunities for young people with foster care experience. As Founder and Executive Director, she guides the organization’s programs, advocacy, partnerships, and long-term growth, working to ensure youth have the mentorship, resources, and support they need to succeed in college and beyond. Since founding Foster Progress in 2016, Kate has grown the organization from her belief that “education is the great equalizer,” building on her earlier work in public education and youth mentoring. Outside of Foster Progress, Kate loves being a mom to four kids, two through foster care, and loves reading, spending time outside at the beach or hiking, and exploring theater in Chicago.

Kate Kelly (she/her)

Director of Finance & Development

MPA Nonprofit Management, University of Southern California

BA History, American University

Kate supports the financial strength, day-to-day operations, and growth of Foster Progress. Her work spans finance, operations, and development. She is especially proud of helping build a strong financial foundation that allows Foster Progress to continue supporting young people with foster care experience for years to come. Kate joined the Foster Progress team in 2021 and brings experience in nonprofit finance, operations, and development. Outside of work, Kate loves baking sourdough bread and homemade Oreos with her daughters, hand embroidery, and spending time with her family.

Sarah Cerkvenik (she/her)

Program Coordinator, Y-CAP

BA Master of Social Work, Loyola University Chicago

Bachelors of Social Work and Gender Studies, Saint Louis University

Sarah is the Y-CAP Program Coordinator at Foster Progress, working closely with the Program Manager to support college students with foster care experience and keep the program running smoothly. She coordinates student communications, activities, events, and day-to-day program needs while supporting Peer Advocates and building connections with Y-CAP students. Sarah’s experiences as a queer woman inform her passion for making programs and communities more accessible, welcoming, and affirming. She brings six years of experience serving Chicago communities through work in youth health education, food access, and community engagement. Outside of work, Sarah can be found trying the latest flavor at Lickity Split, cheering for the Minnesota Lynx, or enjoying Lake Michigan.

Dulce Lazcano (she/her)

Program Manager, Y-CAP

BA French and Francophone Studies, Colorado College

As a Program Manager, Dulce supports Foster Progress’s Y-CAP program and works closely with Peer Advocates to help college students with foster care experience thrive on campus and beyond. She helps guide student leaders, strengthen campus connections, and create opportunities for students to build community, develop leadership skills, and access the support they need. Dulce brings more than 6 years of experience in college access, supporting first-generation students from across the Chicagoland area. Outside of work, Dulce enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and trying new restaurants and cafes.

Jasmine Shah (she/her)

Program Coordinator, Mentoring & Scholarships

BA in Political Science, Roosevelt University

Paralegal Certificate, Loyola University Chicago

Jasmine supports Foster Progress students as they build confidence, develop leadership skills, and work toward their educational and personal goals. Drawing on her own experience navigating the foster care system, she understands the importance of mentorship and having people who believe in you. Before joining Foster Progress, Jasmine spent more than a decade mentoring youth and creating student leadership and volunteer programs. Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys Latin dancing, watching the NBA, playing board games, visiting cozy coffee shops, and trying new restaurants!

Jenn Tatum (she/her)

Program Manager,
Mentoring & Scholarship Program

MA Creative Writing - Nonfiction, Columbia College Chicago

BA Literature and Writing Studies, California State University, San Marcos

Jenn works to support Mentoring & Scholarships students as they navigate college and make progress toward their educational goals. She brings a student-centered approach to her work, helping young people identify resources, build confidence, and stay connected to support and resources throughout their educational journeys. As a first-generation college graduate who experienced foster care, Jenn's approach is informed by the mentors and educators who supported her and by her fifteen years of experience leading college student success programs designed specially for first-year freshman and transfer students. She has also taught college writing and literature courses. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, trying new recipes, traveling, writing, and is always on the lookout for literary events in the city.