Our Staff

Kate Danielson

Founder & Executive Director

MS Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University

BA Education and English, North Park University

For the past 10 years, Kate has led Foster Progress with a deep commitment to ensuring youth in foster care have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in college and beyond. Under her leadership, Foster Progress has grown into a leading advocate for educational equity, providing mentorship, scholarships, and systemic policy change for youth in care.

Kate's belief that “education is the great equalizer” has shaped her career—from teaching in public schools to running mentoring programs and, ultimately, founding Foster Progress. She is a dedicated advocate, strategist, and mentor, ensuring that young people with lived foster care experience have a fair shot at achieving their dreams. She also loves her role as a mom to four kids, two through foster care.

See her alma mater’s profile of Foster Progress here: North Parker Article

Aminata Harley

Program Coordinator

BA Education and Government & Legal Studies, Minor in Africana Studies, Bowdoin College

Aminata is a graduate of our Mentoring & Scholarship Program and is passionate about youth advocacy. She firmly believes in the power of exposure to shape young minds. Beyond her advocacy work, Aminata is an avid reader and a skilled cook, constantly experimenting with new dishes to savor and share. 

Kate Kelly

Director of Finance & Development

MPA Nonprofit Management, University of Southern California

BA History, American University

Kate enjoys maximizing day-to-day organizational operations to best support the success of the students, her colleagues, and Foster Progress’s future. She strives to ensure programs, policy work, and, most importantly, students, shine through her logistical, financial, and administrative management. Outside work, Kate loves traveling with her husband and daughter, baking bread, and reading about the British Monarchy.

Dulce Lazcano

Program Coordinator

BA French and Francophone Studies, Colorado College

With over four years of experience in the college access sector, Dulce has supported high-achieving students from under-resourced schools across the Chicagoland area. Dulce’s work has focused on empowering first-generation students from diverse backgrounds to navigate the path to and through higher education. She joined Foster Progress driven by a strong belief that education should be accessible to everyone - regardless of circumstance. Outside of work, Dulce enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and trying new restaurants and cafes.

LT Officer-McIntosh

Program Manager,
Y-CAP

MS Education, Johns Hopkins University

BA Film and Television Production, University of Southern California

LT frequently collaborates with BIPOC youth to find meaningful pathways toward self-determination and economic freedom. When she’s not working, she loves to travel and spend time with her two dogs and cat.

Jenn Tatum

Program Manager,
Mentoring & Scholarship Program

MA Creative Writing - Nonfiction, Columbia College Chicago

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

As a first-generation college graduate who experienced foster care, Jenn’s approach to her work is deeply informed by the mentors and educators who supported her. She began her career in higher education teaching writing and went on to manage college student success and first-year transition programs. She is dedicated to supporting students as they make progress towards their educational goals. Outside of work you'll find her gardening, baking, writing & exploring new cities.