Meet Our Team
We are an awesome team of volunteers dedicated to serving others. Our experience and knowledge ranges from social services, early childhood education, hospitality and finance. Some of our team members are survivors and thrivers of breast cancer and heart disease.
Our team consists of a Board of Directors, an Advisory Board, Volunteers and an Executive Director. The Board of Directors provide oversight and is responsible for the direction, finances and legal aspects of the organization. The Advisory Board provides consultation to the Executive Director and gives input and feedback on initiatives and implementation of services in the focus areas. Volunteers provide the manpower needed to carry out our activities. The Executive Director is responsible for the day to day operations of the organization, carrying out the strategic plan and overseeing the Advisory Board and Volunteers.
Board of Directors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Vanessa Newsome
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Ms. Newsome is one of the co-founders of Sunlight Foundation NFP, and currently serves as the Executive Director and Board Member.
She is retired from 20 years in the Public Health, where she served in several capacities and program areas of health promotion. At the time of her retirement she served as Program Coordinator for community assessment and planning. There she instituted, and coordinated the MAPP P (Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships) Collaborative in Will County Illinois.
Prior to working in public health, Ms. Newsome spent 13 years working as a case manager and supervisor in the social service field with foster children and special needs adults and adolescents.
Anna Russell-Terry
Co-Founder and Board Secretary
Mrs. Terry has been an Early Childhood teacher for 30 + years as well as an adjunct faculty for 7 years in the field of Early Childhood. She received a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Early Childhood Education and Visual Arts from Columbia College in Chicago. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Education from National Lewis University in Illinois and a Level 5 Credential from Gateways to Opportunity in Illinois. Mrs. Terry earned an Infant/Toddler Credential as a Specialist from Erickson institute in Chicago, Illinois.
As a member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc. Mu Chapter Chicago; she currently serves as the KOT (College Division) Advisor. She strongly believes in giving back to the community and also serves on the Board as Treasurer for the National Black Child Development Institute Chicago Affiliate.
She is a member of the Church of Christ located in Colonial Village. "My goal in life is to be a BLESSING to others in all that I undertake in this journey of life and to live a life that exemplifies love.”
Andron Russell
Board of Directors, Treasurer
Mr. Russell serves as the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer for Sunlight Foundation NFP. He brings his experience as co-owner and CFO of Exquisite Kuisines By Day Inc. Mr. Russell currently works in the Hospitality Industry and knows the importance of quality service.
DeJanae Terry
Board of Directors, President
Ms. Terry received her BS from Central Michigan University. She currently works with families for Head Start at Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center. Her knowledge of family resources and services is an asset to the organization.
Terri Jackson
Board Member
Photo and Bio Coming Soon!
Advisory Board
Meet our Advisory Board Member Team Members and Dedicated Volunteers.
Rosita Carter
Sylverstine Carter
Elois Hendricks
Deborah Lopez