Who we are

Meet the educators, facilitators, and organizers who show up for students every week.

Staff

  • Debra Giunta is the founder and executive director of Prismatic. With 15+ years of experience and leadership across multiple educational ventures, she works to create inclusive learning environments that support students' mental and emotional well-being. Through Prismatic, Debra aims to transform education by empowering students to thrive both academically and emotionally.

  • A native Chicagoan and dedicated youth development professional, GiGi brings her expertise in youth development and social-emotional learning to create transformative experiences for young people across the city.

    As Program Coordinator at Prismatic, GiGi designs and implements culturally responsive programming that bridges creative expression with essential life skills development. Her innovative approach to youth development is shaped by her deep understanding of the diverse experiences and needs of Chicago's young people, particularly those from traditionally underserved communities.

    Drawing from her background as both an artist and educator over the past 5 years, GiGi has developed a unique methodology that combines arts-based learning with social-emotional skill building. Her programming creates safe, empowering spaces where young people can explore their creativity while developing crucial leadership and interpersonal skills.

  • Kal is a multidisciplinary artist and educator who brings energy and heart to every stage, page, and classroom they enter. With roots in Second City, iO, and Playmakers Laboratory, Kal weaves together creative writing, music, and comedy to spark imagination and amplify young voices.

    Passionate about helping young writers tell their own stories, Kal curates spaces where creativity, curiosity, and collaboration thrive. Their work is deeply inspired by the ways we connect—with each other and with the earth.

    Kal believes that everyone holds three essential stories: one they need to tell, one they need to hear, and one they need to live.

  • Mahder is a results-driven professional with a background in Computer Science and nearly four years of experience in account and project management. Specializing in Agile methodologies, Mahder thrives on improving processes, fostering collaboration, and delivering tailored solutions. 

    Through administrative coordination, data management and communications, she supports Prismatic's core operations to deliver impactful programs for students, school partners and donors.

    Outside of work, Mahder enjoys reading and exploring new activities, always eager to learn and grow.

  • About Kao Ra Zen
    Kenya Fulton, known artistically as Kao Ra Zen, is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and educator from Chicago. His work spans poetry, music, video direction, performance art, and education. Drawing from roots in creative writing and hip-hop, Kao has performed at major Chicago venues like Symphony Center and Elastic Arts, and internationally in Germany, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

    His poetry has appeared in publications including Not My President: The Anthology of Dissent, Illinois’s Best Emerging Poets, and A Love Supreme. Since 2020, he has directed music videos such as “Morning in America” and “I’m Tired.”

    Kao holds a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and works as a teaching artist across Chicago schools. He’s currently recording his debut album, TIME of the SIGNS, and an EP with his collective, The Ungovernables.

    🌐 www.KaoRaZen.com

Board

  • Miraj Chokshi found his passion in building startups and has become an experienced product and strategy professional in the healthcare technology industry. From creating a telemedicine company that cares for hundreds of thousands of people annually to companies that use technology to promote wellness, Miraj enjoys creating solutions to people's daily problems. 

    Now serving as Chief Product Officer at Carallel, dedicated to empowering families to help a loved one due to aging, illness, or disability so they confidently manage caregiving challenges. His commitment to creating innovative solutions that address real-world healthcare problems ensures that caregivers and their loved ones receive effective care and support.

  • Michelle Humes recently started her own business to provide consulting services for organizations who need to strengthen their leadership pipeline. Michelle retired as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Lake Forest Graduate School’s Center for Leadership.  Michelle also worked at Harvard Business School Publishing as an Associate Director of the Global Learning Solutions team managing clients in North and South America.  In that role, Michelle provided best practices in management and leadership develop with a wide range of Fortune 500 and Global 1,000 clients.  Her goal is to architect leadership development solutions which align to the organization’s objectives and outcomes.

    Michelle started her career as a Consultant at Andersen Consulting and Alaris Consulting (now part of PwC).   She found her passion on projects as a Change Management expert and made the transition into corporate Learning and Development.  Michelle led Learning and Development efforts at TransUnion for five years prior to joining Harvard Business Publishing. 

    Michelle received her Bachelors of Science in Business with an emphasis in Accounting from Miami University of Ohio.  Michelle also holds a Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management and Finance from Loyola University of Chicago.  She speaks English, German and Spanish.

  • Carlos was born in Venezuela. His father is from Spain and his mother is of Ukrainian descent. He moved to the US when he was 16 to try his luck at professional tennis. He played pro for a couple of years and then decided to go to college with a tennis scholarship. He graduated with a double degree in finance and economics from Florida Atlantic University. He also has an MBA from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. He currently works for a startup based out of the San Francisco as a Director of Finance. He is married and they have a cat. He and his spouse both love to travel, so they try to do it as often as we can. He is super excited to join us as a board member for Prismatic.

  • Jeremy Kling is a Principal and CPA at Baker Tilly, one of the largest global accounting and advisory firms. Headquartered in the United States, Baker Tilly ranks as the sixth-largest CPA and advisory firm nationally.

    Based in Chicago, Jeremy leads a team specializing in audit and advisory services for technology and professional services companies. He has deep expertise in working with private equity and venture capital-backed startups and growth-stage businesses, helping them navigate complex financial and operational challenges.

    Jeremy earned both his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

    He lives on the Northwest Side of Chicago with his wife and daughter. Outside of work, Jeremy is passionate about health and fitness, and is an avid tattoo collector, with a particular appreciation for American traditional tattoo art.

  • Ben Sanders is currently the Head of U.S. Talent Acquisition for a global consulting firm and he has worked in the recruiting industry for 15+ years. He is a long-time golfer, volleyball player, and has recently gotten way too into cooking on the grill.

  • Debbie received her Bachelor of Arts in Bacteriology and Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology from University of California, Davis.  Debbie joined Nature’s Fynd in September 2021. Prior to her current role she was with Novo Nordisk Biotech /Novozymes for 28 years.   She has expertise in engineering microorganisms for protein and chemical production as well as whole microbe products using synthetic biology and classic approaches like mutagenesis and screening.   Debbie has knowledge of scaling microbes from lab to production and the use of beneficial microbes in applications. She was Managing Director of Novozymes’ site in California as well as Director of Production Strain Technology.    In this role she scouted for both new technology and business opportunities as well as participated in strategic planning and business portfolio management. Debbie has negotiated and managed external collaborations with both companies as well as university laboratories.  She is an inventor on > 40 issued patents and author on > 20 peer reviewed publications. She also serves on a few advisory boards.  Debbie taught for over 15 years a graduate level seminar on industrial biotechnology at University of California, Davis.  She is an active member of the Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB) serving on the Board of Directors and most recently as President and Past President.  She is also on several advisory boards including the Vestaron Scientific Advisory Board. In 2014, she received the first Rosalind Franklin Award for Leadership in Industrial Biotechnology from Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).  In 2018, she was recognized regionally with the Sacramento Business Journal with a Women Who Mean Business Honor.

  • During her tenure with Harvard Business Publishing, Ellen Bailey has occupied various roles and currently holds the position of Vice President of Business and Culture Transformation. Ellen spearheaded the development and implementation of the inaugural Diversity & Inclusion strategy, setting the vision and goals for the organization, leads the organizations strategic planning and continues to propel employee engagement and drive business outcomes by acting as a catalyst for cultivating, and delivering optimal practices and resources to foster performance improvement and an inclusive culture.

    In addition to her responsibilities at HBP, Ellen is the founder of The Bailey Difference, where she assists leaders beyond HBP in advancing sustainable results through the adoption of best practices.

    Ellen's commitment to leadership extends to her roles as the Executive Facilitator for Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Faculty for the McKinsey Black Executive Leadership Program, and as an Expert for the Kaplan Financial Education Program, among others. She frequently shares her expertise through expert briefs and blog posts on subjects such as D&I, managing a multigenerational workforce, and preparing for the future of work. Ellen is also a sought-after contributor and speaker in podcasts and webinars.

  • Michael is a Senior Vice President - Associate Portfolio Manager on the Non-Investment Grade team at Neuberger Berman. Michael earned a BBA from Marquette University, an MBA from Boston College, completed the Chief Financial Officer program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and has also been awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He lives in Chicago with his wife and three children, and he is an avid Buffalo Bills and Marquette basketball fan.

  • Shawn is a Talent Acquisition leader with close to 20 years of experience in various industries. Currently the Director of Talent Acquisition at Vi Living, he and his company have been proud supporters of Prismatic and its mission over the past few years as they recently sponsored the Cultivate Conference. Shawn loves the outdoors, art, traveling and his two cats, Hazel & Mitchell.

  • Dave Testore is a Partner and Chief Operating Officer for Aon Investments USA Inc. Aon Investments USA Inc. is the investment management and solutions line of Aon plc with $136.4 B in the U.S. in discretionary Assets Under Management (AUM) as of 12/31/2024. Dave joined Aon in 2008 and oversees day to day business operations and is responsible for assisting in the development of strategic initiatives and executing upon them. He also has oversight of our Operational Solutions product suite which includes Operational Risk Solutions and Analytics, Fiduciary Services, and the Custody Advisory Solutions practice areas.

    From a leadership and governance perspective, Dave holds several notable roles in our oversight structure – he is a member of the U.S. Investment Executive Committee, the U.S. and Canadian Error Committees, and chairs the U.S. Investment Operating Committee.

    Dave has extensive expertise and looks to ensure our clients receive world class ideas and innovation.

  • Leslie Owens was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Her passion for learning and reading began at a young age and eventually led to a career in education. Leslie attended the University of Michigan and received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and then obtained a Specialist Degree in School Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy. Her first School Psychology position was in a large school district in Michigan before moving to Illinois so her husband could complete his medical residency. Since the move to Illinois in 2006, Leslie has been a faculty member at Lyons Township High School and has served the district in a variety of leadership roles within Special Education and Student Services and is currently the District Director of Student Services. Leslie completed her PhD in Educational Leadership in 2022 from the Concordia University Chicago. Personally, Leslie is married and has two children (Emma, age 15 and Henry, age 12) and golden retreiver named Birdie. Reading continues to be a passion along with spending time outdoors, traveling, and attending the variety of youth sporting events in which her children participate.

Associate Board

  • Mackenzie is a Manager of CBRE's Real Estate Strategy team, where she strives to help her clients optimize their workplaces to align with company objectives and improve employee flexibility, wellbeing, and happiness. She is active in her local communities, serving as an Associate Board member of Prismatic, a member of the Junior League of Chicago, and a member of the Alumni Board of Governors of University Liggett School. She loves to read, and you may even catch her volunteering at Chicago Public Library branches wearing silly hats and reading and singing to children. In her free time, she loves to explore restaurants around the world, watch movies, and go rock climbing.

  • Vinnie Barone was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and loves building connections with people wherever he goes. He loves staying active, traveling, and fully leans into his passion for all things tropical (owning more Hawaiian shirts than any reasonable Midwesterner probably should).  He currently works as an Investment Manager at Aaron Wealth Advisors, a shared family office located in Chicago.

    Vinnie is extremely outgoing and personable, and is super excited to be part of an organization that helps students develop those same qualities. He looks forward to contributing to Prismatic's growth and impact on the community.

  • I am a builder and a researcher. I believe that change happens through creating a shared vision yet manifesting it through 'the little things'. I've come to learn that my superpower is my ability to ask great questions--sometimes they make people feel seen and known and sometimes they allow for clarity on reaching a 'yes' or 'no' in the endless spiral of a drawn-out sales conversation.

    Growing up in a rural community on a farm gave me an innate curiosity about people and systems along with a gritty work ethic that enjoys tinkering and finishing the job.

    From going to a university 13x the size of my hometown to starting my career in tech sales in San Francisco, I have found myself in places where I felt like I didn't belong yet found ways to meaningfully contribute through my strengths--executing and asking good questions. This mentality, along with my passion for helping girls become dreamers and builders, enabled me to start a national nonprofit that has educated thousands of girls in STEM across the United States.

    I had always cared most about concrete results until I attended IIT's Institute of Design, where I realized what's unseen (culture, experience, values & motivations) is just as important, if not more important than, what's tangible when it comes to "success" for an individual, team, company, or community.

    As a human-centered research and service designer, I uncover motivations and behaviors that inform future concepts as well as orchestrate the people, processes, and technology to implement these experiences.

    When I'm not working, I enjoy exploring new Chicago neighborhoods & fitness classes, cooking & baking, reading, and crafting.

  • Sunny is an Associate at Oliver Wyman’s Health and Life Practice where she works with a range of healthcare clients (hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical and biotech companies) on strategic and mission driven projects aimed to improve healthcare outcomes across the country. Originally hailing from Cleveland, OH and is glad to be back to her Midwestern roots! In her free time Sunny loves to read, take her goldendoodle Rani on long walks and hikes, and make her way through Chicago’s impressive food scene.


  • Catalina Delgado, a proud University of Illinois alumna, is an Account Executive at the renowned Leo Burnett agency in Chicago. As a first-generation Mexican-American, she brings her cultural perspective and multilingual skills to develop impactful communications in English, Spanish, and Portuguese for major global brands such as KFC, Bridgestone, and Firestone.

    Beyond her work in advertising, Catalina is passionate about music, dance, and supporting the Chicago creative community. She serves as the Production Manager for Urbanite, an international dance showcase where she combines her love for the arts with her professional expertise to help elevate diverse talent and storytelling.

  • Emma received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish as well as Secondary Education from The University of Iowa and she has a Master’s in Urban Education from National Louis University. Emma taught English for two years in a small village in Northern Spain called Logroño, and returned to Chicago's southwest side to teach Spanish to heritage speakers of the language for eight years. She recently pivoted to the world of Marketing Operations where she works on the offers team for the McDonald’s app. Emma is excited to see where those two extremes unite in the future, but in the meantime she enjoys walking to the park with her rescue dog Winnie, watching objectively bad television, and reading as much as possible. 

  • Jaclyn is an Early Careers Recruiter for Publicis Media. In her role, she interviews candidates for internships and full-time roles at the organization. She also enjoys giving back to the community, and volunteering. In her free time, Jaclyn likes to hang out with her friends, go on walks, create are, and watch reality TV!

  • Halie received her Bachelor of Science in Health and Public Affairs from The University of Central Florida and has dedicated most of her professional time working hand and hand with hospitals, putting effort toward improving patient outcomes and achieving greater efficiencies. 

    Before relocating to Chicago, she spent time volunteering as a youth soccer coach, interning at NextStep Paralysis Recovery Center, and worked with underprivileged communities through Junior Achievement. 

    While visiting Chicago for the first time at 16, she decided that somehow, some way, she would make it here. Through remaining dedicated, goal oriented, and stern on reaching greater heights despite obstacles, she was finally able to reach her goal in December of 2020. 

    At Prismatic, she hopes to have a hand in opening meaningful doors for others, empower others to see their true capabilities, and encourage others to stand firm in their dreams.

  • Thomas Detillion is a strategic operations professional with expertise in building growth through relationship management and IT delivery. In his free time, Thomas enjoys outdoor recreation, volunteering, and Chicago sports.

  • Will grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and now lives in Chicago. He moved there in 2022. Will loves being outside, especially in the summer. His favorite place is by the lake, or anywhere with water!

    Will is the youngest of four kids—he has two brothers and one sister. When he was younger, he played lots of sports like basketball, tennis, baseball, and swimming.

    Every morning, Will goes on a walk with his coffee to help him start the day with a clear mind before he begins work. He also enjoys working out, spending time in nature, and cooking.