Priscilla Kersten is President of Square One Foundation. The Foundation is the embodiment of how she wants her family to show up in this world. This role is the capstone to a life of service on many boards over her career; she was proud to serve as chair of High Jump, the University of Chicago Women’s Board, and the Chicago League of Women Voters. She was also honored to be appointed by President Obama to serve on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. When she is not obsessing over her family or the world around her, she can be found reading, cooking, puzzling or engaging in some form of exercise.
Steven Kersten is the Treasurer of the Square One Foundation. He is proud to have continued the legacy of generosity and compassion passed down from his parents in evolving the family foundation into what it is today. In his day job, he is President and CEO of Alta Global Industries, a group of manufacturing companies providing specialized products for scientific, pharmaceutical, semiconductor and other institutional facilities and environments. He is a trustee at The University of Chicago and a board member of the Brennan Center.. Steve is determined to continue to run in the Turkey Trot and to ski Alta with the family every year as long as they will have him. When he is not working, he is . . . . thinking about working.
Cynthia Canary is the strategic advisor of Square One Foundation, where her primary focus is on the democracy program. Cindi was the founding executive director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, where she worked on a range of small ”d” democracy and anti-corruption issues. She’s consulted with Forefront on its 2020 Census Initiative, the Committee for Economic Development’s judicial and campaign finance projects, and the Independent Maps Redistricting campaign among others. When not tilting at windmills, Cindi is either experimenting in the kitchen, lazing with her nose in a book or deep in conversation with her dog.
Mae Hong is Managing Director of the Square One Foundation. With a background in journalism and social work, Mae brings more than 25 years of nonprofit and philanthropy experience to helping families “unlock more love for humanity.” She previously served as a regional vice president at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and is a frequent writer, speaker, and opiner about philanthropy. Mae currently serves on the board of the Council on Foundations. When she is not trying to decipher the Gen Z dialect, she collects shoes and kitchen gadgets.
Tia Rashke is the grants manager of the Square One Foundation. Her background spans philanthropy consulting and nonprofit volunteer management, with experience at a food pantry, animal shelter, and faith-based organizations in Chicago. Having studied both theology and mathematics, Tia’s sweet spot is bridging thoughtful, values-based approaches with structured, accountable processes. She currently serves as a mentor with GirlForward. When not attempting to learn Arabic, Tia can be found researching personality theories or watching the latest episode of Survivor.