BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kandice Henning
Board President
Learn More about Kandice Henning
Kandice is the Founder and Executive Director of the Alive Not-for-profit Center in Naperville, Illinois. The first organization of its kind, Alive aims to provide the community with an inclusive experience of learning, sharing, and discovery that enables people to connect with what makes them come alive. From the merger with NaperBridge in January of 2015, Alive will have an even stronger teen program.
Kandice is a Life Coach and Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT). After spending 25+ years as an executive in the corporate world at Accenture and IBM, she is now following her true passion – helping people to create the life they desire. Kandice is a graduate of Life Coaching school, Coach for Life. She also is a certified Heal Your Life Workshop Leader (Louise Hay’s work). She has her 200hr CYT from Moksha Yoga in Chicago and is currently obtaining her 500hr CYT through ParaYoga (Rod Stryker). She has a B.A. in Communications from the University of Illinois.
Tina Hinch
Board Vice President
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Tina and her husband reside in Naperville. Both of their two adult children are employed and reside in warmer climates.
Grace Buzzard
Board Secretary
Learn More About Grace Buzzard
Grace Buzzard is a V.P. of Strategic Operations at SAP, a Fortune 500 company with 25 years in Software
as a Service (SaaS). Grace started at Fieldglass, a startup in 2000, and has seen the company grow from
startup to acquisition.
Technology helps improve the way we live. Technology is part of every industry, and she believes
Girls/Women in S.T.E.M. is needed to propel solutions that include a different viewpoint. Grace sits on
the Sr. Advisory for Benedictine University L.E.A.D.S Program, striving to see more future leaders build
their confidence and have the support network to go beyond.
Grace earned her degree in Psychology from the University of Loyola and an M.B.A. from Notre Dame.
Marc Willensky
Board Treasurer
Learn More About Marc Willensky
Marc Willensky is a retired finance executive with over 30 years’ experience at leading Fortune 500 companies, including JP Morgan, American Standard, and McDonald’s. He began his career at Arthur Andersen, where he earned his CPA and developed a deep foundation in financial strategy and organizational leadership.
Now dedicated to giving back, Marc was recently elected to the Naperville 203 School Board, where he is committed to supporting student success and educational excellence. He currently serves as a board member, and Treasurer of Accelerate Climate Solutions, where he plays an active role in the BLAST program – a hands-on initiative that empowers high school students to design and implement solutions to real-world climate challenges.
Marc also serves on the board of the River Prairie Group, the local chapter of the Sierra Club, where he continues to advocate for youth engagement in environmental action. His passion for mentoring and supporting high school students is central to his volunteer work and board service.
Scott Brodrick
Board Member
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Devoted to community service, Scott previously served as the vice president on the NextGen board for the DuPage Children’s Museum before his involvement with the ALIVE Center. In 2020, he proudly contributed gaming PCs to equip the ALIVE Center’s computer lab.
Beyond his professional commitments, Scott cherishes adventures with his three children—embracing both the significant and everyday moments.
Edward Bugg
Board Member
Learn More About Edward Bugg
Edward has been a proud resident of Aurora’s Far Southeast side since 2004, when he and his wife had their home built. Engaging actively within the community, Edward has dedicated his time to various local organizations. In 2013, he was elected Alderman of Aurora’s Ninth Ward and successfully secured re-election in 2017 and 2021.
Currently serving as the Chairperson of the Rules, Administration and Procedures (RAP) Committee of the Aurora City Council, Alderman Bugg is also a valued member of the Finance Committee. His collaborative efforts with local residents have played a significant role in fostering a dynamic and vibrant community. In 2019, Aurora’s Ninth Ward earned the distinction of being the #1 Community for Millennials to move to in Illinois to raise a family.
Beyond his role in city government, Edward is actively involved in the Boards of Grace Community Christian Church and Remington Crossing Homeowners Association. His prior experience as the Executive Secretary of the Park Forest Community Development Cooperation showcases his dedication to community development.
Edward’s educational background is marked by a degree in Business from Eastern Illinois University and a Law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. He has leveraged his knowledge in both business and legal fields, working for various levels of government and serving as the Vice-President of an Arbitration/Mediation firm in the private sector.
Family is a cornerstone of Edward’s life, and he and his wife Beth are proud parents of three children. Actively engaged in the local schools, various sports leagues, and volunteering at Feed My Starving Children and the Aurora Inter-Faith Food Pantry, they contribute significantly to the betterment of their community.
Adam Cortes
Board Member
Learn More About Adam Cortes
Adam has been an integral part of the Hanover Park community since joining Wintrust Bank in 2013. Raised in Chicago as the son of first-generation Mexican and Polish immigrant parents, his upbringing in the city enriched his understanding of diversity and the unique needs of various cultural groups. Following his graduation from UIC with a degree in Finance, Adam relocated to the Northwest Suburbs, where he began his career in the banking sector. In the aftermath of the 2009 recession, he shifted his focus towards financial literacy and counseling within the community.
Adam is a dedicated volunteer and contributor to numerous local organizations, including The Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce, Wings, Hanover Park Park Foundation, Hanover Park Economic Development Committee, Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hanover Township, Junior Achievement, among others. His commitment to community service reflects his passion for making a positive impact.
Residing in the Northwest Suburbs with his family, Adam finds joy in adventure travel and outdoor activities. His multifaceted involvement in community affairs and dedication to financial education exemplify his commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the Hanover Park community.
Amy Cheng
Board Member
Learn More About Amy Cheng
Amy concentrates her practice in domestic and international commercial transactions, general corporate, and franchise, licensing and distribution law. She represents franchisors on the structuring and operation of their franchise programs through all phases of domestic and international development. Amy has extensive experience in structuring complex franchise, licensing and distribution relationships and in regulatory compliance. Her experience includes advising clients in connection with complex issues arising from the ownership of multiple brands, non-traditional opportunities, system restructuring and brand acquisition.
Amy represents clients of all sizes, from emerging to mature companies with multi-national operations. Representative clients include leaders in the restaurant, hotel, retail, fitness and home services industries. With her broad range of experience, Amy often acts as general counsel to her clients, collaboratively maturing their businesses from infancy to prominence within their various industries.
Amy’s commercial transactional practice includes counseling clients on mergers and acquisitions, complex commercial relationships, strategic business alliances and joint ventures. Amy’s unique combination of corporate and franchise experience provides clients with comprehensive legal services to expand their franchise portfolio. Her experience includes representing private equity in acquiring and selling franchise companies of all sizes and in a myriad of industries.
Tom Crowley
Board Member
Learn More About Tom Crowley
Tom Crowley is a results-driven and values-oriented business leader, bringing a wealth of experience from a distinguished career. Recently retired from an executive role at Google, Tom previously held a Senior Leadership position at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. His extensive background also includes serving as a Chief Information Officer (CIO) and founding an IT Outsourcing company.
Throughout his career, Tom has successfully sold and delivered numerous strategic programs for Fortune 100 companies, showcasing his expertise in driving business initiatives. Beyond the corporate world, he is deeply committed to community service. Tom has served as the Chairman of the Board of the Naperville YMCA and currently holds the position of Director on the Naperville Heritage Society Board. Volunteering and giving back are not just activities for Tom but true passions that drive his commitment to making a positive impact.
Tom, alongside his wife Manon, is a proud parent of four adult children and calls Naperville home. He holds a Masters in Business Administration Degree from Northern Illinois University, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Tom’s leadership, both in the business realm and the community, reflects his dedication to excellence and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around him.
Chris Gandy
Board Member
Learn More About Chris Gandy
Over the past 19 years, Chris has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their most critical financial goals. In 1999, he initiated his financial services practice, catering to business owners, physicians, professional athletes, and key executives across the United States. Chris specializes in Life Insurance, Disability Income Insurance, Investments, and Tax Reduction Strategies.
A Communications major at the University of Illinois, Chris’s leadership skills extended beyond the classroom to the basketball court, where he co-captained the Fighting Illini basketball team and earned 2nd Team All Big-Ten honors. Following college, Chris played professional basketball for esteemed teams such as the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and in L’Hermaine, France.
Chris embarked on his financial career as a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative, garnering numerous awards and achieving top producer status. He became a Million Dollar Round Table Member in 2003, solidifying his position among premier financial professionals. In 2005, Chris transitioned his financial services practice to the Molyneaux Financial Group, LLC, a general agency of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, earning accolades like the Impact Award in 2006 and the Management Council and Leaders Conference Honors in 2007.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris actively contributes to various organizations. In 2012, he joined the board of the Chicago Concussion Coalition, founded by Chris Nowitzki of the Emmy Nominated movie “Head Games,” focusing on making amateur sports safer for children. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Urban League, is a member of the United Way’s Young Community Leaders, and volunteers for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. In 2013, Chris was nominated to the NBARPA committee board for the Chicago chapter, further exemplifying his commitment to community involvement. Notably, he has consistently qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table.
Chris believes in leaving a lasting impact, as reflected in his quote: “Our fingerprints don’t fade from the lives we touch.” This philosophy underscores his dedication to making a positive difference in both the financial realm and the community at large.
Bex Pellicano
Board Member
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Bex Pellicano is a remarkable individual who has triumphed over considerable challenges, emerging as a successful force for positive change within her community. Raised in an underprivileged background by a single mother, Bex was instilled with values of resilience, hard work, and compassion from a young age.
Currently, as the Executive Director at the Pellicano Family Foundation, a philanthropic venture founded by her and her husband Vic in 2022 after Oracle acquired his tech company, Bex is deeply dedicated to community development and philanthropy. In her role, she leads initiatives focused on empowering underprivileged individuals and families by providing access to education, healthcare, and essential resources.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Bex allocates a substantial amount of her time to raising her four boys, imparting the same values that have guided her own journey. She firmly believes that a strong community is built on the foundation of a strong family, and she actively works to create a nurturing environment for her children.
Driven by a passion for giving back, Bex engages in active volunteer work within the local community, participating in various projects and programs aimed at addressing social issues and promoting equality. Her commitment to service has garnered respect and admiration, showcasing her authentic desire to enhance the lives of those around her.
Alisa Williams
Board Member
Learn More About Alisa Williams
For over 30 years, Alisa has served all demographics of youth in grades K-12 throughout Fox Valley. Her passion is for middle and high school students, providing ministry, mentoring, and leadership training in various local churches, nonprofit organizations and through her own nonprofit, Envision You Ministries (EYM) which she founded in 2018. EYM serves fathers, women, and girls with the Abba Group, and the Beauty and Boot Camp. Alisa is employed at Ecolab and recently celebrated 20 years of service. She has worked in various capacities including Credit & AMP; Collections Management, Project Management,
Training, and Sales Administration. At Ecolab, Alisa has also served on the board of multiple Employee Resource Groups, promoting diversity throughout the nation. However, her most satisfying work was helping expand Ecolab’s reach to the local
community through its Community Relations Council. This is how she was introduced to the ALIVE Center many years ago. The “Teen-Led, Teen-Driven™” tag line caused her to connect, attend, and volunteer (and bring others to volunteer) with the organization.
Alisa’s educational background is from Lewis University in Romeoville where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership, with an emphasis in Training. As an avid learner, she most recently completed the Living Word Christian Center’s School of Ministry in Forest Park, IL where she earned her Ministry License. Alisa and her husband Charles, reside in Aurora, IL.
Jen Mendoza
Board Member
Learn More About Jen Mendoza
Jen holds a Master’s in Liberal Studies from North Central College, focused on Multicultural Studies, and a BA in Anthropology and International Studies from Loyola University Chicago.
Her career spans leadership roles with the Better Business Bureau, World Relief DuPage/Aurora, and the Promotional Professionals Association of Chicago. Most recently, she served as CEO of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she championed small business growth and community development.
Jen is the Founder and Director of InspiHER, a women’s empowerment initiative, and Co-Founder of LeadHER, a civic and professional leadership program. She also co-founded Moms4Moms, NFP, supporting women-owned businesses through community pop-ups.
Currently, Jen serves as Director of Holistic Events & Community Partnerships at Aura Holistic Wellness and as Community Outreach Director for WESOS, one of the nation’s largest networks for women entrepreneurs.
She serves on the Executive Board of the Alive™ Center and is the Founding President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Fox Valley Area.
Outside of her work, Jen enjoys traveling with her family—especially road-tripping and hiking through national parks.