In 2021, EAT built the Chicago Future Fund (CFF) as an innovative solution to economic inequality by providing $500/month to 30 returning residents in West Garfield Park. This year, EAT expanded the program, providing guaranteed income to 100 system-impacted individuals in Chicago's South and West sides. Since its inception, the CFF has shifted the narrative around guaranteed income and system-impacted individuals in Illinois, paving the way for several GI programs to follow. The CFF is more than a GI program. It is an acknowledgment of past harms, an investment in Black joy, and an opportunity to remedy the absence of actionable alternatives to police and prisons in Illinois.

Rachel Pyon (she/her/hers), Equity and Transformation

Rachel Pyon is a research coordinator with a passion for redefining safety and building equitable solutions in the city of Chicago. She has a demonstrated background in the civic & organization industry with experiences in research, policy analysis, legislation, and campaigning.   Rachel has recently received her Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. She also holds her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Diversity Studies from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign.

Ashley Baber (she/her/hers), Equity and Transformation

Ashley Baber is currently a Sociology Professor at Loyola University Chicago. Her research interests include Urban Sociology, Political Sociology, Social Stratification & Inequality, Labor Markets, The “Gig” Economy, and Political-Economy of Urban Education.

Jalessa Bonner (she/her/hers), Chicago Future Fund Participant

Jalessa Bonner is a recipient of the Chicago Future Fund (CFF) and a passionate advocate for formerly incarcerated individuals. Since joining the first cohort of the Chicago Future Fund, Jalessa received her BOLD Training Certificate and has spoken at conferences about how guaranteed income has impacted her community. In her free time, Jalessa enjoys cooking for her many nephews and nieces.

Solomon Johnson (he/him/his), Chicago Future Fund Participant

Solomon Johnson is one of the original members of Equity and Transformation (EAT) and a current recipient of the Chicago Future Fund. Since EAT’s inception, Solomon has served on EAT’s Leadership Council, played a pivotal role in the Ban the Box initiative, and contributed to reports on the informal economy. Solomon has been a strong advocate for informal workers.

Maurice Woodard (he/him/his), Equity and Transformation

Maurice Woodard is the Operations Coordinator for Equity and Transformation (EAT), a Chicago-based group that works with formerly incarcerated citizens. An organizer at heart, Woodard has always played a role in his community. From helping with the Special Olympics & formerly incarcerated youth throughout college; to coming back home to Chicago to Organize with EAT. This work primarily focuses on organizing black workers to confront the impact of economic disparities in housing, education, and employment. As a member of the inaugural cohort, Woodard is a national fellow with Community Coalition and Change in Los Angeles.

Centering Justice Impacted Community Members in Program Design and Implementation