Board of Directors
Join our Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Alternatives has term limits to ensure new perspectives and ideas are included. For this reason, we are always looking for dynamic and committed individuals interested in joining our Board.
Qualifications we are looking for…
- Alignment with and understanding of Alternatives’ Mission, Vision, and Values
- Understanding of Alternatives’ stance on advocacy issues and demonstrate a willingness to learn
- Demonstrate self-awareness of your journey toward understanding and evaluating your own privilege
- Willingness to engage with the organization outside of board meetings
- Serve as an actively engaged member during a 3-year term
- Regularly attend Board meetings 6 times per year
- Engage via committee or task force 5-10 hours per month
- Contribute to annual board member give/get: $2,500
If you’re interested in joining the board, please fill out the interest form and someone will be in touch with you.
Mikki Kendall
Mikki Kendall (born October 23, 1976) is an author, activist, and cultural critic. Her work often focuses on current events, media representation, the politics of food, and the history of the feminist movement. Penguin Random House published her graphic novel Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists in 2019, while her political nonfiction book Hood Feminism was released in early 2020
Ananda Badili
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Ananda Badili studied classical voice at Chicago’s first public arts high school. She then continued her education at Knox College, where she graduated with a degree in psychology, gender studies, and education. Ananda is now a young professional with experience in DEI initiatives, fundraising, and community engagement. As a recent graduate of the Northwestern/United Way Board Leadership Institute, Ananda is committed to fostering inclusivity and advocating for marginalized communities. She is excited to use her skills to create a positive impact nationwide.
Katie Eng
Katie is an accomplished Senior Executive, Advisor, and Board Member with more than 17 years of success across the marketing & advertising industries. Areas of expertise include business development, brand development, marketing, and strategy.
Jon Gortat
Board Treasurer
Jonathan Gortat is the Director of Licensing and Strategic Alliances at Stanford University’s Office of Technology Licensing with more than 15 years experience in technology transfer. Prior to joining Stanford, he was assistant director at the University of Illinois-Chicago Office of Technology Management and in various roles
Randall Doubet-King
Board President
Randall is a retired ordained minister with Standing in the United Church of Christ. In addition to 30 years of parish ministry Randall has provided over forty years of volunteer leadership for a variety of organizations focused on racial and economic justice, including work on organizing, housing, healthcare, and youth development. He has been a volunteer at Alternatives for nearly twenty years. This is his second rotation as a Board member having previously served from 2013 to 2020.
Grace Taylor
Board Vice President
Gracia (Grace) Taylor has extensive work experience in the field of design. Gracia (Grace) is currently working as a Lead Product Designer at SeatGeek since July 2023. Prior to that, they served as an Associate Council Member at Collaborative Gain from January 2022 to August 2023. Gracia (Grace) also worked at Dropbox as a Product Design from August 2022 to May 2023. Gracia has also held positions at The Washington Post as a Principal Product Designer from March 2022 to August 2022, and as a Senior Product Designer from August 2020 to February 2022. Before that, they were a Product Designer at SpotHero from January 2020 to June 2020. Gracia has also worked at SoFi as a Senior Interactive Designer from November 2018 to January 2020, and at AKQA as a Senior Designer from November 2017 to November 2018. Gracia (Grace) also gained experience as a Senior UX/UI Designer at Labdoor from March 2017 to November 2017. Gracia started their career as an Art Director at Manifest from March 2016 to March 2017, and as a Senior Visual Designer from January 2015 to March 2016. Gracia (Grace) also worked as a Designer at SapientNitro from May 2014 to January 2015.
Grace Taylor’s education history includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design from Columbia College Chicago. Gracia (Grace) also completed a program in Art Direction at the Chicago Portfolio School. Additionally, they obtained a certification in User Experience Design from General Assembly. In June 2021, they acquired a certification as a Racial Healing Practitioner from the Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation institution.
Kelly Sudnik
Kelly Sudnik has a strong background in account services and advertising. Kelly started their career at CMA Advertising in 2005 as an Account Executive. Kelly then worked at Virgen Advertising as an Account Executive from 2006 to 2008. After that, they joined Ogilvy & Mather as an Account Supervisor from 2008 to 2013. Since 2013, Kelly has been working at PACO Collective, where they have held various roles including Group Account Director, VP, Director of Account Services, and currently serves as the EVP, Managing Director.
Kelly Sudnik attended Cleveland State University from 2001 to 2005, where they pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Communication.
Dhyia Thompson-Phillips
Program Committee Chair
Dhyia Thompson-Phillips brings more than 20 years of experience in strategy, social impact, and education. She has effectively led high stakes, multi-stakeholder, million-dollar initiatives in the education, mission-driven, public, and private sectors with a focus on strategy and growth. She previously served as the Deputy Managing Director for the Nonprofit and Philanthropy practice where she manages business development and client projects focused on data, strategy and data systems.
Nikolas Armstrong
Board Secretary
Dr. Armstrong is a practicing clinical neuropsychologist and longtime resident of Chicago. His interests include health psychology, social justice issues, mindfulness practices, and obsessively collecting houseplants.
Susan J. Musich
Susan spent most of her career as an educator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and currently teaches art history and consults for nonprofit foundations. Susan was on the board of Planned Parenthood of Illinois for 19 years, serving twice as board chair, and chairing the governance, development, and strategic planning committees. She has an MBA from Kellogg and had a short stint working in the corporate sector before transitioning to nonprofits. She lives in Andersonville with her husband, Jeff, and has two adult children, Matt and Anna.