HEART Chicago is delighted to introduce you to five incredible individuals working to bring humane education to more Chicago youth. Together, Caroline, Martha, Coleman, Ann, and Jade hosted their first FUN-draiser, Cocktails for a Cause at State Restaurant in Lincoln Park. They are already working hard on hosting their second event. If you would like more information on attending their next event, please email Leona@teachhumane.org.
CAROLINE PAKENHAM
Caroline is the Young Professional Board Chair and Advisory Board Member for HEART Chicago. In addition to serving HEART Chicago, Ms. Pakenham also works as an Energy Operations Associate at the Center for Neighborhood Technology, which is an urban sustainability nonprofit organization. Ms. Pakenham has also worked at the Environmental Law & Policy Center and as an environmental educator in NYC. In her free time, Ms. Pakenham volunteers with PAWS Chicago and has participated in the Chicago Conservation Corps leadership training program.
Ms. Pakenham holds a M.A. in Political Science from Colorado State University and a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from Drake University.
MARTHA RAUCH
Born with an innate desire to help others understand the natural world around them, Martha has spent the majority of her life discovering how to use recreation and fun in the natural world as an avenue for people to find peace and solace within themselves. She has volunteered her time in Costa Rican rainforests, worked with youth at a high adventure outdoor camp in the Colorado mountains, and even worked as an administrator for a local police department. Martha can be found climbing trees in her barefoot shoes, making vegetarian food, reading in her hammock, or enjoying a drink with her friends. She loves to laugh, learn about others, and inspire random people she meets. She is always looking for new ways to create opportunities in nature in the hopes that people will find their inner voice, gain perspective, and be the best version of themselves so that the world can be a better place.
COLEMAN FRANKLIN
Coleman has extensive experience in Sales and Marketing as well as community outreach and Social Enterprise. “As a graduate of Loyola University Chicago changing the world has always been part of my life’s goal.” As an avid outdoor enthusiast protecting the environments that we all enjoy seemed like a reasonable endeavor. Coleman began his efforts towards environmental initiatives and outreach with Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI). After 3 years with REI, Coleman moved into the financial services arena working as a financial advisor and loan specialist. When the opportunity to move back to Chicago and embark on the journey to build Better Bag Corporation presented itself, the decision was simple. To Coleman, Better Bag Benefit corp. represents the best of both worlds. Being a part of a benefit corporation/social enterprise that has the means to redefine environmental stewardship is quite exciting.
ANNE COHEN
Anne has focused her academic and professional work on the intersection of human rights and the environment for the past decade. A native Hoosier who grew up in central Indiana, she left one cornfield for another and headed west to study French and International Studies at Illinois Wesleyan University. There, she developed her interest in international environmental justice, which eventually led her to the Committee on International Relations at the University of Chicago, where she studied the international application of ecological economics. Following her Master’s degree she worked as a fundraising and event professional for the Environmental Law & Policy Center in downtown Chicago. Nowadays she spends her time volunteering with great organizations like HEART and the Anti-Cruelty Society and enjoying South Loop living with her husband and Newfoundland dog, Teddy.
JADE ESTHAPPAN
In addition to being a Young Professionals board member of HEART Chicago, Jade currently works as a community pharmacist in the Chicagoland area where she specializes in geriatric care and medication therapy management. During her time as an undergraduate student, she volunteered at the University of Minnesota Department of Urologic Surgery assisting in cancer research. She also volunteered at multiple animal shelters throughout Twin Cities suburbs.
Jade currently holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Minnesota and a Doctorate in Pharmacy from Chicago State University College of Pharmacy.
