Kim Day
Executive Director
Kim Day is a demonstrated transformational leader, building a network of innovative schools serving 2000 students on the south side of Chicago from the ground up. Kim is an experienced builder of effective collaborative, cross-functional teams allowing for the creation of robust systems of support across academics, operations, staff support and board governance. Kim partnered successfully with civic leaders, philanthropists, community leaders, teachers, school leaders and families, meeting multimillion-dollar annual fundraising goals. Kim is a catalyst for positive change, building innovative and replicable models resulting in extraordinary improvement in students’ achievement and the expansion of students’ opportunities.
Kim is the Co-founder and past Chief Education Officer of Perspectives Charter Schools. Perspectives Charter Schools was among the first charter school in Illinois and currently operates four public schools in Chicago serving students in grades 6-12. Perspectives received national recognition for its “A Disciplined Life® Education Model” from several national and local foundations including New Schools Venture Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, and a Dissemination Grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Kim has spoken across the country on A Disciplined Life Education Model, developing deliberate school culture, college completion work, and successful urban secondary education.
Kim Day earned her master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Kim is a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and was also a recipient of the Harvard Business School Club of Chicago Fellowship.
Executive Director
Erika Tarango
Director of External Affairs
Erika Lueker-Tarango has spent her career managing development and communication campaigns at organizations such as KIPP Austin Public Schools, The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Iowa, and Ruffalo Noel Levitz. She is an experienced manager with a strong background in strategic direction and oversight in community engagement programs. She is an active member of the Junior League of Chicago and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Erika holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and History from Southern Methodist University and a Masters of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California.
Director of External Affairs
Joseph Tollefson
Program Director
Joseph started with Genesys Works Chicago in 2011 as a Program Coordinator and has been a key contributor to the rapid growth that Genesys Works has achieved over the years. Joseph’s primary responsibilities are overseeing internship programming and student success, as well as managing, and expanding, Genesys Works’ portfolio of corporate partners.
Program Director
Kanisha Williams
Business Development Coordinator
Kanisha Williams is a graduate of the University of Chicago, where she earned a Bachelor of Sociology. She brings to Genesys Works a strong background in research and data analysis, particularly focusing on Chicago and its neighborhood communities. She has a passion for developing equitable and inclusive programming for youth. In her free time, she enjoys practicing photography and making films.
Business Development Coordinator
