Serving Adults Since 1968

In 1968, two organizations, Literacy Volunteers of Chicago and Literacy Council of Chicago, were created to address the literacy and language needs of Chicago adults. These two dynamic groups merged in 1992 to establish Literacy Chicago. 

Since then thousands of adults have participated in the broad range of programs Literacy Chicago has developed, including Basic Literacy, GED preparation, English as a Second Language, Workforce Development, Citizenship classes, and numerous bridge programs. Literacy Chicago's most recent addition is in Digital Literacy. 
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Dedicated tutor volunteers contribute greatly to the success of Literacy Chicago and make a big difference in the lives of the students they work with.

Who We Serve & Who We Are

Students

Staff

Our Staff

Leadership

Executive Director
​Richard Dominguez

Richard Dominguez joined the Board of Directors for Literacy Chicago in 2008 and transitioned to become Literacy Chicago‘s Treasurer in the fall of 2010. Richard accepted the role as Executive Director for Literacy Chicago in December 2013. He feels passionate about adult education and literacy because his parents also faced the same challenges as many of the Literacy Chicago students whose first language isn't English. He witnessed first hand his parents' struggles throughout the years due to their limited education. Today Richard strives to make a difference by assisting individuals in learning how to read and write.

Director of Program Development
Joanne Telser-​Frère

Born in Chicago, Joanne has always been an adventurer. She has lived and worked in France, Pakistan, Egypt, and Qatar. Joanne is fluent in French and can get by in Arabic. ​Upon her return to Chicago she spent four years developing and teaching Cognitive Fitness programs before accepting a position teaching ESL and citizenship courses. A member of Toastmasters International, Joanne received the Distinguished Toastmaster Award, the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters and holds her degree in French from the University of Illinois. As Director of Program Development at Literacy Chicago since 2016, Joanne enjoys this adventure of enriching lives by helping adults in her hometown.  

Program Operations Manager
Marilyn Murchison

Marilyn Murchison is the Operations/Program Manager at Literacy Chicago. She has been with the organization since 2006, overseeing all office functions and managing grant reporting and compliance. Marilyn is also a member of the Chicago Area Planning Council which promotes dialogue, partnerships, and collaborations for the development of literate adult population in Chicago. In 2010, Marilyn received the "Literacy Hero" award from Literacy Chicago. She manages extensive ESL, GED and ABE programs including testing, placement, and orientation. At Literacy Chicago, she works closely with the instructors to ensure that our classes meet with Illinois standards of higher education. 

Transition Coordination
Jeannie Araujo

Jeannie is the Transition Coordinator for Literacy Chicago. Her relationship with Literacy Chicago began in 2018 when she started volunteering as a tutor and Citizenship class instructor. Previously, she served as Director of Production at Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corporation, and also worked as an editor/project manager for a variety of international educational publishing houses. Her interest in education and literacy began when she served as a TEFL volunteer in Thailand with the Peace Corps.

Instructors

GED
​Jan Derrick

Jan Derrick joined Literacy Chicago as a part-time instructor in an off-site workforce initiative. Recognizing her skills and commitment to students’ success, she was offered a full-time position wherein she would merge workforce, GED and literacy initiatives. In this position she provided oversight to off-site instructors, ensuring that Literacy Chicago’s vision was incorporated across programs. Jan expanded Literacy Chicago’s courses for digital technology, literacy, and GED classes to enhance instructors’ ability to integrate technology and employment skills. She further took the initiative to develop relationships with colleges and service organizations to remove barriers to students’ success.

GED
​Dorcas Reddick

Dorcas Riddick, affectionately called Miss Dee, dedicates her life to service as an educator, facilitator, coach and trainer. She makes a conscious, deliberate effort to disrupt the story one believes about him/herself, to introduce the belief in possibilities, to add value to learners, and to impact destinies, if need be, one person or hundreds of people at a time in teachable moments. Dorcas Riddick answers her call with passion helping diverse under privileged, underserved people groups achieve their ABE/GED/ASE personal, academic, and/or professional goals in remote and/or in person instructional modalities.

ESL
Bruce Ingram

Bruce Ingram comes to ESL after 25 years in arts journalism, writing and editing for a number of national and Chicago-area publications. After becoming a certified ESL instructor in 2017, he began teaching Chinese children online before turning to teaching and tutoring in person in a variety of Chicago settings—particularly enjoying teaching adults from around the world at Literacy Chicago. In addition to working on the basics of grammar and reading comprehension, we always take time to engage in conversation and exchange ideas. Bruce has an undergraduate degree in theater and film and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

ESL
Cindy Stawarski

Cindy Stawarski worked as a training manager for a large Chicago bank for 35 years. She retired in 2021 and has been volunteering and teaching at Literacy Chicago since that time. She started out as a volunteer teaching the Reading Through Song course for the adult literacy program. The ESL program for Ukrainian refugees began in June 2022, and she has been teaching the beginner level course ever since. She says that teaching the Ukrainians has been both a rewarding and an enriching experience. It can be emotional at times but the students come motivated to learn and bring a joyous and positive spirit to class. Becoming certified to teach ESL in Illinois through the ICCB has provided Cindy with a deeper well of knowledge from which to create meaningful and useful class work for her students.

ESL & Digital Literacy
​Marisol Guzman

Marisol Guzman is a Digital Literacy and ESL instructor. Born and raised in the Little Village area, she saw firsthand the challenges a predominantly immigrant-base community has, as well as the tremendous opportunity that comes from investing in one's community. ​

ESL
Alexandra Stevenson

Alexandra Stevenson started teaching ESL at Literacy Chicago in 2022, working with Ukrainian refugees in Ukrainian Village. She also enjoys one-on-one tutoring at Literacy Chicago, which she has been doing since 2021. Before joining Literacy Chicago, Alexandra taught English, studio art, and art/ architectural history at a northwest suburban high school, where she loved being in two departments and teaching interdisciplinary curricula. Aside from teaching, Alexandra is also a practicing artist who spends as much time as she can in her Ravenswood studio. She exhibits her paintings in Chicago and beyond, and also works part time as a Teaching Artist with Art Encounter. A long time Chicago resident, Alexandra knew she wanted to work in the city when she retired from high school teaching, and Literacy Chicago has provided a wonderful opportunity to do meaningful work with inspiring students. 

ESL
​Susan Chestnut

Susan Chestnut is an ESL teacher, starting at Literacy Chicago in July 2023. She has 2 master’s degrees, one in Education and also Clinical Psychology. Susan started her career as a special education teacher. She has extensive experience working with young children and families. She earned her TEFL Certification from Language Institute Chiang Mai University (LICMU) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She developed and taught LICMU’s first ESL classes for special needs students. Susan created and taught U.S. citizenship and ESL classes for emergent level students. In addition to teaching, Susan trains ESL volunteers to tutor adult learners. The foundation of Susan’s work is to develop a genuine, caring, supportive relationship with her learners in which each feels valued, accepted, and safe.

ESL
Frank Cheers

Frank Cheers says he is delighted to join the Literacy Chicago family and brings high positive energy and more than ten years of teaching experience to the LC family album. He has taught ESL to adults and high school students in both private and public schools here in Chicago.Frank is  anative Chicagoan who hails from the city's Southwest Side,  a fan of Chicago trivia and  a loyal Cubs fan. He  attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he  studied history and English literature. When not in class, he LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to cook, watch classic movies, read, travel, go to the theatre, and volunteer his  time to various causes. He spends as much time with family and friends as he can and loves being an Uncle!

Executive Board of Directors

President - Marilyn Peterson

Employer: The Boeing Company
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, City University, Seattle, WA; Associate of Risk Management, Insurance Institute of America.

John Wayne once said “Courage is being scared of death…and saddling up anyway.” Learning to read as an adult takes a great deal of courage and a healthy dose of determination. My mission at Literacy Chicago is to reward that courage and determination by ensuring the availability of excellent literacy programs that will meet the needs of all our adult students." 

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Vice President - Steve Ginsburgh

​Steve Ginsburgh is presently an executive consultant with Metrus Group. His previous 39 year career of HR accomplishments spans several industries including: aviation, consulting, energy, beverage, chemical, and utility. His education includes an A.B. degree in psychology from Washington University in St. Louis in 1970 and an A.M. degree in LIR from U. of Illinois at Champaign – Urbana in 1975. Steve achieved his SPHR certification in 1995 and has contributed to seven publications on leadership and workforce development. 

Steve served in the Navy on an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam era and today is a volunteer at the National Museum of the American Sailor. In 1983, he was a team member of President Reagan's Private Sector Survey. He has served as the President of the Board for Literacy Advance of Houston and SER Jobs for Progress.  In addition to being a board member of Literacy Chicago he is an active tutor. 

A successful life requires giving back to others."

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Treasurer - ​​​Diane Fleming-Coker

Education: Masters in Secondary Education; Bachelors in Finance with minor in Economics. Prior experience as a financial analyst in banking, senior field examiner – FINRA, and financial consultant. Extensive background in financial accounting and securities regulation.

​Employer: FDIC – Capital Markets. Previously a Finance Academy instructor/coordinator and online mentor with Chicago Public Schools.

Interests: Adult and young adult literacy, financial literacy, and distance learning. Certificates: Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling, Secondary Education (09), Administration (75), Microsoft Office User Specialist – Excel.

Memberships: National Business Education Association (NBEA), Illinois Business Education Association, Delta Pi Epsilon (DPE), and Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." - Sir Richard Steele

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Secretary - ​Bill Fehrman

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Director - ​Deborah Best

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Director - ​​Shirley Evans-Wofford

Education: Graduate of Tuck School of Business, and Cannon Business College, Honolulu, HI. Scholastic education also includes collegiate coursework at Roosevelt University and completion of the NextONE Business Accelerator Program, joint venture between the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the Chicago Urban League. Shirley’s education and professional development also includes the completion of numerous executive level management courses.

​The pleasure and enjoyment that I receive from reading a note scribbled by a loved one, the excitement and even sadness that I receive from reading a novel, the ability to search the web…everyone should be able to experience such pleasure, enjoyment and ability to read and use the internet. My mission is to make this possible to every adult that comes to Literacy Chicago." 

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Director - ​David Applegate

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Director - ​Joann Horton

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Associate Board

Co-Chair - Derricka Holloway

Derricka, consultant and feline enthusiast, has been a member of Literacy Chicago's Associate Board since 2022. As co-chair, she drives strategy, goals, and engagement. Derricka joined to deepen her ties to the local community and to grow Literacy Chicago's impact across the city.

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Co-Chair - Sanjee Choudhuri

Sanjee is co-chair of the Literacy Chicago associate board and has volunteered with Literacy Chicago since 2019. He joined Literacy Chicago because of his passion for education and to support literacy efforts in the city. Sanjee works professionally as a higher education technology consultant and enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and boxing in his free time.

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Membership Chair - Ann Keeton

As a journalist, Ann covered everything from fashion and retailing at Women's Wear Daily to the airline and aerospace industry at the Wall Street Journal. She continues to write, and tutors adult learners in ESL and literacy.

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Finance Chair - Lillian Wu

Lillian has been a member of Literacy Chicago's Associate Board since 2022, and serves as the finance chair. Lillian joined to learn more about and help the local community, and increase the impact of scholarship and literacy across Chicago.

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Social Media Chair - Vernon Fleming

Chicago native Vernon Fleming is a versatile professional in Grant Management, Instructional Design, Consulting, and Business Development, known for his strong educational foundation with degrees in Philosophy and International Marketing. Founder of South Side Consulting (SSC), he's made a lasting impact by engaging communities, forging partnerships, and championing job seekers. With an unwavering commitment to positive change, Vernon continues to drive transformative outcomes and shape a brighter future.

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Public Relations Chair - Laura Frankel

Laura, attorney and mediator, joined the Associate Board in 2019 acting as the communications secretary. As a Literacy Chicago volunteer, Laura has participated as an ESL tutor and co-teacher. Her passion for reading and having an impact on the local community brought her to Literacy Chicago.

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Communications Chair - Andrea Barron

Andrea, an active reader, traveler and yoga enthusiast, has been a member of Literacy Chicago's Associate Board since 2023. As Communication Secretary, she will work to keep our supporters apprised of all events and programs. Andrea joined the board because she has enjoyed tutoring students in ESL and believes in the mission of Literacy Chicago.

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Member - Karen Kring

Marketing and communications manager for Envision Unlimited, a full-spectrum of care agency serving people with disabilities, and a professional photographer and journalist. Former ESL tutor. Still a volunteerholic.

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Member - Liam Sharkey

Liam, consultant and chess fanatic. A new Literacy Chicago Associate Board member as of April 2023. Liam joined to make a lasting impact on the community by empowering individuals to improve self sufficiency through language and literacy.

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Member - Venessa Velazquez

Venessa has lived in Chicago for the past four years and enjoys being part of the community through acts of service. She is a member of Activate Chi and a volunteer for Tutoring Chicago. She has a background in event/conference planning and enjoys advocating for others.

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Member - Taylor Booth

Taylor Booth is a Vice President within Voya’s intermediary relations team.  She has more than 15 years of retirement and benefits experience.  Her role focuses on business development and deepening existing relationships.  She customizes programs to best exceed the expectations of intermediaries and their customers. Taylor also has experience with non-for-profit employers and insurance products, which gives her with a more holistic perspective

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Member - ​Vasilios Rosenzweig

Vasilios is a Chicago native, with a volunteering background in disaster relief with Team Rubicon and with a professional background in accounting and finance. He currently works as a Senior Analyst within Lincoln International's Valuations and Opinions Group. Vasilios enjoys collecting and listening to records, and playing saxophone.

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Liason to Literacy Chicago - Joanne Telser-Frère

Joanne is Literacy Chicago's woman on the ground for the Associate Board's work. She is the go-between the Board and Literacy Chicago.

Partners

​Sponsors