Leveraging 15 years in education and nonprofit leadership, Kyra Marcano joins Chicago Run as Executive Director in 2024. Kyra's background as a teacher, special educator, school leader, and founder of Brilliant Light equips her with expertise in system development, fostering collaboration, and shaping strategic visions. She has a proven track record of partnership, working with Chicago Public Schools and local nonprofits on initiatives in early childhood education, youth development, and social-emotional learning. A lifelong Chicagoan and CPS graduate, Kyra's dedication to Chicago Run goes back to 2010. Over the years, she has worn many hats: Team Chicago Run marathoner, school site coordinator, board member, and committee chair.

Kyra holds a Master of the Arts in Teaching Elementary Education with a Special Education endorsement from National-Louis University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. Outside of running, Kyra enjoys listening to podcasts, gardening, and travel. She lives on the west side of Chicago with her dogs and cat, Prince, Duke, and Meow Meow.

Emily grew up on the West Side of Chicago, where she discovered her love for fitness through programs like Girls on the Run and America Scores. In High School, she joined a stained-glass program through After School Matters, an experience that grew her passion for art. She also became a proud Chicago Scholar, committed to learning and giving back. Today, Emily partners with Chicago Run through Chicago Community Colleges, combining her interest in fitness and community. In her free time, she likes to lift at the gym, play basketball, paint, or work on new stained-glass pieces.

Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Laleeh is an enthusiastic summer intern, open to learning new things and elevating their youth experience. Growing up with eccentric and joyful younger siblings, they learned the importance of pouring positivity into youth and have always enjoyed taking care of and learning from their siblings. They also watched a lot of Super Nanny growing up. As a hobby, they love to read, watch anime, and listen to a variety of podcasts. 

Juli brings over 15 years of experience in education and the nonprofit sector to Chicago Run. She believes deeply in the transformative power of running and movement, and is passionate about ensuring equitable access to movement  for youth across Chicago. She holds a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Juli taught science for six years in Phoenix and Chicago before becoming Director of Science Curriculum and Instruction at KIPP Chicago. She later served in several roles at The Bloc, a boxing-based nonprofit in West Humboldt Park, including Director of Operations and Curriculum Specialist. Juli is excited to bring her expertise to Chicago Run to support its programming, curriculum, and training initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, running, sewing, and going on adventures with her kids.

Shawontay was born and raised in Chicago, IL. At a young age, she grew a passion for music and dance. She attended and graduated from Millikin University with a degree in Business-Entrepreneurship. At the beginning of her sophomore year, she became the founder of a Dance Organization, building a platform for black women to express themselves through dance. Growing up on the south-side has contributed to Shawontay’s drive and commitment to being an advocate for and supporting youth and communities with limited opportunities. Post graduation, she knew she wanted to work with youth through education and innovation that inspires success. During her free time, she loves to enjoy nature, spend time with her family, and dance.

Elisha attended Western Illinois University and studied Exercise Science. While at WIU she played on the Women’s Basketball Club Team and joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. She has always had a passion for sports. Elisha has always loved working with kids and has an extensive background of working and planning activities/programs with kids. She is probably the world’s ultimate Chicago Sky fan. During her free time she enjoys playing video games, watching movies and going out to eat.

Mayra Hernandez is an artist, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose work aims to create unity amongst Chicago residents. As an artist, Mayra’s objective is to engage her audience to appreciate nature and its role in a city environment, as well as highlighting social matters that affect under-resourced communities. As a first-generation immigrant growing up in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood, Mayra helped organize the Dreamers and Allies Run team to raise college funds for undocumented students, and also founded the Back of the Yards Coffeehouse to bring a safe space and job opportunities to young people in her community. Mayra continues to aid efforts that are women-led and focused on equity as a graphic designer and digital content creator. She enjoys hiking, live music, and learning about new science discoveries. Mayra is raising a 2-year old in the Southwest side of Chicago with the support of her community.

Crystal graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with degrees in Sport Management and Business Development and has spent 15+ years in the sport and play sector. She joined Chicago Run in 2017, after spending more than 3 years with the Chicago Fire Foundation (CFF), the charitable arm of the Chicago Fire Football Club. With CFF, Crystal played an intricate role in expanding programming by 150%, establishing a young professionals board, winning multiple new grants and awards, and increasing revenue by over 25%. Crystal has also worked in collegiate sport marketing and athletic product sales.

Crystal has always been passionate about sports and grew up a runner; participating in both cross country and track & field. She is a Sport for Good Leadership Council Aum, Road Runners Club of America certified Distance Running Coach, and has completed two Chicago Marathons. In her free time, Crystal enjoys being active outdoors and exploring new local restaurants with her husband and two kids.

Sara grew up in the Southside of Chicago. She graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in Communication and a minor in History in May 2018. After graduating, she worked as the operations manager at small local businesses. She's excited to bring her experience to Chicago Run and advance Chicago’s Run mission. Outside of work, Sara has her own small decorated cookie business from home. She enjoys baking new recipes, painting, and trying new restaurants around the city.

Forrest is a passionate rock climber, mountaineer, outdoor enthusiast and community advocate born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. Their mission is to celebrate diversity in outdoor and urban spaces. They love collaborating with communities to encourage, promote and amplify stories and narratives from People of the Global Majority (PGM), women, non-binary and Transgender folxs, the LGBTQ2IA+ community and individuals with disabilities; to inspire our fellow sisters, brothers and siblings to venture into and engage with wild spaces. They have worked alongside the American Alpine Club, Chicago Mountaineering Club, Sierra Club, Access Fund, Outdoor Research and NOLS to help find ways to make adventure sports and outdoor communities more equitable, inclusive and welcoming to all. Forrest is the Co-founder of Sending in Color and a Coalition Member at Diversify Outdoors. You can usually find them exploring abandoned buildings, talking with friendly strangers, or reading a million books about a billion things.

Tucker was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. After graduating with a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia, he started working as a political organizer and found a calling in community organizing. After moving to Chicago to work on a campaign, he fell in love with the city and its diverse neighborhoods. As a lifelong runner, Tucker is excited to bring his organizing experience to Chicago Run and help offer equitable access to physical fitness to Chicago students. He enjoys working out and playing sports. In his free time, you can find him at record stores, reading by the lake, or going to the movies.

Lindsey is a dedicated professional who holds a degree in Human Resources and Nonprofit Management from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Her passion for empowering youth and their experience as an art teacher have provided them with valuable insights into child development, activity programming, and creative expression. She is excited to merge this passion with their education to make a positive impact at Chicago Run. Outside of work, Lindsey is an avid advocate for the arts, both as a creator and enthusiast, enjoying live music, movies, painting, and creating mosaics.

Jordan graduated from the University of Michigan School of Social Work in December of 2020 with a focus in Management of Human Services. Prior to graduate school, Jordan had years of experience working in the public sector and in the nonprofit world doing various forms of community organizing. His passion for running began at the age of 12 and continued through adulthood where he was a student-athlete at Eastern Michigan University. Outside of work, Jordan enjoys photography, watching movies, and eating Detroit Style pizza.

Douglas is a college Freshman and a recent graduate of Lindblom Math and Science Academy. He started his athletic journey with cross country and volleyball in middle school. Douglas joined Chicago Run because he has felt the positive impact of athletics and coaching in his youth. Outside of Chicago Run, Douglas has many hobbies such as volleyball, soccer, tennis, and riding around on his skateboard or bike. Douglas is also a photographer and has had many pictures displayed in various art exhibits.