Children First Fund (CFF) is excited to welcome two accomplished education leaders to our Board of Directors to help advance our mission of promoting the success of Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
The Children First Fund is proud to welcome Bryan Stokes, Education Portfolio Director at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, and Eva Giglio, Executive Director of the CME Group Foundation, to our Board of Directors. These strategic appointments bring deep expertise in educational leadership and philanthropic partnership as we continue advancing equity across Chicago Public Schools through meaningful collaboration and resource mobilization.
CFF is the Chicago Public Schools foundation. We promote the growth and success of CPS students and schools through philanthropy and partnerships. Our mission is rooted in the idea that talent is equally distributed but opportunity, access, and resources are not. Operating both with and within CPS, CFF proactively engages partnerships and resources, maximizing impact for supporters of Chicago’s students to advance equity across the district.
As the nation’s fourth largest district, CPS serves over 325,000 students in 634 schools across Chicago. By investing in CPS students, you invest in the future of Chicago.
“Bryan and Eva bring exactly the kind of strategic expertise and passion for educational equity that will help us expand our impact across Chicago Public Schools,” shares Rebecca Clarkin, Executive Director of CFF. “Their deep understanding of both early childhood development and district-wide operations positions CFF to better serve the 325,000 students counting on us to create more equitable opportunities.”
Bryan Stokes brings 15 years of experience in early childhood education, recently serving as Chief of Early Childhood Education at Chicago Public Schools. His background spans classroom teaching, program leadership at organizations serving thousands of Chicago children, and strategic policy implementation in the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development. In his current role at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Bryan continues championing educational equity for Chicago’s youngest learners.
Eva Giglio brings over a decade of experience enhancing the lives of Chicago’s youth through education. As Deputy Chief of Staff at Chicago Public Schools, she led strategic vision and improvement planning focused on creating equitable student outcomes, and co-led the Mayor’s Pre-K through 12 Reopening Schools Task Force during COVID-19. Eva began her career as a Spanish teacher at Kenwood Academy and holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from North Park University. She’s also a Leadership Greater Chicago fellow.
“As we continue building more strategic partnerships to support CPS students and schools, Bryan and Eva bring the insights and commitment to educational excellence that will help us maximize our impact. We’re excited about the fresh perspectives they’ll contribute to our work” said Alan King, Chair of the CFF Board of Directors.
The Children First Fund Board of Directors serves as both a fundraising and governing board, focused on advancing CPS growth and success of CPS students, schools and educators. Our directors are passionate ambassadors of Chicago Public Schools, contributing their time, ideas, and investments to advance key initiatives. These appointments reflect our continued ability to attract leaders who expand our network and offer strategic insights based on their valuable skill sets.
We look forward to the contributions these distinguished educational advocates will make as we continue building stronger, more vibrant school communities where every CPS student can thrive.
Learn more about Children First Fund’s impact and recent initiatives by exploring our latest blog posts, subscribe to our newsletter for updates on our work, and discover how you can get involved in supporting Chicago’s students.
