November 2021 featured volunteer: Albert Ellenich
We are deeply grateful for our generous volunteers who make our work possible. This month, we are highlighting someone whose role as a volunteer has been instrumental at ITA… meet Albert!
Below, Albert shares a bit about himself:
“I grew up in Baraga, Michigan, a small, sheltered village on the shores of Lake Superior in northern Michigan. My factory-working father and stay-at-home mother taught me the value of appreciating the small things in life and making the most of what you have. I am the oldest of 3 children and the first in my extended family to go to college.
I was recognized at a young age as “artistically gifted” and won many awards for my creative work in drawing and filmmaking through my teen years. I learned basic computing skills in high school and attended the University of Michigan to pursue Computer Science, quickly switching majors to Graphic Design once I learned of the commercial applications of art. I was self-taught with early Apple macintosh computers and software, which led to my employment post-college as a macintosh expert.
While in college, I joined Alpha Phi Omega, a national coeducational service organization founded on the principles of Leadership, Friendship, and Service. It provides its members the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they volunteer on their campus, in their community, to the nation, and the organization. I held active leadership roles with the organization and committed myself to numerous volunteer service projects each semester at local schools, homeless shelters, Ronald McDonald House, and more. These experiences made volunteerism a permanent part of my life.
Before moving to Chicago over 20 years ago, I held active volunteer roles with the local chapter of the American Red Cross in Grand Rapids, Michigan where I supported all marketing and communication efforts, event planning, and fundraising.
Before volunteering with ITA, I was an active board member for 3 years with Back 2 School IL, a nonprofit providing school supplies to thousands of children throughout IL and extending beyond the state’s borders.
I currently live in Evanston, IL with my husband of 20 years and am the Director of User Experience for a growing local startup focused on helping older adults live at home with dignity and purpose while reducing the stress, strain, work, and worry for their family members.
I love all outdoor activities, travel, good food, adventurous times with family and friends, and of course, ART!
I am very excited to bring all my capabilities to ITA. I love that I can volunteer my skills and experience in visual design and nonprofit involvement for an organization that makes such a positive impact on others through art. It’s truly rewarding to know I’m helping in some small way to bring art to those who will benefit greatly from it.”
Thank you Albert for your commitment to volunteer service and for the work you have done with ITA!
If you are interested in sharing your talents with ITA, please email us at info@chicago.org