As a 501(3)(c) organization, Monarch Thrift Shop is governed by a board of directors. 

Carl Brown, Jr

It's been a joy to volunteer with Monarch and see the space proliferate. I'm a Forest Park based father of one who is also part of the local community garden board.  Lately I've been putting intention into building community via volunteering, parenting, and run club. I work professionally as an IT Architect in the Biopharma sector.

 

Frederick Brown III

Tech professional who specializes in sales and strategy and cultivating relationships. Fred currently works for Linkedin and, prior to joining Linkedin, worked in consulting helping businesses achieve their goals. Fred received his MBA from Olin business school at Washington University in St. Louis and has an undergraduate degree in Economics. Upon moving to Chicago in 2018, one of the goals Fred set for himself was to really become a part of the Chicago community and give back. He has since joined the board for another non-profit, "One Heart One Soul" where he works with youth experiencing homelessness and is excited to come on board and help out Monarch as well. Fred has had the privilege of partnering with Monarch through his role at OHOS which is what excited him about joining the Monarch board. Seeing the wonderful work Monarch has done for Chicago gives Fred great joy to be a part of something special that benefits our communities. www.linkedin.com/in/flbiii/

Christa Clumpner Cauley, Co-Founder and Executive Director

Erica Eichleay, Vice-Chair

Supporting Monarch’s work brings together my values, interests, and skills in a couple of ways. After being a classroom teacher for a decade, I have spent the last 17 years training teachers and leaders in under-resourced schools across the country. In that work we are focused on supporting schools to improve educational outcomes which are, of course, impacted by the range of challenges youth experience including poverty, trauma, and homelessness. Strategic Planning is a core competency that I help train and support leaders around. This includes crafting a clear vision, focused (and limited) priorities, and monitoring those through clear metrics and systems. I coach leaders directly around systems and tools to help progress monitor and course correct their plans. Monarch is at an inflection point where setting the course forward is key for long-term viability and I am excited about leveraging additional strategies that can support that work. 

The fact that a thrift store is the vehicle for Monarch’s mission just makes it all the more exciting to me. I was focused on issues of sustainability and waste reduction in college and before it was ‘cool’. I have come from and have also been myself a life-long thrifter or garage ‘saler’ (as we used to say when I accompanied my grandmother and her friends on weekly outings). As such, I am invested in spaces where treasures are rescued from trash, and we can be inspired toward more creative, sustainable living. I have been donating and shopping at Monarch since the first days and feel honored to contribute in my capacity as board member.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-eichleay-67b8004

Mireya Fouche, Co-Founder and Executive Director

Sandra Johnson, Secretary

I have been honored to serve on the board from Monarch’s inception and have been a faithful volunteer, helping practically with sorting clothing, tagging, moving furniture, moving the store, cleaning, painting and almost anything that’s been necessary. 

Cecelia Quinn

Katherine Sain

Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I was deeply influenced by my father's work as a child psychiatrist and his advocacy for juvenile justice reform. This inspired my studies in political science and sociology, where I engaged in impactful experiences like an “inside-out” course with juvenile offenders. After moving to Chicago in 2020, I became a Mental Health Worker at Heartland Alliance.

I’m now pursuing an MBA as a Baumhart Scholar at Loyola University Chicago, focusing on Human Resources & Employee Relations. I’m excited about the opportunity to join the Monarch team because of its commitment to reducing recidivism, a cause close to my heart. Monarch Thrift’s dedication to the local community resonates with my passion for social impact.

Rita Richardson, Chair

My career and my desire to help others have been running on parallel tracks for a long time.  These tracks have grown closer together and it is now that they have become one.  At my core, I know that having the experience of running successful businesses combined with a deep desire to use those talents to advance the mission of ending youth homelessness and reducing recidivism is who I am.

My career started out as a retail buyer, then to the manufacturing side, then owning my own company developing products for the biggest retailers in the USA.  I love retail and the challenge of enticing customers to choose “us” over all the many other options.  Being successful at winning over customers means being creative and analytical.  I want to use those skills to help Monarch.

I believe in Monarch’s mission.  If my expertise can be helpful in any way, then I want to offer those talents to staff and volunteers to help increase revenue which will in turn help Chicago’s at risk youth and reduce recidivism.  

To inquire about board membership or leave a message for the staff or board of directors, please contact us or complete the form below.