Our Value Statement

“At My Half, we are a community that values healthy communication and honesty. Hard work and dedication are important because we support and rely on one another. Team means family to us, and when we work together as one, our lives become better.”

Why We Exist

Many of us are familiar with the charitable model of one-way giving. Although necessary at times, when charity is used as the only form of helping, it can not only be harmful to the community, but to recipients as well. They no longer view themselves as valued members of society but rather victims waiting to be rescued. Because women are often marginalized and viewed less valued and capable, the harmful effects of a charity model can be devastating for their lives.

What if there is a better way, through adopting a humble posture that gives people value, dignity and purpose through work? Dignified work empowers and changes generations of families world-wide. When we invest in lives, we are reminding them that no matter what they have been through, they have value. Because work is meant to be in service, we seek to provide long-term opportunity for women in need. Our desire is to create employment, train and create a marketplace so that women have other choices to live as self-sufficient participants in society.

My Half of the Sky, L3C is organized as a Low-Profit Limited Liability Company. Although social enterprises seek profit, their main mission is to encourage positive social change, using Capitalism — not government programs or charity — as a tool to defeat poverty and suffering worldwide. Social Enterprises also provide dignity to low-income men and women and those who have obstacles to employment. Relationships founded on one person's giving, and another person's receiving can often cause hierarchies in relationships which often yield unhealthy outcomes of dependency, entitlement and greed.

Social Enterprise is a creative system of exchange built upon mutual respect and pride.​ Social Enterprises, like My Half of the Sky, create strategies for poverty alleviation because it establishes social and economic opportunities through long-term trading partnerships with marginalized producers and artisans, placing the interests of the marginalized as the primary concern over the enterprise. Through ethical standards and fair practices, as well as long-term partnerships with businessmen and women, we can build leadership and create sustainable development.

Social Enterprises utilize the marketplace to build revenue in order to support low-income artisans, locally and in developing nations, to move toward economic self-sufficiency while allowing value-driven individuals to promote sustainability and opportunities to alleviate poverty and prevent human trafficking. Artisans receive fair wages, education, financial and technical assistance and safe working conditions, which promotes respectful relationships between business partnerships.​ Through establishing long-term partnerships with already established social enterprises, both non-profits and for-profits, that partner with marginalized artisans around the world, My Half of the Sky provides products that change lives.

Why Social Enterprise?

Meet Our Board

Unified board members understand that real change requires collective effort and shared vision. They bring diverse perspectives and unwavering commitment to drive meaningful progress. Together, they embody the spirit of "it takes a village," working tirelessly to create positive impact.

  • As the daughter of Puerto Rican and Italian immigrants, Renee's mixed heritage has given her a unique lens to view the world. She is the CEO and founder of My Half of The Sky, a social justice coffee shop that addresses social concerns and systemic injustice through opportunity.

    Renee is passionate about creating hope and bringing healing to women with obstacles to employment due to poverty, addictions, trafficking or life as a refugee. She believes opportunity and relationships are essential to helping women live a better story. Renee has worked for over 20 years with grassroots organizations that remind both men and women that there is hope after trauma or hardship.

    She believes opportunity gives dignity and value. Renee desires to trail blaze the concept that businesses and capitalism can use the marketplace to build sustainable enterprises while doing good. Renee is a member of: Women’s Speakers Collective, Propel Women, and several Direct Trade, Fair Trade and Ethical Fashion Movements.

  • Sharron enjoys running a successful residential home building company alongside her husband, Dave. Together, they started Christensen Contracting, a business rooted in their shared passion for quality craftsmanship and creating beautiful, lasting homes. They live in Wheaton, Illinois, and have been married for 43 years. They are proud parents to three adult, married children and are loving the new season of life as grandparents to one delightful grandson.

    For the past eight years, Sharon has had the joy of serving on the My Half Board, a role that’s been both meaningful and rewarding. She finds it inspiring to work alongside the women in the My Half Kitchen and encourage them as they overcome difficulties and challenges in their lives.  Sharon is passionate about Jesus, biking, all things outdoors and food!

  • Hannah is a sales executive at Enterprise Mobility and lives in Plainfield with her husband and their adorable dog. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, attending country concerts and discovering new restaurants with her husband.

    Driven by a deep passion for empowering women and giving back locally, Hannah joined the board to help foster meaningful, lasting change in her community.

  • Phil serves as a Financial Consultant with the Capstone Wealth Management Group at Wells Fargo Advisors, where he is dedicated to delivering every client with targeted, comprehensive financial advice and portfolio management strategies. Phil graduated from Bradley University in 2020 with a degree in Finance.  Phil resides in Plainfield, IL with his wife Hannah and their Shih Tzu, Bentley. Phil is an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks. He enjoys golfing, fishing, and weightlifting. Phil and Hannah also love discovering new restaurants, attending country music concerts, and exploring the latest tv shows. Phil enjoys being a part of the board and making an impact in the community and the women we serve.

  • Ben serves as an Operations Associate at First Trust Portfolios. He loves being part of the My Half board because of the organization’s inspiring mission and the incredible people involved. Ben lives in Woodridge with his wife, Maya, whom he met at Wheaton College. Ben earned his degree in Business and Economics. He and his wife have been married for a year and share their home with their long-haired miniature dachshund, Cece. Ben is passionate about making a meaningful impact through service and building strong community connections.

  • Originally from the greater Philadelphia area, Sam moved to Wheaton for school and now serves as the Clinical Operations Manager at Genesis Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. He will begin medical school this fall, continuing his commitment to advancing healthcare access and equity. With a passion for reimagining care models to provide high-quality, community-centered healthcare, he brings both professional expertise and a deep sense of purpose to his work.

    As a governing board member at My Half Nonprofit Kitchen, he values the opportunity to support events that integrate creativity, compassion, and holistic wellness. Outside of his professional pursuits, he is a worship leader at a local church, enjoys camping and spends time with his poodle puppy, Bear. His involvement with My Half reflects his belief in the power of community to foster healing, dignity, and opportunity for all.

  • Dana brings experience from her work in inner-city healthcare, where she developed a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations. As a dedicated home educator of her four boys, she has cultivated a nurturing and empowering environment that reflects her passion for holistic healing and education.

    In addition to her professional background and family devotion, Dana has held a leadership role in her faith community, where she has been actively involved in women and children's ministries, mentoring, community outreach and spiritual growth and development. She is particularly interested in advocating for women and children, including fostering environments where their unique strengths can flourish.

    Outside of her professional and philanthropic commitments, she enjoys traveling, preparing and eating wonderful food, enjoying nature and gardening and spending quality time with family and friends.

  • Shameem is a Clinique Consultant at Ulta Beauty. She has been in the beauty industry for over 28 years starting off her career as a hairstylist. She is truly passionate about the skincare industry and enjoys staying up to date on continuing education and the latest in skincare development.

    Shameem is a mother of two adult daughters, with two loving son-in-laws and a proud grandmother as part of her close-knit family. Her faith and family are her strength and joy. She also serves on the My Half Board, where she finds purpose in helping women overcome life’s challenges through meaningful employment.

  • A Lombard native, Nathan now serves as a Director at Chick-fil-A Lombard, bringing a deep commitment to leadership and service to his role on this nonprofit board. He is passionate about serving the community of DuPage County, utilizing his talents to support those in need. Nathan finds great fulfillment in contributing to positive change, leveraging his skills to uplift and empower the people who make the DuPage County community thrive. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys exploring new places through travel, spending quality time with friends and cheering on his favorite baseball teams.

  • Nick Fiddick is the Site Manager at Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg, IL, where he leads with a heart for service and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for volunteers and staff. As a board member of My Half, Nick’s favorite part is the collaboration and shared purpose of honoring God through service and fundraising. He especially loves bringing people together through facilitating trainings, hosting events, and helping the team grow in unity and impact.

    Nick is married to his high school sweetheart, Sarah, and together they are raising three wonderful teenage kids. He is passionate about developing leaders and equipping organizations to reach their full potential and live out their God-given purpose.

  • Denise is the proud daughter of Cuban immigrants who brings a lifelong passion for education, equity and empowerment to her role as a board member.

    As an early childhood educator, Denise has spent her career championing access to quality learning and advocating for vulnerable communities, particularly women and children. Outside of her professional work, Denise enjoys exploring new cities, discovering diverse cuisines, and sharpening her Spanish as a way to connect with her heritage and to better serve bilingual communities. 

  • A wife, mother, mentor, leadership and small group coach. Angela has over 4 decades of leadership experience in working with teams and mentoring small groups. She loves connecting and engaging with family, friends and the community. 

    She is married to Keith and has four adult children, two grandchildren and lives in Wheaton. The one thing she loves about My Half Kitchen is the opportunity to empower and equip young women as they learn and grow on their journey of life.