About Us
How We Came to “Bee”
Our missionVolunteering runs
in the family
We put kids at the forefront of social change. The Honeycomb Project engages, mobilizes, and inspires whole families to build strong and connected communities through service.
Nearly every weekend of the year, hundreds of kids and their parents volunteer with us to learn about our city’s complex challenges and take action. They work through rain and snow. They miss birthday parties and piano practice. They know that volunteering matters.
Families return to our projects again and again — creating new family traditions around service.
What we doWe help families explore the city through service
Engage
We partner with more than 60 local nonprofits to develop enriching experiences for volunteers of all ages and abilities.
Mobilize
We bring the tools, staff support, resources, and site-specific curriculum needed to help nonprofits mobilize families into action.
Inspire
We’re thinking about the future. We have a steady supply of enriching activities and resources to keep families involved for the long-haul.
Our historyThis road trip went in the right direction
Two longtime friends, a road trip, and the same wish: to spend more quality time with their families. Founders Kristina Lowenstein and Catherine Tannen wanted to introduce their kids to volunteering—but quickly discovered that finding family-friendly projects wasn’t so easy.
In 2011, they launched The Honeycomb Project to mobilize families across Chicagoland to learn about and tackle important local issues like housing insecurity, environmental protection, and community health.
Over 15 years later, that idea has blossomed into a full-scale movement. Through a range of programs, resources, and strategic partnerships, Honeycomb families drive social change across the country. Our happy hive is youth-centered and parent-approved.
Work With UsJoin Our Growing Team
Our BoardBuilding the Honeycomb Hive
Raji Bedi
Chief Product Officer
ShipBob
Paris Byrd
Chief of Staff: Legal
Obama Foundation
Jennifer Paik Chung
Technology Financial Planning & Analysis Manager
Optiver Trading
Carlos Garcia
Executive Director of Product Solutions
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Kathryn Konrad
Managing Director
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Kristina Lowenstein
Co-Founder + Executive Director
The Honeycomb Project
Meagan Newman
Chief Operating Officer
Bartlit Beck LLP
Catherine Tannen
Co-Founder
The Honeycomb Project
Attorney
Jeffrey Sorensen
Partner
PwC
Sabera Choudhury (Emeritus)
Director
Resolution Economics
Gabrielle Martinez (Emeritus)
Co-Founder + Managing Partner
EA Collective
Jessica Droste Yagan (Emeritus)
Managing Partner
Impact Engine
Our teamOur Dedicated Worker Bees
Kristina Lowenstein
Co-Founder + Executive Director
Kristina was 13 years old when she landed her first job making dip cones at an ice cream shop. After a few more years, and a few more jobs, she’s shifted her focus to the nonprofit sector where she worked for organizations like The Field Museum and 2016 Chicago Olympic Bid. Kristina studied Political Science as an undergrad at NYU and attended Northwestern University’s Kellogg Executive Scholars program. She is a 2017 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow. Outside of Honeycomb, she loves spontaneous dance parties, pickleball, and road trips in her camper van.
Mae Strauss
Development & Operations Coordinator
After moving to Chicago to continue her education in Nonprofit Management at the University of Chicago, Mae joined the Honeycomb team. As someone who grew up participating in service with family, she was excited to join the hive. Prior to Honeycomb, Mae graduated from Vanderbilt University with degrees in Sociology and Medicine, Health & Society, and a minor in Spanish. She has a particular interest in uplifting health and wellbeing and concentrated her degree in Inequality, Intersectionality, and Health Justice. When not in the office, you can find Mae in class at UChicago, exploring the city, reading, or working on her latest craft project!
Timmy Arnold
Development Consultant
Timmy began his journey at Honeycomb back in 2017 as a Support Staff Volunteer while studying Political Science at DePaul University. His passion for community service led him to deepen his involvement as a Project Leader and eventually join as Honeycomb's first full-time Development Staff Member. Timmy has had the pleasure of developing and executing many of the Hive's signature fundraising initiatives including The Holiday Cheer Challenge, Pollinator Sponsorships, and the Corporate Membership Program. After a few years lending his services elsewhere in the nonprofit sector, he is thrilled to make his return as a Development Consultant and fuel the organization's growth. In his free time, Timmy is a passionate environmentalist and is currently pursuing his Masters in Environmental Science from Loyola University Chicago.
Breeze Fromm-Sarto
Senior Advisor, Program Operations & Organizational Growth
Breeze is a New York City-based professional with over seven years of experience in the non-profit sector. After earning her BS in Business Management from DePaul University, she took her first dive into the nonprofit world at The Honeycomb Project—an experience that remains a proud cornerstone of her career. Today, she specializes in grant writing, project management, and volunteer event coordination, blending business strategy with mission-driven impact. Outside of her work, Breeze enjoys cooking, and taking long walks through the city.
Whitney Kelly
Senior Manager of Programs & Partnerships
Whitney is a Maryland native with a long work history of community engagement and advocacy. She began her journey as a teenager working in camps and aftercare and loved working with young kids, later earning her BS in psychology and M.Ed in global perspectives. She eventually moved on to become a middle school dean and director of DEIB. Whitney has worked in both public and private schools in the area and can’t wait to join the communities. As the first person hired for the DC team, Whitney is looking forward to bringing the excitement and joy of the Chicago projects to the DMV. In her downtime Whitney enjoys buying more books to add to her to be read list, planning trips, and catching up on the latest episode of Bake-Off.
Lucas Peterson
Programs Coordinator
Lucas is a New Jersey native who moved to Chicago after he earned his BS in Political Science and Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Lucas’ career has focused on environmental education and community organization, with a focus on urban agriculture, sustainability, and youth development. Lucas has led youth cohorts on urban farms, worked in education at CPS in K–8 classrooms, and collaborated with community partners to advance food justice and sustainability initiatives, while currently completing a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Urban Agriculture at DePaul University. His passion for creating equitable green spaces and food access for youth in the city drives him to contribute to the non-profit space with Honeycomb. Outside of work Lucas enjoys spending time outdoors, building community through sports, or biking around the city engaging with its rich food environment.
Madeline Schink
Manager of Individual Giving
Madeline is a Chicago native who grew up participating in Honeycomb projects. She left the city to attend Hamilton College, where she earned a BA in History. At Hamilton, she was a Research Fellow at the Leavitt Public Affairs Center, as well as a tutor for both oral and written communication. After graduation, Madeline returned to Chicago and worked with Honeycomb as a Program Manager before embarking on a 3,000km hike across New Zealand. While she had a great time in the New Zealand wilderness, she missed Honeycomb and rejoined the hive as part of the development team. When not at Honeycomb or on a long hike, Madeline loves playing the violin and searching for the best Chicago bakeries!
Leilani Wager
Programs Assistant
Leilani is a biochemistry student with a passion for learning and community service. She enjoys seeing people come together to create an impact and believes that collective action can strengthen communities. Through her work with The Honeycomb Project, she is inspired by the power of volunteering and the connections it creates. Outside of work, Leilani likes reading philosophy, exploring art exhibits, and experiencing new cultures. She believes that diverse perspectives help people better understand one another. In her free time, she enjoys summer sunshine and baking
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