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
Eric Fox
Area Manager
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
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
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 + CEO
Kristina landed her first job at age 13, making dipped cones at an ice cream shop. A few jobs (and years!) later, she found her calling in the nonprofit sector, working with organizations including The Field Museum and Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid before co-founding The Honeycomb Project in 2011. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from NYU, completed Northwestern University's Kellogg Executive Scholars program, and was named a 2017 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow. Outside of Honeycomb, Kristina enjoys spontaneous dance parties, playing pickleball, and hitting the road in her camper van.
Mae Strauss
Development & Operations Coordinator
Mae joined Honeycomb after moving to Chicago to pursue graduate studies in Nonprofit Management at the University of Chicago. Growing up volunteering alongside her family, she developed an early appreciation for community service and was excited to bring that passion to Honeycomb. Mae graduated from Vanderbilt University with degrees in Sociology and Medicine, Health & Society, and a minor in Spanish, concentrating her studies on inequality, intersectionality, and health justice. She's especially interested in promoting health and well-being and creating opportunities for community connection. Outside of work and graduate school, Mae enjoys exploring Chicago, reading, and tackling her latest craft project.
Aliya Bekshenova
Programs Fellow
Originally from Kazakhstan, Aliya moved to Illinois to attend Northwestern University, where she graduated in 2026 with degrees in Neuroscience and Global Health and a minor in Business Institutions. Inspired by the health disparities she's witnessed both at home and in Chicago, she's passionate about health equity, youth development, and creating stronger communities. Aliya was drawn to Honeycomb by its unique approach to engaging children and families in meaningful service experiences. Outside of work, Aliya enjoys playing pickleball, discovering new cafés, and exploring Chicago's many neighborhoods and hidden gems.
Timmy Arnold
Development Consultant
Timmy's Honeycomb journey began in 2017 as a volunteer while studying Political Science at DePaul University. He soon became a Project Leader and eventually Honeycomb's first full-time development staff member, helping launch signature fundraising initiatives like the Holiday Cheer Challenge, Pollinator Sponsorships, and 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. After gaining additional experience in the nonprofit sector, Timmy returned to Honeycomb to support the organization's continued growth. In his free time, Timmy is a passionate environmentalist and recently completed his Master’s in Environmental Science from Loyola University Chicago.
Breeze Fromm-Sarto
Advisor, Programs & 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. Breeze continues to support Honeycomb's programs and operations, drawing on her deep familiarity with the organization. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and taking long walks through the city.
Angelica Annino
Interim Executive Director, DC
A Southern California native, Angelica’s background is in public service, education, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership roles in both the Obama and Biden administrations as well as on Capitol Hill. She has spent years building relationships, managing teams, and coordinating major initiatives across the U.S. and internationally. Before moving to DC, Angelica was an elementary school teacher teaching 1st grade in Santa Monica, CA. Outside of work she enjoys cooking, traveling and walks (ok, snuggles) with her dog, Lady.
Emma Jacobs
Programs & Communications Assistant
Raised in Chicago, Emma is an educator and community project developer with a passion for connecting people through learning and service. She earned her BA in History from Iona University and a graduate degree in Public Humanities from Georgetown University. Her professional experience spans museum education, archival work, and community-based programming. In addition to her role at Honeycomb, Emma works with Honeycomb’s partner Chicago HOPES for Kids, facilitating an afterschool literacy program for children and families experiencing homelessness. She brings a thoughtful, education-centered perspective to her work in the Hive. Outside of work, Emma enjoys painting and playing Bananagrams with her friends.
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 & Special Events
A Chicago native, Madeline grew up volunteering with Honeycomb before heading to Hamilton College, where she earned her BA in History. At Hamilton, she served as a Research Fellow at the Levitt Public Affairs Center and tutored students in written and oral communication. After graduation, she returned to Chicago as a Honeycomb Program Manager before setting off on a 3,000-kilometer hike across New Zealand. Following her adventure, Madeline rejoined the Hive on the development team, bringing her lifelong connection to Honeycomb full circle. When not at Honeycomb or on a long hike, Madeline loves playing the violin and searching for the best Chicago bakeries!
Alana Warren
Programs Management Consultant
Alana joined Honeycomb as a Consultant and Advisor in 2026 after serving as a Project Leader, bringing a passion for expanding community service opportunities across Chicago. She has also worked as a Project Leader with Honeycomb over the past 3 years. An independent policy and business consultant, she has worked with government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofits to manage complex projects, conduct research, and guide strategic initiatives. Alana earned her undergraduate degrees in English and Political Science from Tennessee State University and holds a Master of Public Policy from Loyola University Chicago. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending cultural events, and staying actively involved in her community.
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