Dr. Izabel Olson
FOUNDER AND C.E.O. (Volunteer)
Dr. Izabel Olson is the founder and CEO of Salt and Light Coalition, a grassroots organization breaking the cycle of human trafficking through mind-body restoration and workforce development. Dr. Olson is dedicated to the empowerment of women, especially survivors of human trafficking as they reframe their traumatic experiences and find success in the workplace and throughout society. Prior to establishing Salt and Light Coalition, Dr. Olson was a researcher at Northwestern University, where she earned her Ph.D. in the Learning Sciences. Throughout her academic career, Olson has also earned an MA in the Learning Sciences, an MEd in International Education, a BA in Pedagogy, and a BA in Linguistics. Dr. Olson’s passion for holistic self-care combined with her robust academic training in cognitive science gives her the unique ability to positively impact women’s lives in a multifaceted way. This well-rounded approach spearheads her mission in the Salt and Light Coalition, where thoroughly researched curriculum empowers women to find restoration, healing, and develop a growth mindset so they will have the tools they need to thrive. In 2017, Dr. Olson was awarded the Illinois Secretary of State’s Latina Humanitarian Achievement Award. Today, Dr. Olson continues to shine her Brazilian fire to transform the lives of female trafficking survivors in Chicago and beyond.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Karen Hickman
A true and faithful volunteer since our inception, Karen believes in the mission of SALC. A registered nurse for over 30 years, Karen has served in countless supportive roles in local schools, Boy Scouts of America, her sorority, her church, and various charitable organizations. The amazing successes, accomplishments and stories of our participants motivate Karen to continue to serve the organizations in many ways.
Joan Bottarini
Ms. Joan Bottarini has been the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Hyatt Hotels Corporation since November 2018. Previously, she was the Senior Vice President for Finance—Americas from 2016 to 2018. She held various titles such as Vice President, Hotel Finance for Asia Pacific (Hong Kong) from 2014 to 2016, as Vice President for Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis from 2007 to 2014. Joan has volunteered with the Salt and Light Coalition since 2018, serving on the Advisory Board
Audrina Sinclair
Audrina Bigos is an Emmy award-winning journalist and morning news anchor at CBS Chicago. Since joining the new station in 2015, she has been on the front line of some of the biggest breaking news stories in and around Chicago. In addition to serving as an advisory board member of Salt & Light Coalition, Bigos is also a board member of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, which works to eliminate racism and empower women. Prior to joining CBS, Bigos served as an anchor/reporter for WCCB-TV in Charlotte, NC. During her four-year tenure, she also worked as an instructor at the Carolina School of Broadcasting. Bigos began her broadcast career at WUSF-TV, the PBS station in Tampa, FL where she earned a Telly Award for senior producing a documentary about teen pregnancy in the African-American community. Bigos is the proud daughter of two US Army veterans.
Jasmine Watkins, LCPC
Jasmine Watkins is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Human Resource leader with more than a decade of experience furthering the missions of organizations committed to increasing access to high-quality behavioral health care. Jasmine earned her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and has worked with clients on a wide range of clinical issues in a variety of clinical settings. She also has experience in program development, leadership training and clinical supervision, including for practicum students at her alma mater. She oversaw a program fostering innovative partnerships to alternatively fund services for vulnerable populations and has served as Clinical Director for a psychotherapy practice.Jasmine led talent management, organizational development and DEI initiatives at a healthcare start-up where she was responsible for attracting top talent and shaping internal structures to support employee well-being through professional development, benefits, and mentorship. Most recently, Jasmine served as Director of Clinical Programming for a digital mental health company where she led talent management and content development, creating resources and initiatives to support mental wellness and sustainable productivity.
STAFF
Corinne Kopsky
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Corinne Kopsky joined our Coalition in January of 2018. She has since earned an AA in Business/Economics and a BA in Business Administration & Management from Roosevelt University, where she was honored with a Presidential Scholarship. Corinne volunteered with Salt and Light for two years, serving on the Advisory Board and as Director of Survivor Stewardship. Her fierce allyship with women who are working to rebuild their lives is evident in her words and her actions, and Corinne serves as a mentor to many other graduates of the program. Corinne came to the Salt and Light Coalition from SPINS, where she worked as an office coordinator for 2-1/2 years. Working alongside many of the greatest minds in data analytics, she has developed a passion for numbers and statistics.
Taylor Holm, CADC
PROGRAM MANAGER
Taylor came to Salt and Light Coalition in June of 2018. She had undergone a series of traumatic events which eventually led to drug abuse and falling victim to sex trafficking. Taylor was manipulated into thinking that being exploited was the only way to show love and the only option for financial security. Coming into Salt and Light Coalition, she felt broken and lost. Through the commitment and unconditional love of the volunteers at the Salt and Light Coalition, she was able to regain her confidence, set goals, and secure a plan for her future. Upon graduation, she became an instructor at Living Divina Studio in Yorkville, IL. As the winner of Salt and Light Coalition's education grant, Taylor pursued a CADC certification and is now pursuing a degree in Social Work. Fueled by her passion to help others regain their confidence, she leads Salt and Light Coalition as a program coordinator.
Christina Sansone
PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Christina Sansone's experience with the Salt and Light Coalition began in 2022. Drawing from her personal experience with human trafficking, Christina's dedication to SALC is profoundly rooted in her mission to uplift and empower women who have similar experiences to hers. As a Program Assistant, Christina helps with goal coaching, our nutrition program, and serves as the Chair of our Alumni Group. Since embarking on her transformative journey within the program, Christina has witnessed substantial personal growth, experiencing newfound fulfillment in her health and happiness. This evolution extends beyond her personal sphere, as Christina is fervently dedicated to imparting her message of hope and resilience, particularly emphasizing the significance of fostering healthy relationships post-trauma among the women at SALC. With an unwavering dedication to her own growth and the empowerment of others, Christina is setting her sights on higher education, aspiring to pursue a degree in human development. Through her unwavering resilience and compassionate demeanor, Christina continues to leave an indelible mark within the Salt and Light Coalition community, fostering tangible and enduring positive change.
Angela Morales
RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST
Angela Morales started with the Salt and Light Coalition as an intern in 2022, and now serves as Recruitment Specialist and Chair of the Junior Board. Angela's involvement with FBI Explorers in 2018 ignited her fervor for aiding survivors of Human Trafficking, catalyzing her pivotal role with SALC. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Law & Justice, and Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Angela brings a multifaceted perspective to her work. Angela is passionate about pursuing a Masters Degree in Social Work, all while remaining committed to SALC. Leading the charge in Thriver Recruitment, Angela plays a pivotal role in outreach initiatives, leveraging her expertise to forge connections and provide support to program participants. The true fulfillment of Angela's role stems from witnessing the profound transformations and growth of individuals within the SALC community.
ADVISORY BOARD
ALEXIA BAUER | GILDA GARZA | IZABEL OLSON | CORINNE KOPSKY | DONNA BARNHOLT | KAREN HICKMAN | JASMINE WATKINS | JULIE ROCHFORD | ANNE SLAUGHTER | AUDRINA BIGOS | CLAUDIA PEIXOTO | MELINDA MCMICHAEL | JESSICA MITCHELL | RENATA ANZELMO | VICTORIA CHUKAROV | JOAN BOTTARINI | ANNE RIVELLI | MARCELA ALMEIDA | CHRISTINA VERA-BRIDGES | TENI BROWN | EMILY MCCANN | LAURA HOWELL | ISABEL BRESNAHAN | TAYLOR HOLM