Guiding Non-Profits and social-impact-centered enterprises to Fundraising Success with Tailored Stra

I’m a revenue and growth professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the service of community impact, supporting organizations and leaders committed to meaningful social change across nonprofit, education, arts, healthcare, and community-based sectors. I am grateful to have lent my strategic expertise to the pursuit and stewardship of impact—most recently advising 8 organizations in 2025 on combined budgets totaling $44M, spanning capital campaigns, annual funds, and individual giving initiatives. 

In 2024, I supported the strengthening of operational and development infrastructure that positioned organizations to achieve up to 300% growth in revenue and community reach. My work has centered on coaching executive leaders and boards, guiding philanthropists and institutional partners toward effective giving and investment, and amplifying missions essential to our collective well-being. 

At its core, my practice connects people seeking to make an impact through programming with those seeking to make an impact through capital—helping them work together to advance equity, sustainability, and lasting change.

Samantha (Sam) Brown is thrilled to support the Maekeen Room team as the engagement and execution specialist. A graduate of Oberlin College and Northwestern University’s Leadership for Creative Enterprises program, Sam builds community through the arts and strengthens relationships between arts organizations, independent arts practitioners, and civic infrastructure. She started The Sypher Productions, LLC in 2024 to pursue her passion for developing interdisciplinary events and offering affordable event management and consulting services to local partners. Sam provides necessary tools to the next generation of aspiring arts leaders, creative thinkers, and event producers so they can lead the future of the sector with intention and vision. She’s worked with AileyCamp Chicago, the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Praize Productions, Inc., See Chicago Dance, the University of Chicago’s Civic Actor Studio, and more. 

Lynn Barlow is thrilled to join the Maekeen Room team as the outreach and opportunity specialist. Her previous related experience includes Porchlight Music Theatre and the Vietnamese Association of Illinois where she supported development, marketing, youth and civic education initiatives and programs. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola University and is committed to building intentional, collaborative and impactful community partnerships that promote mutual growth.

Bringing with her a strong background in administrative assistance and customer service, she quickly became known for her leadership, organization, and ability to “see the full picture” in any project. With her expertise in operations, systems, and client management, LaKeshia now oversees the daily workflow of the agency — ensuring every project stays on track, every client is supported, and every team member has the structure they need to deliver with excellence. She is the backbone of our internal systems and the reason our clients feel taken care of from day one. LaKeshia has been a foundational part of IROC for over five years.