The Friendship Center’s dedicated staff work daily with volunteers to kindly and empathetically support our neighbors facing hunger.
Alex Early (he/him), Manager of Operations & Logistics
alex@friendshipcenterchicago.org
773-907-6388
Contact Alex about:
Daily Operations | Delivery Maintenance | Donation Drop-offs
Alex was born and raised in our fair city, and is the rare Chicagoan who roots for both the Cubs and White Sox. He enjoys managing an interesting and diverse group of volunteers and helping people who are struggling to get the food they need. He has earned the nickname “Tetris Grand Master” for his skill in squeezing as much food as possible into every square inch of storage space.
Alison (Ali) Cassity (she/her), Director of Operations
alison@friendshipcenterchicago.org
773-907-6388
Contact Ali about:
Volunteering | Group Volunteers | Food Drives
Ali is a longtime community organizer, advocate, and pastry cook who believes the mantra that “we keep us safe.” She enjoys collaborating with The Friendship Center’s vibrant community of volunteers to provide our neighbors with the food and support they need. Outside of TFC, you can find her making pastries, crocheting and collaging, and cheering on the Chicago Sky.
Andrew Kong (he/him), Food Rescue Coordinator
kong@friendshipcenterchicago.org
773-907-6388
Contact Andrew about:
Food Rescue | Food Drive Pick Ups
As a former food and beverage industry professional of two decades, Andrew believes that food is one of the most simple yet powerful things in providing both physical and emotional nourishment. Our senses can distinctly transport us to a time or memory and provide comfort. Every human should have access to this powerful emotion by being able to nourish themselves at any time. He hopes to continue the Friendship Center’s mission by supporting the organization and the community that it serves.
In his free time he likes to train Muay Thai and spend quality time with loved ones.
Jannat Hossain (she/her), Community Resource Coordinator
jannat@friendshipcenterchicago.org
773-907-6388
Contact Jannat about:
SNAP | Medicaid | Community Resources and Partnerships | Tabling
Jannat is a lifelong Chicago resident and longtime community advocate and organizer. She is excited to join the Friendship Center as the Community Resource Coordinator and is committed to expanding what the term community care looks like in the long-term especially in north-side, primarily immigrant and refugee communities. She is interested in figuring out how to address gaps in care through community and individual empowerment. In her free time, you will probably find her at the lake or cafe hopping!
Lauren Diaz (she/her), Director of Development
lauren@friendshipcenterchicago.org
773-907-6388
Contact Lauren about:
Fundraising | Corporate Partnerships | Media | Community Partnerships
Lauren was born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s in international studies with an emphasis in global health and human rights from the University of Iowa. After living and working in Uruguay for a year, she earned her master’s in nonprofit management from Adler University. Lauren has ten years of nonprofit experience in various roles, but her passion has always been “fun”draising. In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, serving on the Board at Filling the Gap NFP, grabbing coffee in a cozy coffee shop, reading, traveling, and practicing her Spanish skills.
Nadia J. Jiménez (she/her), Executive Director
nadia@friendshipcenterchicago.org
773-907-6388
Contact Nadia about:
Fundraising | Community Partnerships | Organization Information
Nadia is the Friendship Center’s new Executive Director as of March 2025. Inspired by the mission to serve and celebrate the vibrant, diverse communities of the Chicagoland area, she is dedicated to creating innovative solutions and resources through collaboration and organizational development. With a strong emphasis on community health, she harnesses her extensive experience in partnerships and organizational growth to foster impactful change. With over 20 years of experience in business operations, project management, and partnership development, Nadia’s most recent leadership roles included serving Swedish Hospital as Director of COVID Response and being the driving force behind the North Central Region Healthy Chicago Equity Zone; more recently, Nadia served as Director of Development for Pro Bono Network, focusing her career on developing access to community resources. Nadia brings deep ties to our vibrant, diverse communities and a genuine passion for The Friendship Center’s mission. In her free time, she finds comfort in the outdoors, cherishes time walking her dog Oliver, singing Bach, and enjoying the simple pleasure of reading a book while sipping on a warm cup of Costa Rican coffee.
Shea Lynch (they/he), Operations Manager
shea@friendshipcenterchicago.org
773-907-6388
Contact Shea about:
Home Delivery | Hot Meal Program | Pet Food Pantry
Shea runs The Friendship Center’s Hot Meal, Home Delivery, and Pet Food Pantry programs. Approaching their work through the lens of mutual aid, they hope to help build communities of care within and beyond the programs at TFC. They are a former line cook and English teacher, and love to play around with new recipes and writing projects.