Associate Board of Directors

SOAR is pleased to announce its new SOAR Associate Board. Coming from diverse backgrounds, the associate board members bring their experience, unique interests and talents to help build young professionals membership of SOAR. With SOAR’s support, the SOAR Associate Board will offer a variety of activities geared to Streeterville’s busy professionals, graduate students, and young families. Together, they will work to widen the participation of young professionals in the Streeterville community, create opportunities for young professionals to network and build local relationships, and participate in special community projects.
 

Helen Chang-Bunge

Helen has called Streeterville home for over four years and was first drawn to SOAR by its vibrant community and signature events like the MCA Farmers Market.

When not working as a strategy and operations professional, she enjoys mentoring young professionals, visiting museums and discovering new restaurants with her husband.

On the Associate Board, she aims to plan engaging events that bring neighbors together, support local businesses, and foster genuine connections. Inspired by everyday kindness, Helen is passionate about strengthening community ties.

Agnes Ptasznik

Agnes Ptasznik has lived in Streeterville for almost 10 years, initially attracted to SOAR through the Young Professionals group and the farmer’s market. She is the mother of two young children and loves spending time with her family along the lakefront and riverfront. She also enjoys the local museum and restaurant scenes, as well as reading and playing the piano when not working as an attorney. 

As part of the Associate Board, Agnes hopes to organize events where children are entertained and able to make new friends, parents can connect and develop new or better relationships, and local vendors can speak with the public in order to foster a stronger community. When asked what she’s inspired by, she replied: “I am inspired by people and experiences such as: a smile or a wave from someone in the neighborhood; children’s giggles and squeals of joy at a park; an uplifting theatre performance; and a fresh-piping-hot-brick-oven-baked pizza or a run along the lakefront.”

Jesus Reyes

Jesus values Streeterville for its parks, lakefront access, and convenient commuting. SOAR’s commitment to building a strong community among neighbors and volunteers inspires him to stay involved and contribute to enhancing the area.

Driven by a passion for learning and growth, Jesus embraces challenges and views setbacks as opportunities for improvement. He finds motivation in gaining new skills and perspectives.

Outside of SOAR, Jesus is a foodie who enjoys exploring new restaurants, biking along the lakefront, and taking refreshing escapes into nature.

Sneha Shrivastav

Sneha was drawn initially to Streeterville by SOAR’s Farmers Market and the neighborhood’s vibrant art scene. A musician who sings and plays five instruments, she appreciates Streeterville’s unique blend of city life and nature. When she’s not exploring museums, she’s sampling the local culinary offerings.

As an Associate Board member, Sneha looks forward to planning events that foster community connections, support local businesses, and enhance neighborhood
beauty. Inspired by those who make others feel welcome from the start, she’s enjoyed meeting like-minded people dedicated to SOAR’s mission.