Our Team
Patty Aikonedo, Founder & Executive Director
Patty brings more than a decade of executive experience across nonprofit management, arts administration, education, and community outreach, leading strategic initiatives, securing transformational funding, and designing programs that expand equitable access to creative learning.
Alicia Zieman, Director of Operations
With nearly a decade of high-volume operations leadership, Alicia excels at staff supervision, budget oversight, inventory control, and quality-assurance systems. Her track record in coordinating multi-site scheduling, cash management, and customer-facing workflows.
The Board of Directors
Vincent Osaghae
Mr. Osaghae is the founder of Osaghae & Associates, Ltd., bringing over 30 years of experience in public accounting and higher education. A Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, he holds degrees from Chicago State University and Governors State University. In addition to leading the firm, he has served as a university professor for more than three decades, earning recognition as Outstanding Professor of the Year. A dedicated professional and literal marathon runner, Mr. Osaghae is known for going the extra mile, both on the course and for his clients.
Zaneta N. Sykes
Ms. Sykes is an entrepreneur and child advocate with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. Her work centers on enrichment, neurodiversity, and supporting families navigating IEPs, learning disabilities, and autism within CPS. A lifelong learner and passionate cinephile, Zaneta believes in the power of storytelling, both in the classroom and on screen, to encourage empathy, imagination, and change.