About Us

Engage

We partner with more than 50 local nonprofits to develop enriching experiences for volunteers of all ages and abilities.

Mobilize

We bring the tools, staff support, resources, and site-specific curriculum needed to help nonprofits mobilize families into action.

Inspire

We’re thinking about the future. We have a steady supply of enriching activities and resources to keep families involved for the long-haul.

Kristina Lowenstein

Co-Founder + Executive Director

Kristina was 13 years old when she landed her first job making dip cones at an ice cream shop. After a few more years, and a few more jobs, she’s shifted her focus to the nonprofit sector where she worked for organizations like The Field Museum and 2016 Chicago Olympic Bid. Kristina studied Political Science as an undergrad at NYU and attended Northwestern University’s Kellogg Executive Scholars program. She is a 2017 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow. Outside of Honeycomb, she loves spontaneous dance parties, pickleball, and road trips in her camper van.

Joy Chou

Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Joy joined Honeycomb as part of the Northwestern Public Interest Fellowship Program to continue his work in the non-profit sector to help create meaningful change. Joy graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Psychology, B.M. in Music Cognition. Prior to Honeycomb, Joy worked as a teacher and clerical aide at the Center for Talent Development, where he led various service-learning excursions across non-profits in Chicago. Outside of Honeycomb, you can find Joy hammocking by the lake, coffee shop-hopping, or cooking at a local Taiwanese restaurant!

Akie Kadota

Program Manager

Looking to shake things up from teaching music in the traditional classroom, Akie joined Honeycomb to continue its work of connecting Chicago families through service. Akie graduated from Northwestern University with a BS in Social Policy and a BM in Music Education. During her time there, she worked for multiple education nonprofits and taught a variety of youth music classes, including a music production class for residents of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center in Chicago. Outside of work, you can find Akie playing with her two cats, exploring city events, basking in the sun at the lakefront, or cheffing it up in the kitchen!

Madeline Schink

Development & Communications Coordinator

Madeline is a Chicago native who grew up participating in Honeycomb projects. She left the city to attend Hamilton College, where she earned a BA in History. At Hamilton, she was a Research Fellow at the Leavitt Public Affairs Center, as well as a tutor for both oral and written communication. After graduation, Madeline returned to Chicago and worked with Honeycomb as a Program Manager before embarking on a 3,000km hike across New Zealand. While she had a great time in the New Zealand wilderness, she missed Honeycomb and rejoined the hive as part of the development team. When not at Honeycomb or on a long hike, Madeline loves playing the violin and searching for the best Chicago bakeries!

Josie Flanagan

Program Manager

Josie graduated from Notre Dame with a BA in Political Science and Peace Studies and then joined Teach For America, where she served as an elementary special education teacher in North Lawndale. During her college years, she was involved in various organizations, including the nonprofit Questscope, the Post-Presidency Office of Barack and Michelle Obama, Notre Dame College Democrats, and the Notre Dame Student Policy Network focusing on indigenous representation on campus and in the South Bend area. In her free time, Josie enjoys exploring new restaurants and neighborhoods, practicing yoga, and getting crafty!