About Us
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About CTC
The Career Transitions Center of Chicago (CTC) empowers individuals to navigate career change with confidence and purpose. Through personalized coaching and innovative employment programming, CTC supports mid-career professionals, first-generation college students, and recent graduates in securing meaningful work.
Deeply rooted in the community, CTC also delivers career readiness programming in four North Lawndale high schools, helping students build pathways to future success.
In addition, CTC partners with small businesses, universities, and nonprofit organizations to provide affordable, high-impact outplacement services and customized workforce training. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CTC is committed to strengthening both individual careers and the broader workforce.
Leadership
Experienced Leadership Committed to Serving Our Members.
Our work is made possible by an engaged board, a small committed staff, and a dedicated team of more than 40 volunteer career coaches, whose commitment of talent and time make the CTC experience positive and effective. Our volunteer career coaches meet with members one-on-one, facilitate peer groups, conduct workshops, and assist in every phase of a client’s self-directed job search including skills and talent assessment, development of marketing tools (resumes, letters, etc.), plans of action, company and industry research, job interviewing, compensation negotiations and networking.
CTC Staff
Anita Jenke
Executive Director
Anita has served as Executive Director of the Career Transitions Center (CTC) since January 2009. A former CTC client and volunteer career coach, she brings a unique perspective to the organization’s mission and has led its growth for more than 17 years. As Executive Director, Anita is responsible for CTC’s strategic direction, fundraising, financial management, and day-to-day operations.
Jennifer Wonderly
Program and Coaching Director
Jennifer serves as the Program and Coaching Director at the Career Transitions Center (CTC). Before joining the CTC staff, she experienced the organization’s impact firsthand as both a client and a volunteer career coach. Previously, Jennifer was the Director of Career and Professional Development at Roosevelt University, where she led the strategy, design, and launch of an innovative four-year career readiness program that prepared undergraduate students for internships and successful entry into the workforce. Throughout her career, Jennifer has specialized in helping both college students and mid-career professionals navigate career transitions with confidence. Her work reflects a deep commitment to inclusive career development, equipping individuals with the skills, strategies, and support they need to achieve long-term professional success.
Jennifer Wonderly
Program and Coaching Director
Jennifer is the Program and Coaching Director at the Career Transitions Center. Jennifer has been a volunteer CTC career coach since 2022. Prior to CTC joining, she was the Director of Career and Professional Development at Roosevelt University, where she spearheaded the strategy and launch of an innovative four-year career readiness program. This program was crafted to equip undergraduate students with the skills and confidence needed for the internship and early career recruitment journey. Jennifer’s impact extends to both adult learners and traditional students, ensuring no one is left behind in their quest for professional success. With a Master of Education from Ohio University under her belt, Jennifer is passionate about empowering job seekers to reach their full potential.
Hope Cullen
Client Services Coordinator
Hope joined the CTC staff in October 2023. She has a B.A. in Communication Studies and a Certificate in Human Rights from the University of Iowa. She has previously lived and worked in communication roles in the Washington, D.C. area, Ireland, and Australia. Prior to CTC, Hope worked for United Airlines in Chicago. Hope loves to travel and hang out with friends and family. She loves taking her collie on walks and to dog parks.
Hope Cullen
Client Services Coordinator
Hope joined the CTC staff in October 2023. She has a B.A. in Communication Studies and a Certificate in Human Rights from the University of Iowa. She has previously lived and worked in communication roles in the Washington, D.C. area, Ireland, and Australia. Prior to CTC, Hope worked for United Airlines in Chicago.
Hope loves to travel and hang out with friends and family. She loves taking her collie on walks and to dog parks.
CTC Board of Directors
CTC’s Board of Directors provide strategic guidance and governance. Directors are selected for three-year terms.
- Ronaldo Borger (Underwriters Laboratories)
- Phillip Chen (Associated Bank)
- Jack DeMeulenaere (Latham & Watkins, LLP)
- Lucien Derosena (5L2F Consulting)
- Katie Duncan (Jones Lang LaSalle)
- Harry Dodsworth (Sidley Austin LLP)
- Mike Kovas (USG Corp.)
- Mike Linden (PeopleShare)
- Ben Lundberg (Yelp)
- Karen Pinks (Consultant)
- Myk Snider (Sphere PR Group)
- Samuel Trapp (Vesey Street Capital Partners)
Board Officers
- Board Chair – Mike Kovas
- Vice Chair – Ronaldo Borger
- Treasurer – Phillip Chen
- Secretary – Lucien Derosena
Still Not Sure if Membership is Right for You?
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